Bachelor in Sustainable Tropical Forestry

Program Overview

The Department of Sustainable Tropical Forestry, within the School of Natural Resources, offers a four-year degree leading to the Bachelor in Sustainable Tropical Forestry. The program develops scientific knowledge, technical capability, and professional values for sustainable forest resource management in Papua New Guinea and the wider South Pacific.

Why Study Sustainable Tropical Forestry With Us?

The program is designed to prepare graduates for modern forestry systems with practical, scientific, and interdisciplinary training.

Sustainable Resource Management

Learn sustainable use, management, and wise utilization of forest resources.
Build expertise for current and future generations in tropical forestry.
Support responsible forestry in Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.

Science and Field Learning

Develop foundations in forest ecology, botany, silviculture, and forest assessment.
Apply classroom learning in field-based and industry-relevant settings.

Industry and National Relevance

Train forestry experts to meet national and industry expectations.
Support downstream processing and processed timber output in PNG.
Strengthen sustainable land use and forest resource management.

Professional Capability

Gain skills in planning, policy, conservation, and forest operations.
Prepare for careers in government, industry, research, and community development.
Study with academic, technical, and administrative support from the department team.

Degree Programs and Majors

The forestry program offers five majors in Years 3 and 4.

Major 1

Forestry Sciences and Technology

Develop technical and scientific capability for sustainable forestry systems, forest productivity, and timber utilization.

Major 2

Forestry Management & Nature Conservation

Focus on forest stewardship, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, and responsible land use planning.

Major 3

Forest Carbon Science & Policy Management

Study forest carbon systems, climate policy, environmental governance, and carbon-related planning for forestry.

Major 4

Regional Development and Sustainability

Explore the relationship between forestry, communities, regional planning, and sustainable development outcomes.

Major 5

Forest Engineering and Harvesting

Build capability in timber operations, harvesting systems, transport planning, and engineering methods for forest industries.

Course Structure

Selected courses from Year 1 to Year 4 of the program.

Year 1 Courses	Semester
SFS 111 Introduction to Forestry	Semester 1
STA 112 Applied Biology	Semester 1
STA 113 Applied Chemistry	Semester 1
STA 114 Communication Skills	Semester 1
SIT 114 Introduction to ICT	Semester 1
STA 121 Applied Physics	Semester 2
STA 122 Applied Maths	Semester 2
STA 123 Forest Ecology	Semester 2
SLP 121 NRC and Utilization	Semester 2

Year 2 Courses	Semester
SFS 212 Forest Product & Utilization	Semester 1
SFS 213 Forest Botany & Dendrology	Semester 1
STA 211 Principles of Soil Science	Semester 1
STA 212 Introduction to Statistics	Semester 1
SFS 224 Natural & Plantation Forest Silviculture	Semester 2
SFS 225 GIS for Natural Resources Management	Semester 2
SFS 226 Catchment Management	Semester 2
SFS 227 Forest Management & Environment Ecosystem Service	Semester 2

Year 3 Courses	Semester
SFS 111 Forest Resource Inventory & Assessment	Semester 1
STA 311 Statistics	Semester 1
STA 313 Extension Methods	Semester 1
M 314 Small Business Planning	Semester 1
A322 Research Methods	Semester 2
SFS 323 Sustainable Use of NTFP & Wood Science	Semester 2
F 324 Sustainable Palm Oil Production	Semester 2
SFS 325 Civics & Ethics	Semester 2

Year 4 Courses	Semester
F413 Forests Policy, Law and Administration	Semester 1
F414 Forests Economics	Semester 1
F411 Agroforestry Systems & Community Forestry	Semester 1
A 412 Industry Project	Semester 1
A413 Entrepreneurship & Leadership	Semester 1
A 421 Plant/Tree Breeding and Biotechnology	Semester 2
A 427D Special Research Project 2	Semester 2
F 422 Certification and Legality in Forestry	Semester 2
F 425 REDD+ & Global Carbon Marketing	Semester 2
F426 Forest Management & Environmental Planning	Semester 2

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements for admission into the forestry program.

Grade 12 Higher School Certificate or equivalent.
Grade B or better in Language and Literature.
Maths A or Maths B.
At least two of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
One additional subject.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in forestry, conservation, climate policy, and natural resource industries.

Careers

Professional Roles

Graduates can become Forest Managers, Conservationists, Agroforestry Specialists, Wildlife Biologists, Climate Analysts, Policy Advisors, Operations Managers, Researchers, Tutors, and Lecturers.

Industry

Employment Sectors

Employment opportunities include forestry and conservation agencies, environmental and climate programs, land management organisations, resource companies, NGOs, and research institutions.

Impact

Sustainable Development

Graduates are positioned to lead in sustainable and ethical forest management, helping protect biodiversity and strengthen long-term resource use in Papua New Guinea.

Department Contact

Contact the Department of Sustainable Tropical Forestry, School of Natural Resources, for admissions and program enquiries.

Mailing Address

Department of Forestry
School of Natural Resources
Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment
Private Mail Bag, Kokopo
East New Britain Province

Phone & Email

Main Switchboard: 987 1200
Admissions: studentadmin@unre.ac.pg
General Enquiries: publicrelations@unre.ac.pg

Join the Program

Help advance sustainable forestry and contribute to a more resilient, environmentally responsible future for Papua New Guinea.

Apply Now