The Master of Social Science (International Urban and Environmental Management (IUEM)) provides a unique postgraduate program on urban and environmental management issues in the developing world and transitional economies.

The program is designed for individuals who want an intensive professional education in urban and environmental management that will equip them to work on sustainable development. It caters for those who intend to work for governments in developing countries, non-government organisations, multilateral and bilateral international development agencies and consultants.

Why study International Urban and Environmental Management?

This program allows students to customise their degree to suit their interests and career aspirations. This degree focuses on the problems associated with urbanisation in developing countries, such as inadequate infrastructure, informal settlements and the ecological and economic requirements of cities. In 2005, for the first time in history, there were more people living in urban centres than in rural areas. This represents a significant challenge to urban planners and development workers as more and more people live in 'mega-cities', such as Karachi, Mexico City, Lagos, Mumbai and Bangkok.

Electives can be chosen from the International Urban and Environmental Management (IUEM), Environment and Planning (E&P), or International Development (ID) programs, which offer specialisations in project planning, housing, water policy, disaster response, health issues, the environment, rural and regional sustainability, development planning and practice, and more.

There is also the option of completing a minor thesis or minor research project, allowing you to further develop your knowledge of a particular area.

Special Features of the Program

You may choose to follow a planning stream accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) which enables you to become qualified in an area which provides considerable job opportunities. To assist you to both work and study there are a variety of 'delivery modes'. They can attend classes on-campus, study by distance education, online or a combination of each. Classes run in intensive mode over a three-day period provides another option. Exemptions for one or more courses up to a maximum of 72 credit points may be granted for prior learning and/or work experience.

General information is available at Postgraduate Study at RMIT

Duration

The Masters program incorporates the Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate qualifications.

Masters: one and a half years full-time or three years part-time
Graduate Diploma: one year full-time or two years part-time
Graduate Certificate: six months full-time or one year part-time
On-campus or online study mode available
A standard postgraduate load is four courses (each worth 12 credit points) each semester for full-time students and two courses for part-time students
Students electing to take a minor thesis would normally be required to take Research Strategies as a prerequisite.
Research topics for the Minor Research Project course are approved by the program coordinator.
Exemptions may be granted for prior learning and/or work experience.

Pathways

Gaining credit for previous study or experience
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer are ways that RMIT recognises applicants' skills and knowledge gained through formal and informal education and training, work experience, and/or life experience (including volunteer work; committee responsibilities; family duties, hobbies).

Career Prospects

Many students are currently working in the urban policy and environmental management fields and wish to 'update' their qualifications. Other students have established skills in other fields (health, environment, governance) and use the IUEM program to make the transition to a new area of employment. Some students have recently completed a Bachelor degree and are studying to gain a qualification that will get them started on a career in this area.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have a recognised university qualification and/ or appropriate experience and demonstrated capacity to pursue study at a postgraduate level.

Equity admissions schemes
RMIT understands that people's backgrounds and circumstances can affect their access to education and training. RMIT’s equity admissions schemes allow applicants to explain the circumstances that have adversely affected their education, and demonstrate their capacity for future academic success.

Further information is available at equity admissions schemes.

Click here for further information .

Application Procedures

Timely applications for postgraduate coursework programs are due by:
10 November each year (Semester 1)*
31 May each year (Semester 2/Midyear entry)*

* Note: Applications will continue to be accepted until all places have been filled. You are encouraged to lodge your application early.
Future students may enquire through Info Corner (formerly the Office for Prospective Students) at any time.

Apply via:RMIT direct application form
Info Corner (formerly the Office for Prospective Students)
330 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Tel. +61 3 9925 2260
Email: study@rmit.edu.au
www.rmit.edu.au/programs/enquiries

Click here for further information .

Fees

Fees for 2008:Master: $9,840 per year of full-time study

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) (formerly HECS) funded places are also available. Further information: www.rmit.edu.au/programs/fees/highered

Tuition fees are subject to annual adjustment and are not fixed for the duration of your study. Changes to fees are applied from 1 January each year. Further information is available at: www.rmit.edu.au/programs/fees/highered/fullfees

Programs by coursework are offered on a Fee Paying Places (FFP) basis. A limited number of coursework programs and all honours programs have Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) (previously HECS).

Fee Paying Places (FPP)
FPP students are required to pay the complete cost of their program. FPP fees vary according to each program.

Students offered a FPP maybe eligible for the FEE-HELP (FEE-Higher Education Loan Program) scheme, which enables eligible fee paying students to obtain an interest-free loan up to a maximum value of $80,000 from the Commonwealth Government to pay all or part of their tuition fees.

For further information: www.goingtouni.gov.au

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
A CSP is jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government and student. The amount to be paid by the student is defined by discipline 'bands'. In 2008, the following student contribution rates for a standard, annual, full-time load apply:

National Priority: $0 – $4,077—Education and Nursing.
Band 1: $0 – $5,095—Humanities, Behavioural Sciences, Social Studies, Foreign Languages, Visual and Performing Arts.
Band 2: $0 – $7,260—Mathematics, Statistics, Computing, Built Environment, Health, Engineering, Science, Surveying, and Agriculture.
Band 3: $0 – $8,499—Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Law, Dentistry, Medicine, and Veterinary Science.

Students who undertake more or less than a full-time study load, or who study courses from a combination of the above categories will be charged the proportionate student contribution.

Calculating tuition costs for Commonwealth supported students

Postgraduate Coursework Commonwealth Supported Equity Places
RMIT has a limited number of government subsidised Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) in full-fee postgraduate coursework programs for applicants who meet entrance and equity criteria. Instead of paying full-fees either upfront or with a FEE-HELP loan, the CSP Equity place allows students to complete their program as a Commonwealth supported student in a subsidised place with a choice of up-front, partial up-front or deferred payment options.

For further information: www.rmit.edu.au/equity

Record spend on RMIT scholarships
RMIT University will spend more than $60 million on student scholarships over the next five years. RMIT has many scholarships and funding opportunities to offer students.

Further information is available at RMIT Scholarships

Click here for further information .

Program Structure

Students can enrol in the Master directly with exit points at Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma level.

The following program structure(s) are linked to this program.

Contact Details

Program Coordinator: Dave Mercer
Tel. +61 3 9925 3466
E-mail: dave.mercer@rmit.edu.au

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Owning School

Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng

Disclaimer

Although RMIT endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.