Monash Master of Environment and Sustainability - Frequently asked questions
Master of Environment and Sustainability -
Frequently asked questions
What exactly will I be learning?
Because the course is so flexible, different students will study different things. There are four parts to the course. Before we go through them, remember that if you’ve got relevant industry experience or qualifications in related areas, you could get credit for Part B, Part D, or both of them.
- Part A: Environment and sustainability core studies
Develop an understanding of the interactions and interdependence between nature, society and the economy, and the basic principles of sustainable societies, economies and environments. - Part B: Specialisation preparatory studies
You only need study this if your previous qualifications or experience is not in the field you’d like to specialise in. It will help you develop the disciplinary knowledge and skills you’ll need to study the area of your choice. - Part C: Specialist studies
This is where you’ll choose your specialisation, and develop expertise to work and communicate in your chosen field and across the borders of discipline, context or culture. You’ll also choose an elective from a broad suite of options – including a unit from a different specialisation. - Part D: Advanced practice
You have two options here. The first is coursework study where you select units to suit your own interests. This includes the opportunity to undertake an internship or a sustainability or interdisciplinary project, alongside two electives of your choice.the second is a research thesis – ideal if you want to use this course as a pathway to a PhD.
If you were to study all units over two years, it would look a like this:
| Year 1 Semester 1 | ENS5010 Global change and sustainability (Part A) | Specialisation preparatory studies Unit 1 (Part B) | Specialisation preparatory studies Unit 2 (Part B) | |
| Year 1 Semester 2 | ENS5020 Perspectives on sustainability (Part A) | Specialisation preparatory studies Unit 3 (Part B) | Specialisation preparatory studies Unit 4 (Part B) | |
| Year 2 Semester 1 | Specialist studies Core Unit 1 (Part C) | Specialist studies Core Unit 2 (Part C) | Research Project Or Interdisciplinary Project Or Sustainability Internship (Part D) | Research Project Or Interdisciplinary Project Or Sustainability Internship (Part D) |
| Year 2 Semester 2 | Specialist studies Core Unit 3 (Part C) | Specialisation elective (Part C) | Research Project Or Specialisation elective (Part D) | Research Project Or Specialisation elective (Part D) |
What units will I study?
Master core units (24 points, Part A)
All MES students complete:
- ENS5010 Global change and sustainability (12 points)
- ENS5020 Perspectives on sustainability (12 points).
Specialisation preparatory units (24 points, Part B)
Some students will complete preparatory units to develop important knowledge and skills for Part C.
Specialist units (24 points, Part C)
Students complete the following units within their chosen specialisation, and a 6-point elective of their choice from an approved list:
Corporate environmental and sustainability management | APG5433 Corporate sustainability management (6 points) |
Environment and governance | APG5230 Field studies in environmental governance (6 points) |
Environmental security | ENS5310 Security biodiversity and ecosystems (6 points) |
International development and environment | APG5627 Political ecology: Critical explanations of socio-environmental problems (6 points) |
Leadership for sustainable development | ENS5510 Processes to influence change (6 points) |
Advanced practice units (24 points, Part D)
MES students complete one of the following:
ENS5900 Research thesis in environment and sustainability (24 points)
ENS5910 Interdisciplinary industry project for sustainability development solutions (12 points)*
ENS5920 Environment and sustainability project (12 points)*
ENS5930 Sustainability internship (12 points)*
*Students undertaking this unit also complete 12 points of electives from an approved list.
Course learning outcomes
After completing this course, students should be able to:
- evaluate, analyse and integrate knowledge of global change and sustainability and the interdependence of society, the economy and the environment
- evaluate, analyse and integrate approaches to environment and sustainability within their specialisations, including environmental security, international development, leadership, policy and governance or business management
- apply expert, specialised cognitive, research, technical and communication skills to analyse and design solutions to environment and sustainability problems
- reflect and participate constructively in ethical decision making consistent with sustainability principles.
Our course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level nine and Monash Graduate Attributes.
