The School strongly encourages high quality students to consider postgraduate programs. Currently there are over 60 students enrolled in research degrees and there is a strong and vibrant research culture within the school. The School has strength in applied ecology and protected area management, applied social sciences (sociology, adult non-formal education, applied psychology, communications, economics and statistics), and in modeling systems. The research focus of the School is to utilise these strengths in collaboration with staff in other schools and faculties, both nationally and internationally. Applications of basic sciences to sustainable community management covering agribusiness, extension and community development, environmental tourism, protected area management and sustainable development are the five major areas of research activity.Both pure and applied research undertaken within the School have significant economic and environmental implications. The focus ranges from the conservation, sustainable use and repair of the environment, to the development of marketing strategies for traditional and emerging agriculturally related products.

Fields of study for research higher degrees at the School of Natural and Rural Systems Management.

• Agribusiness
• Agricultural and Resource Economics
• Community Development
• Cultural Heritage Management
• Developmental Studies
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Restoration
• Environmental Tourism
• Forestry
• Interpretation and Extension
• Natural and Rural Systems Management
• Natural Systems Management
• Protected Area Management
• Rural Community Development
• Rural Extension
• Systems
• Tourism Management
• Wildlife Management
  

Further information on postgraduate studies can be found in the Postgraduate Hand Book, the Calendar Series, Vol. 3, available from the office.

The aim of the MPhil program is to provide research training for candidates that fosters the development of independent research skills. These skills include the ability to formulate a significant problem, mastery of appropriate conceptual and methodological frameworks, and the capacity for articulate and critical analysis.
Candidates undertake an original and significant research project that culminates in a thesis consistent with one to two year's full-time study and supervised research training
Admission to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program is normally granted on the basis of a bachelors degree with at least Honours Class II. Other qualifications may be considered for entry, provided the relevant head of school certifies that they are at least equivalent in standard to Honours Class II of this University. For example, a graduate with 2 years relevant experience could be considered.

For staff information on Postgraduate Programs click here

For more information regarding application procedures etc, click here

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program fosters the development of independent research skills and the ability to relate a specific research topic to a broad framework of knowledge.
A full-time candidate should aim to submit a thesis for examination in three to four years, part-time candidates in five to six years. With special approval, all or part of a PhD candidature may be taken offshore. Approval depends upon appropriate access to research facilities, the availability of a suitably qualified local associate supervisor, and sufficient communication between the candidate and the principal supervisor. For more information on the PhD program, including administrative procedures like applications for admission and entry requirements, visit the PhD Program information at The UQ Graduate School site or refer to the PhD Handbook.
Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is normally granted on the basis of a bachelors degree with Honours Class I or IIA or a masters degree. Other qualifications may be considered for entry, provided the relevant head of department certifies that they are at least equivalent in standard to Honours Class IIA of this University. For example, a graduate of at least 2 years standing with research experience and publications could be considered. Provision is also made for entry on the basis of a completed coursework masters, provided the applicant has demonstrated an appropriate performance in a research component of the degree and obtained a GPA of at least 5 at UQ or its equivalent elsewhere.

For staff information on Postgraduate Programs click here

For more information regarding application procedures etc, click here