The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) and The University of Queensland (UQ) have partnered to develop a postgraduate program in Community Relations for the resources sector. The flexible program offers professionals working in the field the following options:
The program covers the key areas of community engagement, community and economic development, cultural awareness and research and evaluation methods. It draws upon expertise across the University of Queensland’s Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences and the Sustainable Minerals Institute, plus the Australian National University. The program is delivered primarily online, but with some intensive face to face delivery. This includes a five day compulsory workshop at the commencement of the program (15-19 February 2010). Students are required to commit to reading course materials, writing assignments and reports, and participating in class discussions through UQ’s online eLearning systems.
Applicants will normally be expected to have an undergraduate degree with two years relevant work experience. However, subject to University approval, those without formal tertiary qualifications may qualify for admission through recognition of prior learning, work experience or identified skill development. International applicants will need to provide evidence of competency in written and spoken English.
The Graduate Certificate is the normal entry point to the program, and comprises four courses (‘subjects’) specifically targeted at those working in the minerals industry.
MINE 7052- Community Aspects of Minerals Resource Development
This core course will provide an introduction to the program and assist students to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes to identify and analyse community issues and formulate appropriate responses. Students will learn about the changing nature of the global minerals industry and the implications for community relations practice; the role of the community relations practitioner and managing the tensions inherent in the role; and the business case for companies investing time and resources in addressing community issues.
MINE 7023- Community Development for the Mining Industry
This core course introduces students to a framework for understanding how community development theory, methods and techniques can be used by community relations practitioners in the minerals industry. The course includes four modules: understanding community; relating to the community; understanding change in communities; and community development roles and interventions.
MINE 7024- Community Engagement for the Mining Industry
This core course explores the tools and techniques associated with community engagement and the minerals industry. It focuses on the areas of community engagement and consultation, stakeholder analysis, building partnerships, understanding impact assessment and program and project management. The techniques and skills will be focussed around the sustainable development for communities and companies. The course links local and global development practice community relations frameworks, policies and practice in the minerals industry.
ANTH 8014- Mining Projects and Indigenous Peoples (ANU)
This industry preferred elective course, provided by The Australian National University on a cross institutional basis, examines the social, political and economic relationships between Indigenous peoples and other stakeholders involved in the development of large-scale mining projects. Consideration of these issues is based on case study material primarily drawn from Australia, South Africa, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Students will develop an understanding of the legal/policy and historical context for relationships between mining companies and Indigenous peoples, as well as the key debates and practical strategies to facilitate the engagement of Indigenous peoples with the minerals industry.
Diploma and Masters options
For those wishing to pursue further studies in this field, the Diploma and Masters options offer the opportunity to develop more detailed understanding of three key areas, as well as select electives and undertake research projects relevant to their work environment.
MINE 7055- Regional and Local Economic Development in the Resources Sector
This course explores community development approaches to local and regional economic development, with a particular focus on communities and regions associated with the resources sector. Community Economic Development (CED) is attracting much attention both locally and internationally as an approach to revitalising local economies, creating employment, responding to globalisation and building strong local communities. This course explores both different practice models for CED and the different contexts in which it has been applied . within Australia and internationally.
MINE 7056- Community Research Methods for the Resources Sector
This course on provides an introduction to research methods relevant to community work in the resources sector, covering a range of disciplinary approaches. The course reviews the current practice of Social Impact Assessment for resource projects in both Australian and global contexts, and also address the range of different tools and monitoring frameworks being applied to this area.
SOCY 7190- Evaluation of Social Programs
This course introduces concepts and skills for planning and conducting evaluations of social programs. It covers process evaluation, action research, participatory evaluation, and impact and outcome evaluation, as well as the use of evaluation assessment and program logic.
Electives and research options
In order to complete the requirements of the Diploma or Masters options, students will be able to select relevant electives delivered through UQ or other institutions. In addition students will have the option of applying their understanding of the topics covered in the program through research projects which can be tailored in scope and focus to suit their local work environment.
Summary
| Graduate Certificate |
MINE 7052-Community Aspects of Mineral Developments
MINE 7023-Community Development
MINE 7024-Community Engagement
ANTH 8014-Mining Projects and Indigenous Peoples |
| Graduate Diploma |
Above four courses PLUS
MINE 7055-Regional and Local Economic Development
MINE 7056-Community Research Methods
SOCY 7190-Evaluating Social Programs
Elective or Research Project
|
| Masters |
Above eight courses PLUS
Further Electives and/or Research Project
|
Further information
To obtain further information, or to register your interest in the program and obtain an application form contact:
The Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining Phil Clark - Program administrator
The University of Queensland +61 7 3346 4007 or p.clark@smi.uq.edu.au
Brisbane Qld 4072
Email csrm@smi.uq.edu.au Robin Evans - Program Co-ordinator
Web www.csrm.uq.edu.au +61 7 3346 4009 or r.evans@smi.uq.edu.au