Can you explain the core units in more detail?
ENS5010 Global change and sustainability (12 points)
This unit, together with ENS5020, sets the context for considering the interactions and interdependence between nature and society and the basic principles of sustainability (social, economic and environmental), reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals.
It provides the scientific basis for understanding contemporary global environmental change and its implications for society. Using the current global policy context in this area, it introduces the science of sustainability and the environment and their relevance to human well-being. It explores the key threats to sustainability, such as climate change, human migration, resource scarcity and emerging diseases. Core concepts covered in the unit include those of scale, systems and complexity.
The unit teaches problem structuring methods, evidence-based approaches and methods of interpreting risk and uncertainty. Particular emphasis is placed on developing skills to integrate evidence into sustainability actions across multiple sectors, systems and scales.Theory will be complemented with group learning exercises, professional development activities, and engagement with practitioners.
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1. evaluate and integrate the multidisciplinary scientific evidence for contemporary global change and ecosystem services
2. forecast challenges associated with global change and sustainability through analysing evidence and applying scientific knowledge, concepts and methods
3. appraise, classify and prioritise complex systems, problems and solutions relevant to sustainability
4. devise evidence-based approaches to sustainability through integrating data with multidisciplinary tools, frameworks and principles
5. plan evidence-based sustainability actions across multiple sectors, systems and scales
6. effectively communicate scientific knowledge across disciplines and communities of practice in environment and sustainability.
ENS5020 Perspectives on sustainability (12 points)
This unit, together with ENS5010, sets the context for considering the interactions and interdependence between nature and society and the basic principles of sustainability (social, economic and environmental), as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals.
It explores the values and perspectives of stakeholders alongside existing social structures that inform and affect how global challenges (as taught in unit ENS5010) are perceived and acted upon.
Within society there are varied understandings of the relationships between the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainability. How sustainability is viewed and addressed is shaped by a diversity of multi-stakeholder perspectives and value systems along with their capacity to influence economic, regulatory, and policy regimes.
This unit develops student’s capacity to map and critically analyse: i) multi-stakeholders and social structures affecting sustainability; ii) different ideological, cultural, philosophical, psychological and disciplinary perspectives on sustainability; and, iii) their implications for policymaking, development of business cases, disciplinary research, and action.
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1.evaluate and critique the historical roots, conceptual notions, frameworks and current debates on sustainability and sustainable development
2.examine environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability, and their interactions, through analysing different philosophical and ideological values and perspectives on sustainability and sustainable development
3.recognise the complex economic, regulatory and policy regimes that stakeholders influence and are shaped by
4.integrate the perspectives of different disciplines within an interdisciplinary context.
5.plan practical courses of action, policy-making and business cases by considering and analysing the implications of differing stakeholder perspectives and social structures
6.construct, articulate and effectively communicate critical and analytical arguments, in oral and written form, relevant to discussions of sustainability worldviews and philosophies.
Can you explain the specialisations in more detail?
Sure. This is Part C of the course – it’s compulsory, so every student must choose a specialisation.
The course page on study.monash explains the overarching focus of each specialisation, but if you want more detail, this table outlines the subjects you’ll study.
Specialisation | Subjects you’ll study |
Corporate environmental and sustainability management |
|
Environment and governance |
|
Environmental security |
|
International development and environment |
|
Leadership for sustainable development |
|
What is ‘Corporate environmental and sustainability management’ specialisation?
In this specialisation you will examine corporate sustainability challenges and opportunities in social, economic and environmental domains. You will develop the core competency of corporate management for sustainable and accountable development from the perspectives of governance, ethics, marketing and management.This specialisation is designed to meet the growing need for skilled professionals that have competencies in both business and environmental/sustainability management and who understand the nexus between the two.
In addition to the course learning outcomes, after completing this specialisation, students should be able to:
- demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of global environmental, social and economic issues facing business and the key sustainability management theories, concepts and principles
- 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.
