This master degree offers innovative, integrated studies in sustainability, natural resources, and geospatial sciences.

It provides the opportunity to pursue higher level study before entering the workforce. It also fulfils the formal continuing professional development needs of environmental scientists and managers already in the workforce.

The University of South Australia’s environmental studies programs have been developed in response to industry demand. They are designed to meet the increasingly diverse responsibilities and challenges faced by managers, and the growing demand for skilled resource management practitioners. Courses are delivered by our highly qualified lecturers, and by industry practitioners from various government departments and private enterprise.

If you decide to exit this degree having completed the first four courses, you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science. If you have completed the first eight courses, you will receive the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science.

If you already have qualifications in a relevant discipline, you could be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete this degree in less than two years.

What you'll learn

You will explore the theory and practice of managing and sustaining our natural and built environment through core courses and advanced electives. You will also complete a Master Thesis. You will develop skills in:

• understanding and managing resources within a sustainability framework
• understanding and applying systems thinking
• spatial data management and analysis
• project management

This degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to take a leadership role in the sustainability and environmental sector. You could be employed by:

• federal and state government departments and agencies
• local authority departments and agencies
• large private sector industries
• small and medium enterprises (e.g. tourism, hospitality, planning)
• engineering and consulting companies
• non-government organisations (there are many aid and welfare organisations operating sustainability initiatives in developing countries)

Careers to consider:

• natural resource manager: protecting and managing wildlife, trees, plants, soil and water;  focusing on the issues linked to healthy ecosystems combined with human interaction such as habitation, economic resource extraction and recreation, and the complexities of climate change adaptation
• environmental manager: overseeing the environmental performance of private and public sector organisations; developing, implementing and monitoring environmental strategies that promote sustainable development; advising organisations on minimisation of their environmental impact