Master of Climate Change Adaptation

Graduates of the Master of Climate Change Adaptation will have:

• a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments of key concepts and issues relating to climate change
• a knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the study of climate change
• the ability to apply their knowledge in multi-disciplinarysettings

The Climate Change Adaptation programs are designed to give professionals from any background a sound interdisciplinary knowledge of climate change, the ability to analyse its impacts, and the creative skills needed to build resilience across society and the environment. This includes the ability to develop and deploy adaptation strategies to protect communities, businesses, government agencies, infrastructure, and natural assets.

These skills can be applied from the local to the national and international level. They will empower students to be involved in, for example, improving the planning of urban areas, providing better services to the public to improve wellbeing, transforming economic development, creating new management plans to conserve biodiversity, or the development of treaties to protect major earth systems.

Recommended study pattern

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

• Leading Policy and Organisational Change
• Research Design and Methods 
• Policymaking and Planning for Climate Change
• Urban Adaptation: Delivering Water Sensitive Cities 

Plus there’s a selection of majors 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 Climate Change Adaptation (MClimChgAdapt), you must successfully

Complete 120 credit points for either of the following:

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

Exit points

To be eligible to exit with the 3372 - Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation award, you must successfully complete the 40 credit points as specified in the Foundation Module.

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

Indicative total fee $51,750

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

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

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 two years relevant work experience
• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) and two years relevant work experience
• a Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation (3372) (or equivalent)

1.5 year duration (120CP)

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher)
• a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to the above criteria

Related disciplineincludes climate, development studies, energy change, environmental science, environmental studies, forest science and management, resource and environmental management, science communication, renewable energy, sustainability, sustainability science, sustainable development

Relevant work experience includes environmental planning, environmental policymaking, environmental management, impact assessment, risk assessment, environmental health, public health, medicine, environmental engineering, civil engineering, construction, development assessment, natural resource management, water management, asset management

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.