Graduate Certificate in River Health Management
Course code / Course Abbreviation
N17AA / GCertRHMgt
Course Introduction
The Graduate Certificate in River Health Management, offered by the University of Melbourne with support from the Victorian Waterway Managers Forum, is an accredited course of study for Victorian waterway management professionals. It is a one-year part-time course delivered by a combination of distance learning and intensive periods of face-to-face teaching either on campus or at regional centres in Victoria.
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to increase the depth and diversity of the skills and knowledge of professionals practising in the Victorian river health management industry and thus to improve the capacity of organisations to deliver their roles and responsibilities for river health.
Graduates of this course should:
- understand the technical content of the disciplines involved in river health and catchment management and its relationship to the broader objective of river health and total catchment management. Amongst other things, this involves an understanding of:
- river health policy and practice,
- the roles and responsibilities of catchment management agencies; - appreciate how to create and acquire knowledge within their discipline, particularly by using and critically reviewing professional advice;
- be familiar with methods of applying their knowledge in practical settings; this includes:
- thinking and planning strategically,
- identifying both strategic directions and specific initiatives,
- making judgments about and challenging total catchment management policy and practice: - realise how the creation, dissemination and application of knowledge about catchment management are intimately related;
- be able to articulate their knowledge in an appropriate form; in particular, to be able to:
- interact with a range of stakeholders to achieve community outcomes,
- manage human resources, and assist with development of leadership and succession planning; - be capable of independent critical thought, that will enable them to -
- adapt and respond to evolving policy and operational circumstances,
- adapt and respond to unexpected outcomes of management actions,
- challenge current practices and facilitate positive changes; and
- exhibit analytic and problem-solving skills, in particular applying specific techniques for managing waterways and catchments.
Graduate Attributes
Please see course objectives
Entry Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following minimum entry requirement:
- currently employed in the waterway management industry e.g. Catchment Management Authorities, Melbourne Water, Department of Sustainability and Environment;
- an understanding of waterway management consistent with a three-year undergraduate degree;
- the skills of study that are consistent with a three-year degree; and
- the time and resources to undertake the course.
If applicants are applying for admission solely on the basis of their professional experience, then they must demonstrate that:
- they have at least five years professional experience;
- they have advanced in their career to the point where they hold a position that normally requires the kinds of skills a graduate possesses;
- their experience is in the field of waterway management or one of its specializations;
- they can produce complex analytical reports, papers or other documents; and
- they can demonstrate a commitment to self improvement by undertaking relevant professional development courses.
Course Fee
$2350 per subject (GST exempt).
Applicants may be eligible for the FEE-HELP government loan scheme to pay the course fee. For further information please visit www.goingtouni.gov.au.
Associated Intensive Delivery Costs: Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs (MCCP) will negotiate accommodation and meals packages for all participants. The expected cost per 4 days remote intensive session is approximately $560. FEE-HELP is not applicable for this cost.
Course Structure
Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs (MCCP) courses are based on a points structure with students required to accumulate a certain number of points in order to receive an award.
To satisfy the requirements of the Graduate Certificate students will need to complete 4 x 12.5 point subjects thereby accumulating a total of 50 points.
Subject Information
Fundamentals of Catchment Management (NRMT90029)
On-ground River Protection and Restoration (NRMT90030)
Caretaking Rivers for the Community (NRMT90031)
Integrated Management Plans (NRMT90032)
Each subject is taught sequentially so that participants are only committed to a single subject at a time. The four subjects are preceded by a course orientation session held over one full day in Melbourne designed to set the scene, promote interaction, assign projects and groupings. Each subject comprises a remote learning component combined with an intensive face-to-face teaching period of four days per subject supplemented by major projects, assignments and case studies. Each student will also select either a major project that will be undertaken throughout the whole course or individual subject-specific projects that have/has particular relevance to his or her workplace. Field trips will be an integral part of all subjects.
The course is not available full-time. Students must successfully complete all four subjects totalling 50 points to be awarded the Graduate Certificate
Course Coordinator Details
Dr John Tilleard
John has 30 years experience in theory and practice of river management
Delivery Dates
Information Day: 9th July 2010
Location: Hawthorn Campus, University of Melbourne
Fundamentals of Catchment Management
Subject Start: 12th July 2010
Subject End: 3rd September 2010
Intensive Date: 26th - 29th July 2010
Intensive Location: Lake Dewar Lodge
On-ground River Protection and Restoration
Subject Start: 27th September
Subject End: 19th November 2010
Intensive Date: 18th - 21st October 2010
Intensive Location: All Seasons Lake Hume Resort
Caretaking Rivers for the Community
Subject Start: 7th February 2011
Subject End: 1st April 2011
Intensive Date: 28th Feb- 3rd March 2011
Intensive Location: Trawool Valley Resort
Integrated Management Plans
Subject Start: 2nd May 2011
Subject End: 24th June 2011
Intensive Date: 23rd - 26th May 2011
Intensive Location: Lake Dewar Lodge
Course Brochure
Online Resource Information for Current Students
Students use our online learning system called ePortal to assist with their studies.
Articulation in to higher awards
Contact Vicki Vlahos for information regarding further study.
Prizes
The Christine Forster Award for Excellence
The Christine Forster Award for Excellence was established to honour the 40 years Ms Foster has spent working with great commitment to ensure our natural resources were managed sustainabily and responsibly for future generations.
This is awarded to the student who achieves the highest marks and is placed first overall in the course.
The prize for this award is $500 cash.
The Victorian Waterway Managers Forum Participation Award
This is awarded to the student who demonstrates the best overall contribution to the course. This is based on contribution to group activities and tasks, quality of presentation skills, demonstration of applying knowledge gained throughout the course, and participation in, and simulation of, group discussions.
The prize is sponsorship for Professional Development to the value of $500.
How to Apply
New Applications are managed by the Student Services Team. Click here for the Application Form and further instructions.