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Deakin University

  • 21% international / 79% domestic

Master of Sustainability

  • Masters (Coursework)

Globalisation, population growth and climate change are dramatically impacting the natural environment, economies, and societies around the world.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Course Code
S721, 096752K
Intake Months
Mar, Jul

About this course

Globalisation, population growth and climate change are dramatically impacting the natural environment, economies, and societies around the world. Issues of sustainability are critical to our future and humanity is placing increasing pressure on the environment through growing consumption, resource use, and increased degradation of natural capital such as land, water, air and biodiversity.

The Master of Sustainability prepares you to address the complex and interacting social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability issues and challenges faced globally. Throughout this course, you will develop advanced knowledge and contemporary skills in the multidisciplinary approaches to examining why environmental impacts occur and developing appropriate cost-effective and targeted solutions to managing these impacts.

Want the skills to develop and implement sustainability strategies across a range of sectors?

A key focus of the Master of Sustainability is developing an in depth understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, which every member country of the United Nations is committed to achieving by 2030.

Explore options for how humanity can meet its growing needs without limiting the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Graduate with the skills to develop successful sustainability strategies by applying multidisciplinary approaches and taking a 'triple bottom line' approach to policy and management solutions, balancing environmental, social and economic considerations.

The flexible structure of the course provides you with the opportunity to specialise in either environmental management or sustainable regional development. You will also have the option to study a range of sustainability issues via electives spanning cities, health, indigenous management, data science and more.

The course provides you with the foundations of sustainability science. In second year you can pursue an industry-based placement or a research pathway, involving industry-linked research projects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations.

Connections to industry are an integral part of this course and ensures you have the opportunity to gain an industry perspective and establish professional networks prior to graduation. Guest lectures from key industry partners are embedded into the course to provide you with an understanding of sustainability issues in a real-world context.

Career pathways

As a graduate of this course, you will be uniquely positioned to commence a PhD or actively pursue research roles in industry, education, government, NGOs, policy developments and teaching. Depending on your chosen area of expertise, you may choose to seek employment as an ecologist, environment consultant, communications specialist, researcher or science journalist. Potential employers include CSIRO, planning and research officers for state/federal government, government planning and environment departments, environmental protection agencies, cultural and natural heritage management, environmental conservation, land and water management, natural resource management, , private research institutes, private commercial companies, industrial research companies, universities, NGOs, schools, agriculture and food sector, local councils and public service.

Course structure

To complete the Master of Sustainability, students must attain 16 credit points, which must include the following:

Year 1 (8 credit points):

  • Two (2) core units (2 credit points);
  • One (1) specialisation (advanced disciplinary study area) (4 credit points);
  • Two (2) credit points of elective units;
  • Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit).

Year 2 (8 credit points):

  • Research pathway or Industry Practice pathway (8 credit points).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

Credit for prior study or work

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Architecture & Building courses at Deakin University.
80.6%
Overall satisfaction
85.6%
Skill scale
72.3%
Teaching scale
79.4%
Employed full-time
$64k
Average salary