Master of Strategic Foresight
Postgraduate course
Overview
This course provides a sound foundation for the successful practice of strategic foresight in many fields. The course also provides the necessary grounding in futures studies and foresight work as well as a range of applied implementation options.
| Duration | 18 months full-time or 3 years part-time | ||
Campus and intakes  |
| ||
| Study mode | Full-time Part-time (day & evening) | ||
| Course code | CMSF640 | ||
| Fees | The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website. |
Course in detail
Course description
The Master of Strategic Foresight suite of courses will provide a sound theoretical and practical foundation for the successful practice of strategic foresight in many fields. The master course will primarily appeal to those people who are already high achievers part-way through a career path and who wish to develop proactive approaches to their work, or perhaps to change direction. To these ends, the program provides the necessary grounding in futures studies and foresight work as well as a range of applied implementation options.
(Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot take the other study modes.)
Course structure
The Master of Strategic Foresight incorporates the Graduate Certificate of Management Studies (CMMS440) (entry award) and the Graduate Diploma of Strategic Foresight (CMSF540) (exit award only).
To qualify for the award of Master of Strategic Foresight, students must complete six units, including two double units (100 credit points) in addition to the Graduate Certificate of Management Studies (or equivalent). The masters program structure includes:
- Two core units of study (25 credit points each), and
- Four elective units of study (12.5 credit points each)
To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Strategic Foresight, students must complete two double units of study (50 credit points) from the masters program in addition to the Graduate Certificate of Management Studies (or equivalent). Students cannot enrol directly into the Graduate Diploma of Strategic Foresight; this program is an exit award only.
Students must commence the core units of study before undertaking any other unit/s. Students may then choose to undertake the remaining units in any order.
Units normally carry 12.5 credit points, while double units carry 25 credit points. In each year, eight units or equivalent normally constitute a full-time load of 100 credit points and four units or equivalent normally constitute a part-time load* of 50 credit points.
*Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot take the other study modes.
Units of study
Graduate Certificate of Management Studies (entry award)
Students must complete the following two core double units (25 credit points each):
HBG701 Integrated Management
HBG702 Business in Practice
Exit with the graduate certificate or progress to the Master of Strategic Foresight.
Students must complete the following two core double units (25 credit points each):
HBG701 Integrated Management
HBG702 Business in Practice
Exit with the graduate certificate or progress to the Master of Strategic Foresight.
Graduate Diploma of Strategic Foresight (exit award only)
Students must complete the following two core double units (25 credit points each):
HBF720 Foresight Knowledge & Methods 1
HBF721 Foresight Knowledge & Methods 2
Exit with the graduate diploma or progress to the Master of Strategic Foresight.
Master of Strategic Foresight Students choose four units from the following list (each unit 12.5 credit points):
Students must complete the following two core double units (25 credit points each):
HBF720 Foresight Knowledge & Methods 1
HBF721 Foresight Knowledge & Methods 2
Exit with the graduate diploma or progress to the Master of Strategic Foresight.
Master of Strategic Foresight Students choose four units from the following list (each unit 12.5 credit points):
Graduate outcomes
Aims and objectives
The Master of Strategic Foresight aims to introduce students to ways of conceiving the world which may be different to how they have thought previously. It aims to assist people in appreciating change and complexity, giving them the courage and confidence to act even if all the facts of a given situation cannot be apprehended. It provides a sound grounding in futures and foresight methodologies and how these can be applied in a range of professional practice contexts or in progressing to further research studies.
At the completion of the course, it is expected that students will be able to:
- Evaluate problems and uncover assumptions using theories and information from a range of disciplines as well as from personal experience
- Integrate learning across disciplines, over time and between academic, employment and personal spheres
- Research independently and explore with others those business or societal challenges and opportunities than have either not emerged onto current agendas or which are ‘unsolved’ because of the limitation of current understanding
- Generate creative solutions to issues arising from the processes involved in the application of strategic foresight methodologies.
- Inform and persuade others through presentations, processes or writing that is tailored to the situation and to stakeholder requirements
- Write clearly and concisely to a professional standard
- Use reflective practice to learn how to reason morally and ethically about the management of ‘wicked problems’ that could require the trade-off of the rights and responsibilities of a range of stakeholders in the future
Career opportunities
Graduates are well placed for a successful career in foresight and strategy in a range of organisations, including government policy areas and niche consulting firms with a focus on strategy and sustainability. Those who master knowledge and skills in this innovative field will be well placed to become leaders in a wide range of fields.
Professional recognition
Graduates will be eligible for membership of the World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF). The Federation may also grant the status of Fellow to practitioners of advanced professional standing.
Graduate attributes
The Swinburne graduate attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its graduates to be:
- Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas and an ability to engage in critical enquiry
- Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- Effective and ethical in work, community situations and reasoning skills
- Adaptable and able to manage change, and
- Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural)
Course experience
Swinburne Abroad
Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help you gain international experience while studying your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
The standard entry into the Masters of Strategic Foresight is a Graduate Certificate of Management Studies or equivalent program equal to 50 credit points at AQF level 8 from a recognised institution, as well as a minimum of three years work experience.
The standard entry into the Graduate Certificate of Management Studies is either:
i. Completion of an appropriate undergraduate qualification at a credit level (GPA 2.5, GMAT 550 or equivalent) from a recognised institution, or
ii. Candidates who do not hold an appropriate qualification but who have significant relevant work experience (usually at least three years) and evidence of academic capability
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. However it must be noted that RPL is not normally recognised for undergraduate qualifications. Students may not obtain RPL for the Professional Practice units.
Further details for students considering higher education courses: www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
Apply
Course fees
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.