The Master of Forests (Advanced) is a specialised postgraduate degree that provides students with advanced knowledge of the science, economy, and society of forested landscapes and their management. The program takes a distinctive interdisciplinary approach, drawing on forest science, ecology, natural resource economics, environmental governance, and social science to equip graduates with the skills needed to manage and conserve Australia's diverse forest systems — from native forests and woodlands to plantation forests, farm forests, and urban forests. The Advanced variant of this degree is distinguished by the inclusion of a substantial supervised research project, typically up to one year in duration, culminating in the production of a thesis. This research component provides appropriate training for students considering doctoral study, while also demonstrating a high level of independent, applied inquiry to prospective employers. Students must achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in the first year of coursework before progressing to the research phase, ensuring only high-performing students undertake the advanced research pathway. The program is structured to develop knowledge across either the science and methods or the policy and management dimensions of sustainable forest management, or both, depending on career goals.

Employers who actively recruit graduates from this field include federal and state government agencies such as departments of environment, agriculture, and natural resources; statutory bodies like national parks services; forestry corporations and plantation managers; environmental consulting firms; non-government organisations; research institutions and universities; First Nations land management organisations; and international forestry and conservation bodies. Traditional Owners manage approximately one third of Australia's forests, mostly for conservation and environmental services, while state agencies manage another third and plantation forests supply the bulk of the country's timber — meaning graduates enter a highly diverse and active employment market that spans conservation, industry, policy, and research.

To be admitted to the Master of Forests (Advanced), applicants must hold a bachelor degree or recognised international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.5 out of 7.0 on the Australian standard scale. The degree must be in a cognate discipline, with at least eight courses completed in a relevant subject area. Recognised cognate disciplines include Ecology, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Natural Resource Economics, Natural Resource Management, Resource Management, Plant Sciences, Horticulture, and Agronomy. Applicants with a bachelor degree or graduate certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for one semester (approximately 24 units) of advanced standing, while those with a graduate diploma or honours degree may receive up to one full year (48 units) of credit, significantly reducing the time required to complete the program. Admission to these programs is competitive, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer — applicants are ranked based on academic achievement, and in some cases English language proficiency and diversity factors are also considered.

For the Advanced program specifically, there is an additional internal progression requirement: students must achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in the first 48 units of coursework and must secure the approval of a named supervisor before advancing to the research thesis component. Students who do not meet this threshold may be transferred to the standard master's program or exit with a Graduate Diploma. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through standardised tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic, with minimum scores set by the admitting institution. Prior professional experience in environmental or natural resource management is not typically required for admission, though it is highly valued and may strengthen an application.