Overview
Around the world, forests in their many forms, and how we conserve and manage them sustainably for their myriad services and products, are being re-imagined. Capitalising on these opportunities and addressing the associated challenges is both exciting and demanding, and requires innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving.
The Master of Forests provides a unique opportunity to learn about the science, economy and society of forested landscapes and their management. You will study in our world-renowned Fenner School of Environment and Society, a leading centre for interdisciplinary research on the conservation and management of Australia's distinctive biodiversity.
By completing a broad range of courses across forest science and management, you will develop the skills to integrate and adapt knowledge to design novel solutions to complex problems.
Advanced program
The Advanced program focuses on a substantial research project supervised by an academic, which constitutes appropriate research training for a PhD.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for the Advanced version of this program.
Key facts
- #1 in Australia for Environmental Sciences (THE 2024)
- Only Group of Eight Master of Forests or Forest Science degree
- 5 star rating for Agriculture & Environmental Studies (Good Universities Guide)
- Study full time or part time
- Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for the Advanced version of this program
Testimonials
David Stock
“I have a background in straight science so it was really interesting for me to do some forest management courses, looking at how you balance the ecologically best option with what’s applicable in the real world. ANU does a great job at that balance between science and society.
There are also lots of opportunities to go out on fieldtrips because in Canberra, you drive for ten minutes and you’re out in the bush."
Yiwen Chen
Forestry student Yiwen Chen made national headlines with her ANU Masters research project when she discovered Murray-Darling floodplains had not received the majority of environmental water redirected from irrigators under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“I didn’t expect it! I feel really happy to see that my paper can be influential for others. I think it’s inspiration for me to continue study in the future.”
Careers
There are opportunities for graduates across the breadth of the forests sector, in all its diversity, in Australia and beyond. Graduates with forests expertise work in conservation and sustainable production systems, in partnership with First Nations peoples and with farmers; in the forest and environmental services industries; and across government, business, and community sectors. Graduates have the capacity to enter at managerial and strategic thinking -level positions, and to become the next generation of leaders for forests.
You will graduate from the world-renowned Fenner School of Environment and Society, with a strong suite of career-relevant skills. Access to scientists, managers and other forest industry professionals gives you a thorough understanding of the sector, which can help increase your knowledge of forestry, and improve career outcomes.
The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.
Lee Adamson-Ringk, a GIS Operator for Timberlands Pacific, and her husband Chris Ringk, a consulting forester, met while studying for a Bachelor of Science at the Fenner School of Environment and Society at ANU.
They run a Christmas tree farm from their home near Launceston, Tasmania.
Read Lee and Chris's storyLearning experience
Land and catchment management in the rangelands of Central West NSW
“One thing I love about field trips is how we learn to read landscapes in ways we wouldn’t have picked up otherwise.”
Read more
The advantage of long-term field sites
We maintain over 100 long-term field sites, including the Mulligan's Flat-Goorooyaroo Woodland Experiment and the Victorian Central Highlands Research program. These sites help us fulfill our mission to conserve Australia’s distinctive biodiversity.
Long-term research at Booderee National ParkFees & scholarships
Fees
Please visit the Programs and Courses website for information about fees.
View fees View fees for advanced programScholarships
Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.
Convenors
Dr Sara Beavis
Sara’s research interests include environmental geology, gully and stream bank erosion in agricultural and forest systems, salinisation, hydrology, acid sulphate soils, hydrological impacts and policy relating to farm dams.
How to apply
Understand the how to apply steps
Visit the international postgraduate applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.
International postgraduate applicationsUnderstand the how to apply steps
Visit the domestic postgraduate applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.
Domestic postgraduate applications