Program Overview
PAID-WA’s Environment and Natural Resource Management (ENRM) graduate program brings together natural and social scientists to offer an integrative and inter-disciplinary program that uses a system approach to understand and manage tropical and sub-tropical terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Studies in ENRM incorporate the various components and scales (spatial and temporal) that determine ecosystem structure and function, and that bear upon the social and economic welfare of residents in diverse communities and environmental settings. Curricula and courses emphasize the application of physical, biological, and social sciences to the sustainable management and conservation of natural, environmental, and economic resources. The program also provides a science-based foundation to assess the processes that control the structure and function of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and the human behaviors and policies that impact those processes using lectures, field trips, seminars, tutorials and practical exercises.
Main Objective
ENRM is a multidisciplinary program that is uniquely positioned to offer the integrative graduate curricula that are necessary for informed decision-making and action-oriented natural resource and environmental management to meet the needs for those who are committed to environmental issues. As a foundation in graduate training, all ENRM students will acquire a common base of knowledge embodied in a core set of courses. In addition, students will develop knowledge and skills within a chosen area of research interest. This will ensure students have the real-world skills needed to perform specific tasks, analyze resource management and policy issues, and carry out original and meaningful research that promotes sustainable development.
Expected learning outcomes:
As a graduate in ENRM and an expert on development, you are, among other things, able to:
- Demonstrate quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and other advanced skills to solve contemporary resource use and environmental problems and to assist in sound policy development and implementation.
- To address natural resources and environmental ethics, policy and management issues of the competing needs of diverse clientele and communities.
- Provide a detailed account and critical evaluation of current research theories in connection with sustainable natural resource management and renewable energy in developing countries.
- Distinguish critically between sustainable and livelihood-related issues in connection with climate change impacts on natural resources.
- Carry out research, advisory and policy-related activities within environment in relation sustainable development.
- Identify and analyze environmental research issues and communicate these to the general public.
Program Duration The masters’ program runs for three academic semesters over 18 months. Emphasis is placed on lectures, tutorials, field placement, internships, and a thesis writing project.
Target Audience
Leaders, members of government and non-governmental organizations in the environment and nature protection sector, and students.
Career Opportunities
The MSc. program in ENRM gives you the opportunity to work as a conservation scientist, environmental specialist, regulatory affairs specialist, restoration specialist, soil scientist, wildlife and fisheries scientist, wildlife manager, environmental science technician and a project designer, planner and manager. In addition, the program gives you the opportunity to work with sustainable development organizations and agencies in developing countries by means of environmental protection and conservation, economic growth, water supplies, ecosystem management, forestry, environmental policy and compliance, disaster management and addressing issues concerning climate change. As a MSc. graduate in ENRM, you can, among other things:
- Become a consultant in an international organization specializing in environment and development. e.g. UNEP and ITTO, and EU.
- Work within research in National or an international research institution, e.g. at universities and government research institutions.
- Find employment with one of the many organizations focusing on developing countries.
- Join companies engaging in fair trade, ecology and global trade, e.g. certification, labelling, purchasing and sales.