The Master of Natural Systems Engineering by coursework is a two year full-time postgraduate course offered jointly by the four West Australian public universities: Edith Cowan University, Curtin University of Technology, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia. The testamur and transcripts will carry the crests of the four participating universities.

This course provides a unique opportunity for professionals to access the specialist knowledge of the four public universities in Perth.  It provides the opportunity for professionals who have graduated in the field of environmental engineering/science to enhance their qualifications and experience by extending their knowledge into the understanding and sustainable management of natural ecosystems, particularly aquatic systems. The course is designed for practising professionals who require the skills to integrate an understanding of how natural aquatic systems work in the decision-making of their organisations.  The course addresses both the conceptual understanding of natural systems and the tools and techniques available to more effectively incorporate that understanding in decision-making.  The course is structured around major themes that allow a degree of specialisation relevant to individuals’ requirements.  These are water quality management, oceanography, analysis and systems management, inland waters, meteorology and marine biology.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The general regulations of each university apply. Applicants for admission will normally hold a bachelor’s degree in science or equivalent and be able to demonstrate, possibly by way of relevant occupational experience, the ability to complete the course.  Candidates with a four-year degree in science or engineering may be granted recognition of prior learning (advanced standing/credit).

COURSE LOCATION AND MODE OF STUDY
The course is available by full-time or part-time study. Students will be required to travel between campuses of the participating universities.  Some units will be available in external or on-line mode and others in an intensive delivery mode.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Each university offers at least three units per year. At least one of these units will be an intensive one. Universities may select their own mode of delivery for the remaining units. Candidates must undertake one course work (non-project) unit at each participating university, eight coursework (non-project) units from the lists below and a compulsory project at the enrolling university. (If possible, these remaining eight coursework (non-project) units are selected to ensure an equal number of units are undertaken at each participating university.)  Two universities must jointly supervise the project.

Candidates enrolled on a full-time basis would be expected to undertake four units per semester (equivalent to 60 credit points at ECU).