Master of Catchment Science

Graduates of the Master of Catchment Science will have:

1. A critical and applied understanding of catchment hydrological, geo-morphological, chemical, micro-biological, ecological processes, their determinants and inter-relationships across a range of spatial and temporal scales.
2. Knowledge of how to quantitatively and critically analyse, model, forecast and evaluate the consequences of changes in these processes for catchment function using a range of numerical and spatio-temporal data collection, management, analysis, modelling and visualisation techniques and software tools.
3. Knowledge of contemporary and emerging catchment management and restoration options, the scientific and engineering basis to their operation, their relative suitabilities for and effectiveness in different contexts.

Our river basins or catchments have been progressively transformed over time. We've built cities, we've cleared land for food production and this has had profound consequences for our catchments.

With this specialist degree you'll learn to combine and use scientific, engineering and economic knowledge to planning ways to protect, restore and rehabilitate our catchments. You'll develop the leading edge knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in this rapidly developing area of professional practice. The Master of Catchment Science is the only catchment-dedicated postgraduate degree in the world. Hosted by the International WaterCentre and developed and delivered in collaboration with Griffith University.

Industry and expert connections

We've spoken to the industry about the kinds of skills they're looking for to fill the roles required. This degree provides the right mix of new knowledge, covering natural sciences, monitoring, data analysis, modelling and economics. We offer consistent opportunities for work-integrated learning along with a week-long study field trip.

Graduate outcomes

This is an opportunity to accelerate your position in the planning of projects related to the protection, maintenance or restoration of catchments. You'll have the latest skills in data sensing, analysis and computer modelling, underpinned by robust scientific knowledge and be ready to further your career in the planning and design of green infrastructure in urban and non-urban contexts.

Recommended study pattern

You can complete this program in 1 year, 1.5 years or 2 years depending on your prior study and work experience.

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Introduction to Catchment Processes
• Data and Computing Skills for Catchment Science
• Catchment Ecology
• Geographic Information Systems 

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Master of Catchment Science (MChSc), you must successfully

Complete 160 credit points for one of the following:

• 160 credit points for all Pathway 1 - duration 1 year (80CP of study and 80CP for prior learning), or
• 160 credit points for all Pathway 2 - duration 1.5 years (120CP of study and 40CP for prior learning), or
• 160 credit points for all Pathway 3 - duration 2 years (160CP of study)

Exit points

To be eligible to exit the Masters program with the 3360 - Graduate Certificate in Catchment Hydrology award, you must successfully complete 40 credit points as specified.

To exit, you should apply for a program transfer.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $71,000

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia.

Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria:

1 year duration (80CP)

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline and four years relevant work experience.

1.5 year duration (120CP)

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline.

2 year program (160CP)

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher).

Related discipline includes environmental science, ecology, hydrology, civil or environmental engineering, environmental management, geographic information systems, spatial science, geomorphology, physical geography.

Relevant work experience includes roles in government, NGO, water utility, a NRM group, mining or resources; consultant, project officer or manager, project delivery (analyst, scientist), environmental scientist, engineer, planner.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR an overall score of 79 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 (applies to tests taken prior to 21 January 2026)
• OR an overall score of 4 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with a minimum score of 4 in each of the listening, reading, and writing skills, and a minimum score of 3.5 in speaking skills (applies to tests taken on or after 21 January 2026)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.