Graduate Diploma in Environment and Sustainability

Course code: 0095 ~ Course abbreviation: GradDipEnv&Sust ~ Total credit points required: 48 ~ 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Arts

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton)

Course description

This course is designed to meet the needs of graduates from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds who wish to enhance their qualifications for careers in environmental policy and analysis, planning, consulting, education, advocacy and management. It is also designed for those who wish to broaden and deepen their understanding and experience to enable societal and individual change and responsible action to support sustainability. Its comprehensive set of core units provides the knowledge and skills to critically analyse problems of environment and sustainability and to propose realistic solutions in both personal and professional settings. Team-based research projects give students the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary context and to combine theory and practice in responding to local and global issues at individual, community, corporate and government levels. Electives cater for a wide range of specialised needs and interests.

Course objectives

Students completing this course will have: 1. an understanding of diverse aspects of the academic discipline; 2. an understanding of the world view of the field of study; 3. a familiarity with the secondary literature in the field of study; 4. a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study; 5. advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal; 6. developed sound analytical skills; 7. developed the ability to use relevant technology such as databases, information management systems and search engines effectively.

Course structure

Students complete 48 points of coursework, including 18 points of core units and 30 points of elective units chosen in consultation with a member of academic staff. All units worth 6 points unless otherwise indicated.

Course requirements

Core units

ENV4020 Perspectives on environment and sustainability
ENV4030 Environmental analysis
ENV4040 Frontiers in sustainability and environment

Elective units

ENV414F Ecological systems and management
ENV415F Law and the environment
ENV416F Introduction to economics
GES4890 Earth system interactions: from biogeochemical cycles to global change

The School of Geography and Environmental Science can provide a list of other electives offered across the university. If required, electives may be chosen from level three offerings, but only to a maximum of 12 points.

Exit points

After successful completion of 24 points, students may apply to exit the program with a Graduate Certificate in Arts.

Articulation

Graduates from the program may advance to a Master of Environment and Sustainability.

Course coordinator

Dr Sharron Pfueller