The planet is becoming hotter and much of the observed warming is attributed to increases in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the most significant of which is carbon dioxide. Regardless of our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next few decades some level of climate change is now thought inevitable. However the extent and severity of the changes are still uncertain. This multi-disciplinary coursework program explores the science of carbon change, anticipated climate change trends and their impacts, and drivers for the development of a low carbon economy. The program integrates courses from four Faculties spanning the themes business and resource management. It covers policy and legislative frameworks for reduction of carbon emissions and the technical and economic challenges to achieve carbon neutrality.

This suite of nested programs is structured to ensure that all students have exposure to a number of disciplines/areas considered essential for carbon management. Courses are grouped into two themes: Business and Resource Management. Courses must be taken from both these areas, with choices available to provide flexibility for students and accommodate a range of interests, backgrounds and schedules. Courses are delivered via a wide range of modes. Four core course must be taken by all students. These are:

• Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation
• Climate Change: Past, Present and Future
• The Economics of Climate Change

and

• Business and Carbon Management

or

• Carbon Impact and Strategy

Research projects in the Masters program will be multidisciplinary and may be undertaken in small groups, allowing collaboration and contributions from several students, although research findings must be submitted as individual written reports.

The Masters is made up of 48 units, requiring four core courses (12 units), 24 units of courses from both prescribed areas plus either a 12-unit research project or additional electives. The research project would normally be taken after completion of 24 points of coursework.

Climate change is of global concern and increasingly there is focus on reducing carbon emissions. Growing awareness of the benefits of improved carbon management for organisations are being driven by the desire to reduce input costs, build reputation, improve market opportunities and reduce exposure to risk. Organisations are building teams to manage their climate change impacts and strategies, including low carbon emissions strategies, and develop adaptive strategies. It is a newly emerging and rapidly developing area that offers enormous opportunities for career development in government and business organisations.