Master of Forestry

Overview

The Master of Forestry 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 world-leading centre for interdisciplinary research on the conservation and management of Australia's distinctive biodiversity.

Gain skills in understanding contemporary issues and challenges in forestry and forest science, while applying analytical skills in conservation and management of forests and woodlands.

Our researchers take an interdisciplinary approach to learning about forestry, which is underpinned by studies in environmental science, policy and management.

Program details

The Master of Forestry offers you flexible and advanced study to develop knowledge and skills in forestry, forest sciences and their relationship to other land management discipline.

The structure of this two year program has its core a strong focus on Forest Policy, Forest Management, Forest Science and Research Methods which reflects the diversity of perspectives needed for effective forest resource management.

Read program handbook

Advanced program

The Advanced program focuses on competing a substantial research project supervised by an academic, which constitutes appropriate research training for a PhD.

Advanced program handbook

Key facts

#1 for Natural Sciences (QS 2022) in Australia
Only Group of Eight Master of Forestry or Forest Science degree
5 star rating for Agriculture & Environmental Studies (Good Universities Guide)
Study full time or part time

Careers

The Master of Forestry is internationally recognised. The degree will help enhance your existing skills and expertise, building on your undergraduate experience to retrain for a new career, or provide you with new tools and insight into your work or study ambitions.

Our graduates are employed as:

Forest researchers
Managers
Rangers
Technicians
Policy specialists.

Our graduates are also employed in a range of consulting roles in the government and private sectors. As a graduate, you will be highly employable for work for senior and specialised roles in forestry, natural resource management and science in Australia and across the world including project management, research and analysis, education and community awareness, and policy.

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 2020. 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.

Learn in the field

Access over 100 long-term field sites including the Victorian Central Highlands Research Program, Mulligans Flat Goorooyaroo Woodlands Experiment, National Arboretum, Kioloa campus (South Coast) and the Bushfire Research Facility, CSIRO.

Find out more

Advanced program

Take your learning much further by working with leading scholars in the field and developing theoretical and practical knowledge in contemporary research exploring forestry.

Learn more

Learning experience

Call the Fenner Building home

Study in a world-leading building in sustainable design and construction.

See why it has a 6 Green Star rating

Meet Forestry student David Stock

“ANU does a great job at that balance between science and society… we’ve done forest inventories, we’ve talked to farmers about Whole of Paddock Restoration, and we’ve also seen the forestry production cycle from seedlings to harvesting.”

Read David's story

Fees & scholarships

Fees

Please visit the Programs and Courses website for information about fees.

View fees View fees for advanced program

Scholarships

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.

Key people

Associate Professor Cris Brack

Cris is a member of the Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA)and a Director of the National Arboretum Canberra Foundation. He has influenced the development of the National Carbon Accounting System for Australia, a comprehensive initiative working across the country. Cris is principal investigator on major forestry research projects, including the National Arboretum and urban forests/urban greening.

Professor Peter Kanowski

Peter was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he also lectured in forestry for seven years. At the Fenner School at ANU Peter’s research focuses on forest and environmental policy, and on sustainability; and policy learning and development, and community engagement, associated with forest-related issues. Peter works extensively in each of these areas, representing a diversity of forest- and environment- sector interests, internationally, nationally, and locally.

Watch the webinar

Join students and staff from the Fenner School at ANU that have transitioned to studying and teaching remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear about their experiences about what it is like to study and teach remotely compared to on campus, and what the transition has been like. Also hear about the virtual field trips on offer.