Charles Darwin University (CDU) was officially founded in 2003 although the seeds of its birth go all the way back to the 1950s. Receiving a five-star rating from the Good Universities Guide, it is easy to see that this is a university that can produce students ready to compete on the global stage. In particular, CDU is world-renowned for its research expertise in environmental studies of tropical and desert regions within Australia and the Asia-Pacific. As well as this, the university also offers a wide range of courses in other disciplines, such as law, medicine, science and economics.

From basic educational courses to advanced research programs, Charles Darwin University offers so much to potential students. Not only is it a rich learning environment, but it is also a centre of internationally acclaimed research. As Australia’s gateway to Southeast Asia, Charles Darwin University has always had a global outlook and has welcomed students from all walks of life within its walls. Through this, it has become a highly successful multi-sector institution, producing students who have the foundations to pursue their dreams and better the world.

Pic: Charles Darwin University.

The research conducted at Charles Darwin University is undertaken both within Australia and overseas. Aimed primarily at the cultural and biological diversity of the Northern Territory, it focuses on the following areas:

  • Tropical Knowledge
  • Desert Knowledge
  • Indigenous Knowledge
  • Southeast Asian Studies

CDU has a prominent research and academic team dedicated to environment science and wildlife conservation. The university’s dedicated School of Environmental and Life Sciences provides training in several aspects of the discipline.

As part of Australia’s Innovative Research Universities Network and ranked in SCImago’s Top 5 Australian Research-based Universities, CDU has some impressive titles under its belt, a sure sign that it can provide a great educational environment to students from all walks of life.

Academic Programs
Charles Darwin University offers study options for a vast range of specialisations both in the field of environment and sustainable development. A selection from the many choices is presented below briefly:

  • Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environment Management): This professionally oriented, multi-disciplinary programme allows students to acquire the in-depth theoretical and practical skills that a career in the field would require. The programme places strong emphasis on environmental science and management in tropical and desert environments in the Australian and Asia-Pacific region. Students are given the opportunity to make a real impact in areas such as climate change, population pressure, water resources, and invasive species, among others.
  • Master of Tropical Environmental Management: This programme is geared towards education and training for existing and future professionals on the background, principles and practices of tropical environmental management – focussing especially on wet-dry and semi-arid tropical ecosystems. The programme also works towards developing the knowledge and skills of its students so that they understand the ecology and the use of sustainable management of tropical ecosystems.
  • Diploma of Conservation and Land Management: This diploma is tailored to offer students with at least a Certificate IV in Conservation & Land Management, training for them to work in parks and wildlife areas. The course provides hands-on and management plan training and students can hope to launch a successful career as State or Federal Park Ranger, Community Ranger Group Coordinator or Field Officer.

When it comes to assisting students in further developing themselves, Charles Darwin University also offers a range of postgraduate options across all disciplines. With graduate diplomas, master degrees and doctorates currently available, those enrolling can reach their goals in terms of career development, knowledge and practical abilities. Postgraduate and research opportunities in the field of environmental science are available:

  • Tropical Environmental Disturbance and Stress Group: This group is key to research that is specialised and unique – the challenging environment for the inhabitants of the wet-dry tropics. These challenges are primarily human-induced and natural. The research conducted at CDU’s Tropical Environment Disturbance and Stress Group is organised into themes of disturbance and stress.

Research
Australia, with a significant proportion of its land in the tropics, has regions – especially the northern third of this continent – that houses tropical environments of beauty and diversity. These areas are rich with cultural and natural heritage and often contain valuable natural resources that are facing increasing development pressure.  Unlike southern Australia, the landscapes, coastlines and seascapes of the north are considerably intact – a major attraction for tourists from across the world, while also valued by scientists and conservationists. These areas also present significant opportunities for economic development.

These circumstances have called for knowledge for four key reasons: (i) to develop a better understanding of the ecological functions and processes of these unique ecosystems and how they relate to human livelihoods;  (ii) to inform decisions about how best to manage natural resources and respond to development pressures;  (iii) to underpin innovation, in developing more sustainable technologies and approaches where the status quo is simply not good enough; and (iv) to help educate society.

CDU has taken on this challenge and is merging its environmental research effort in a new Tier One research institute, the Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL). RIEL brings together and will build upon the former School for Environmental Research, and the research-intensive elements of the School for Environmental and Life Sciences (SER). SER has been instrumental for integrated research in the fields of tropical and desert environments in Northern Australia by incorporating biophysical, social and economic research.

Today, RIEL takes a comprehensive approach across the terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and natural resource-based livelihoods of the north while consolidating and extending research partnerships with indigenous stakeholders, government, industries and other natural resource managers in central and northern Australia and the region.

Pic: Charles Darwin University.

Student Life
While at Charles Darwin University, students will have access to a wide range of assistance, services, clubs and associations to enhance their time there. International Student Support should be the first stop for those arriving at CDU from abroad as they can help with study-related problems as well as issues with immigration, visas, and employment. As well as this, the university also offers students various counselling services to help solve any personal, education or cultural situations that may arise.

Accommodation is easy to find as well, whether on or off campus. North Flinders International House (NFIH) is located within walking distance of the university and is the perfect environment for both local and foreign students to live together in a supervised, friendly environment. There are also plenty of houses and apartments to rent in Darwin through a reliable real estate agent. Assistance with this may be found at International Student Support or through the university website.

For the sports enthusiast, there are a number of clubs and associations run by CDU Sport. From regular offerings such as badminton and cricket to more unusual activities like capoeira (Brazilian martial arts) and ultimate frisbee, those who like to keep active and fit will find plenty to do. As well as this, NFIH also holds a wide variety of events ranging from movie nights to cooking clubs to sand-sculpting competitions.

Living in Darwin
As the capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin is a relaxed location that also offers all the benefits of a large city. It is the country’s only tropical coastal city, and there are plenty of unspoiled beaches, national parks and reserves located nearby. Its proximity to Southeast Asia also makes it a smart choice for international students from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and other neighbouring countries as the climate is similar and the travel time reduced.

Darwin contains a wide variety of interesting sites, including museums, art galleries and theatres. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to partake in, such as fishing, climbing, sailing, golf, rugby and football. In addition to this, the assortment of restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs are all proof that Darwin is a highly multicultural city, and with campuses and education centres dotted around the Northern Territory international students from all walks of life will be certain to find a slice of home at Charles Darwin University.

Because Darwin is a relatively small city, it is simple to get around. Buses frequently travel around the city but it is just as easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Whether travelling to university or heading to work, students will find it relatively simple to get to wherever they are going. Darwin has everything you need in a city without any of the big-town hassles.

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