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Postgraduate coursework program

Natural History Film-making

Master of Natural History Film-making (72 units)


Masters: 2 years full-time, or part-time study options are available.

Commonwealth supported places may be available. See contacts below for further information.

Internal mode.

Mid-year entry IS ONLY available TO DOMESTIC STUDENTS, and requires an additional one semester (5 in total) of study due to topic prerequisites issues. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MID-YEAR ENTRY.

Available to Australian and international students.


Why Study Natural History Film-Making?

The natural world is a source of endless fascination on the small screen, and it yields a never-ending array of stories to tell on film. But it is not only on the Discovery Channel that natural history film-making finds a niche, it is also used to great effect in advertising, on-site in ecotourism location and in the classroom.

As the natural world becomes more alienated from the lives of urban dwellers, it also becomes more fascinating to them. In its seemingly infinite variety, biodiversity can be brought into homes and classrooms.

The screen is one of the most pervasive and influential aspects of our culture - think TV, movie theatre, mobile phone and the internet. The excitement, drama and joy of the natural world can be brought home to people and become an educational tool that can help them learn more about the world in which they live.

For those who have a background in biological science and want to make more of it, or for those who want to use the production skills they already have to bring the natural world to the screen, this course is the avenue. If you have neither but yearn to tell stories about the natural world, there still may be a place for you.

What Will I Study?

The Masters program aims to give students an understanding of and practical experience in natural history film-making, and in the vocation surrounding it. The course culminates with students making their own natural history major production project.

While gaining advanced level knowledge of the biological principles underlying biodiversity, and its conservation and management, students will also be applying those principles to the production of films. Not only do students learn a wealth of technical and commercial film knowledge, they gain high level competence in film production techniques such as project research, script writing, production and post-production. The ability to apply problem solving and critical thinking to projects will be constantly tested, as will written and oral communication skills.

The full program of study is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.

How can I use Natural History Film-Making knowledge in my career?

Students can aspire to be natural history film-makers. But there are also jobs for which these skills will be a very useful adjunct to core business, and a distinct advantage over rivals for good positions. Science communicators can make their mission much easier with films streamed on websites or at information centres.

Screen production resources are being applied in places like museums, councils, community centres and national parks visitor centres. The skills learned in the course will be to your great advantage in the job market.

Graduates can expect to seek employment with:

  • Commonwealth, State and local government organisations for biodiversity assessment, conservation and management (including CSIRO, National Parks)
  • Educational bodies
  • Tourism organisations
  • Consultancy Firms
  • Industry and private companies
  • Environmental groups
The Masters course can also be a pathway to a PhD for those who don't have an honours degree.

Why come to Flinders University in Adelaide?

If you want to study Natural History Film-Making in Australia, then Flinders is the only place to be. The Masters course is one of only three offered in the world.

These courses are a collaboration between the Schools of Biological Sciences and of Screen Studies; both bring a wealth of experience and high reputation to the course. Flinders University had designated Bioknowledge: Understanding and Interpreting Australian Biodiversity and Landscapes as one of its 15 Areas of Strategic Research Investment.

Surveys have ranked Flinders University highly among Australian universities for student satisfaction, teaching quality, teaching and research links, employer satisfaction with students and research spending and publication rate. The student population is about 15,600 with international students making up about 12%. The campus boasts halls of residence and off-campus, affordable accommodation is available nearby. Regular and frequent public transport services the campus on several routes.

Affordable Adelaide, capital of the state of South Australia, is a city of about 1 million people with an eye to the future - a future you can be part of, for the time of you course or the rest of you life. It has the lowest cost of living of all major Australian cities. The state government has a focus on sustainability and is developing, in collaboration with private enterprise, a vibrant, innovative culture that looks to a bright future - quality of life in a sustainable environment.


Entry requirements
Entry to the degree is normally restricted to students with an approved degree either in Biological Sciences or Screen Studies. Students without any previous tertiary study in Biological Sciences must enrol in BIOD8016 Animal and Plant Diversity.
To apply, see the appropriate information for Australian and international students.

How to apply using GradStart
Three easy steps:

  1. Visit the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) website.
  2. Link via the GradStart button. Click on 'Want to Apply?' to begin your application.
  3. Submit your application. You will be sent a confirmation email.
You can apply for admission at any time during the year and GradStart applications are free.

If you receive any correspondence from SATAC requesting further information you will need to supply what is requested. Your application cannot be processed until all requested information is received. Note: you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia to apply through GradStart.

Course fees
This course is offered on a fee-paying basis. See the appropriate fee schedule for Australian students and international students.

Australian citizens, and those holding an Australian permanent humanitarian visa who meet eligibility criteria, are eligible to defer their fees through the Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP). Contact Student Finance Services on (08) 8201 3143 for details.

Closing date: Semester 2, 2008 intake: 25th July, 2008. Note: duration is 2.5 years part-time if enrolling for Semester 2 intake.

Further information
Mr Cole Larsen - Course Coordinator
Phone: +61 8 8201 2697
Email: cole.larsen@flinders.edu.au
www.conservation.flinders.edu.au

Ms Katy Hasenohr - Course Administrator
Phone: +61 8 8201 7991
Email: katy.hasenohr@flinders.edu.au

General Information: Australian students should contact:
The Admissions/Prospective Students Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (08) 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost)
Fax: (08) 8201 2580
Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au

General Information: International students should contact:
The International Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (+ 618) 8201 2727
Fax: (+ 618) 8201 3177

CRICOS Registered Provider Code: 00114A