Master of Environment and Sustainability - 2019

The Master of Environment and Sustainability is a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary, two-year course that integrates the knowledge needed to mitigate and adapt to global change with sustainability principles. Central to its approach is an understanding of the scale of dependence of social, economic and environmental systems for effective environmental governance. Thus, the course focuses on developing a global change knowledge base and a diverse vocational skill set, and provides evidentiary and interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving.

You will choose one of five specialisations and have the opportunity to work in real-world contexts, combining theory and practice, to respond to local and international, corporate, government and social environmental concerns. Graduates are strongly placed to provide strategic leadership in a wide range of settings, such as policy formulation, regulation, advice, management, extension and capacity building.

Specialisations

• Corporate environmental and sustainability management
• Environment and governance
• Environmental security
• International development and environment
• Leadership for sustainable development

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework Level 9 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework Level 9 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1. evaluate, analyse and integrate knowledge of global change and sustainability and the interdependence of society, the economy and the environment
2. evaluate, analyse and integrate approaches to environment and sustainability within their specialisations, including environmental security, international development, leadership, policy and governance or business management
3. apply expert, specialised cognitive, research, technical and communication skills to analyse and design solutions to environment and sustainability problems
4. reflect and participate constructively in ethical decision making consistent with sustainability principles.

   In addition, depending on the specialisation chosen:

   Corporate environmental and sustainability management students will be able to:

5. demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of global environmental, social and economic issues facing business and the key sustainability management theories, concepts and principles
6. apply expert skills and specialised knowledge of the key sustainability management theories, concepts and principles to critically evaluate the global environmental, social and economic issues facing business.

   Environment and governance students will be able to:

7. demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of key environmental challenges and environmental policy and management approaches to address these challenges
8. apply expert skills and specialised knowledge to critically evaluate environmental policy and management approaches and the design and implementation of fit for purpose policy and management approaches

   Environmental security students will be able to:

9. demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of the biological, chemical, and physical basis of global environmental change, its impacts on the natural environment and its implications for society
10. apply expert skills and specialised knowledge to analyse and interpret the science required for policy and environmental management within the field of environmental security

    International development and environment students will be able to:

11. demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of the theory and practice of international development, and frameworks for understanding the environmental impacts of development
12. apply expert skills and specialised knowledge to analyse the causes of poverty, disadvantage and environmental change, and plan and implement international development projects and programs

    Leadership for sustainable development students will be able to:

13. demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge tools, mechanisms and skills required to influence and lead change processes to enhance positive environmental, economic and social outcomes for sustainability
14. apply expert skills and specialised knowledge of critical drivers of individual behaviour affecting sustainability practice to analyse and to design solutions to target these drivers.

The course is structured in four parts: Part A. Environment and sustainability core studies, Part B. Specialisation preparatory studies, Part C. Specialist studies, and Part D. Advanced practice. All students complete Part A and Part C. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part B or Part D or a combination of the two.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

Part A. Environment and sustainability core studies

In these studies you will develop an understanding of the interactions and interdependence between nature, society and the economy, and the basic principles of sustainability (social, economic and environmental).

Part B. Specialisation preparatory studies

These studies will introduce you to advanced undergraduate or graduate level studies in your specialisation. They are intended for students whose previous qualification (or experience) is not in a cognate field to the specialisation. These studies will develop the discipline knowledge and skills required to study the stream of your choice.

Part C. Specialist studies

In this part you will develop expertise in one specialist area of environment and sustainability, and the research skills or knowledge needed either to undertake independent research or for the capacity to work and communicate across the borders of discipline, context or culture.

Part D. Advanced practice

In this part you will undertake professional or scholarly work that will contribute to a portfolio of professional development in your area of specialisation. You have two options:

• a program of coursework study where you select the units to suit your own interests. This option includes the opportunity to undertake an internship in the field or an interdisciplinary project
• a 24 point research thesis. If you wish to use this master's course as a pathway to a higher degree by research you should take this second option.

The course comprises 96 points structured into four parts: Part A. Environment and sustainability core studies (24 points), Part B. Specialisation preparatory studies (24 points), Part C. Specialist studies (24 points), and Part D. Advanced practice (24 points).

If you are admitted at:

• entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Parts A, B, C and D
• entry level 2 you complete 72 points, comprising Parts A, C and D
• entry level 3 you complete 48 points, comprising Parts A and C.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

The course progression mapprogression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/maps/map-s6002.pdf) provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Environment and sustainability core studies (24 points)

You must complete:

• ENS5010 Global challenges and sustainability (12 points)
• ENS5020 Perspectives on sustainability (12 points)

Part B. Specialisation preparatory studies (24 points) and Part C. Specialist studies (24 points)

You must complete specialisation preparatory studies and specialist studies for one of the following specialisations:

• Corporate environmental and sustainability management
• Environment and governance
• Environmental security
• International development and environment
• Leadership for sustainable development

Note: The elective units referred to under Part D(c) below are listed in each specialisation entry.

Part D. Advanced practice (24 points)

You must complete either a. or b. and c. below:

Research pathway

a. One research project unit from the following (24 points):

• ENS5900 Research thesis in environment and sustainability (24 points)
• ENS5901 Research thesis in environment and sustainability A (12 points) and ENS5902 Research thesis in environment and sustainability B (12 points)

Coursework and project/internship

b. One unit from (12 points):

• ENS5910 Interdisciplinary industry project for sustainable development solutions (12 points)
• ENS5920 Environment and sustainability project (12 points)
• ENS5930 Sustainability internship (12 points)

c. 12 points of units chosen from the list of electives listed for the relevant specialisation (see specialisations above)

You may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided you have satisfied the requirements for that award during your enrolment in this master's course:

• Graduate Certificate of Environment and Sustainability after successful completion of 24 points including at least 12 points from Part A, with at least 18 points at level 4 or above
• Graduate Diploma of Environment and Sustainability after successful completion of 48 points of study, including 24 points from Part A, and at least 12 points from Part C or Part D.

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a higher degree by research. You will need to demonstrate a strong academic record and undertake the 24 point research project in Part D.