FOR those already working in environmental management in the tropics, and keen to gain a professional doctorate in their area of expertise, a new qualification is available through the Tropical Savannas CRC’s three partner universities.

The Professional Doctorate in Tropical Environmental Management (DTEM), set to start in 2006 at Charles Darwin University, offers research and coursework, but also a professional placement at one of the CRC’s partner agencies where candidates can conduct their research on the ground.

While professional doctorates have been available in Australia for more than a decade, it is the first time such a qualification is being offered in environmental management.

The concept for the doctorate originated within the TS–CRC education program, as a way of addressing the need for professionally focused educational opportunities in tropical northern Australia.

The award is now available through Charles Darwin University, but is also being considered for accreditation at the CRC’s other two university partners, James Cook University and the University of Queensland.

A professional doctorate is equivalent to the usual research PhD, but has clear links to industry through a professional placement and research program. Candidates should be able to make a significant contribution to their chosen area of study.

The three-year DTEM comprises two semesters of coursework and a four-semester research component which features a professional placement. At least one coursework unit must be undertaken at partner universities. For example, candidates enrolling this year at Charles Darwin University will undertake at least one coursework unit at both JCU and UQ.

Before starting their candidature, applicants prepare a comprehensive program of study that integrates all three elements of the DTEM.

Co-program advisors, Dr Penny Wurm and Dr Lindsay Hutley from CDU, will be advising potential candidates on the research programs, and will also be liaising with natural resource management agencies across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

“Candidates need to put together a comprehensive program where the coursework, professional placement and research all integrate and take the candidate where they want to go professionally,” said Penny. “We will be able to help them with that.”

Dr Paul Novelly, Manager, Rangeland Research at Western Australia’s Department of Agriculture, welcomed the new award.

“In the last decade—through things like the decade of Landcare—a diverse range of people have come into this area and people are re-assessing their qualifications,” said Paul. “I think the DTEM is going to be very useful—the biggest issue is going to be the small population base from which potential students will be drawn.”

The DTEM will ensure links with industry through:

• Candidates collaborating with the users of research in developing the project proposal and /or setting of the research activity.
• Industry partners will be included in the development of the curriculum.
• Professional placements, in which students apply problem-solving models in a new workplace.
• Co-supervisory arrangements with industry for research supervision, similar to those required of CRC-supported PhD students.

A communication strategy is included within project proposals

“It’s a very practical qualification,” said Paul, “close to a US-type of degree with a whole raft of coursework, as well as research degree. “The option of having it linked to various universities rather than just to one is also good.”