Curtin University

What you'll study

This programme centres on a substantial supervised research project (major thesis) supported by formal coursework in research methods and specialist topics. You will design and undertake original research under the guidance of Curtin academics, gaining skills in experimental design, field and laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.

• Major research thesis: An independent research project that demonstrates your ability to formulate research questions, apply appropriate methods, analyse results and present outcomes in written and oral form.
• Research methods and statistics: Training in quantitative and qualitative research design, statistical analysis, experimental methods, and ethical practice in environmental research.
• Specialist topics (examples): landscape ecology, aquatic ecology, conservation biology, climate change science, environmental chemistry and pollution, environmental monitoring and assessment, ecological modelling, and restoration ecology.
• Technical skills: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, environmental data management, laboratory techniques, sensor deployment and environmental modelling.
• Professional skills: scientific writing and communication, grant-writing, project management and pathways for translating research into policy or practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a bachelor degree with a substantial science component or a bachelor honours degree in a relevant discipline. Candidates with a strong undergraduate record plus demonstrated research potential (for example through a research dissertation, publications or relevant work experience) may also be considered. Prospective students usually need to provide a research proposal and identify a suggested supervisor or research group at Curtin as part of the application.

International applicants must meet Curtin's English language requirements and supply academic transcripts and supporting documents. Applicants may be interviewed by academic staff as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Research (Environmental Science) go on to a range of research and applied roles. The degree is particularly suited to those aiming to progress to a PhD or careers where strong research skills are essential.

• Research scientist or research officer in universities, government agencies and research institutes
• Environmental consultant or specialist in industry firms working on impact assessment, remediation and monitoring
• Environmental policy analyst or advisor for government and non-government organisations
• Natural resource and conservation manager in parks agencies, NGOs and community organisations
• Data analyst or modeller working on environmental datasets, remote sensing and ecological modelling

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers a hands-on research environment with access to active research groups specialising in areas such as biodiversity, marine and freshwater science, climate impacts and pollution. The university supports higher degree research candidates with supervisory teams, research training programs and access to laboratory facilities, GIS and remote sensing resources, and field sites across Western Australia.

Students benefit from Curtin's industry and government links, which provide opportunities for collaborative projects, internships and pathways to applied research roles. Supervision is provided by experienced academics who publish in environmental science and maintain international and regional research connections, helping graduates transition to further research or professional careers.