These are the specialist studies you will undertake:
| APG5433 Corporate sustainability management (6 points) | Corporate management for sustainable development is emerging as a core competency for business leaders. The ability to create value from, and mitigate risks associated with, sustainable development increasingly impacts markets, access to capital, company reputation and shareholder value. Managers who understand the need for a strategic approach to corporate sustainability management will perform across the 'triple bottom line' of environmental, social and financial performance to preserve value and create new business opportunities. |
APG5434 Sustainability measurement (6 points) | As the sustainability agenda deepens, the public and private sectors face growing demands for accountability. This unit extends upon APG5433 and provides students with an overview of sustainability from an applied perspective, with a particular focus on effective measurement. Students examine i) how environmental and social performance interact with financial processes and measurement ii) steps, principles, tools and methodologies and their practical application when accounting for sustainability and its three capital stocks. This includes the how, what, when, where and why of measuring, monitoring, evaluating and reporting relevant sustainability related information. |
BTF5910 Sustainability regulation (6 points) | This unit assists students to understand the regulatory framework supporting a transition to ecologically sustainable development from a global perspective, including the role of international law, common law and national legislative schemes for protection of ecological services and natural resources, with particular consideration to the role of corporations and free trade. |
For more information, contact the Specialisation Coordinator Wendy Stubbs.
What is the ‘Environment and governance’ specialisation?
In this specialisation you will examine the role, structure and processes of government, market and civil society in relation to the environment and sustainability agenda. You will examine social and institutional frameworks for environmental governance and the tools for environmental analysis and decision making within the context of different doctrines of development. The specialisation will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to critically analyse problems of environmental governance and sustainability to enable societal and governmental change.
In addition to the course learning outcomes, after completing this specialisation, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of key environmental challenges and environmental policy and management approaches to address these challenges.
- 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.
These are the specialist studies you will undertake:
APG5230 | The unit provides a broad introduction to ecology and environmental management for candidates looking to develop an ecological literacy base for their professional careers. It is suitable for those with little or no prior ecological experience. Through Australian and international case studies, the unit provides practical experience in the application of ecological knowledge to make informed, science-based management and policy decisions. |
APG5426 Environmental analysis (6 points) | This unit equips students with understanding of basic tools for environmental analysis and decision making for sustainability. It will look at a range of techniques for attributing value to the environment. These include environmental and social impact assessment, risk analysis, strategic and integrated assessment, life cycle analysis, state-of-environment reporting, modelling, auditing, monitoring and scenario building. Throughout, the dynamic interaction between scientists, policy makers and the broader community will be explored. |
APG5428 Environmental governance and citizenship (6 points) | This unit explores social and institutional frameworks for environmental governance. It considers the role, structure and processes of government, market and civil society in relation to the environment and sustainability agenda. The emphasis is on exploring the nature of contemporary environmental governance, evaluating the assumptions on which it is based, and taking a critically informed view of its strengths and limitations. We will feature case studies e.g. waste management, climate change, water management, where multiple agencies and organisations work within a complex environmental system to implement a range of interesting and innovative approaches to environmental governance. |
For more information, contact the Specialisation Coordinator Wendy Stubbs.
What is the ‘Environmental security’ specialisation?
In this specialisation you will examine the threats posed to society by different forms of environmental change, such as climate change and resource depletion, and the responses needed to ensure sustainability for life support. You will draw on relevant global policy to understand the scientific evidence base required for effective environmental security policy and management across all levels of government and society. The specialisation is designed to equip you with professional skills and with the knowledge and skills to help society mitigate and adapt to global environmental change, so securing a sustainable future.
In addition to the course learning outcomes, after completing this specialisation, students should be able to:
- 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.
- Apply expert skills and specialised knowledge to analyse and interpret the science required for policy and environmental management within the field of environmental security.
These are the specialist studies you will undertake:
| ENS5310 Securing biodiversity and ecosystems (6 points) | This unit examines the ways in which multiple forms of global change interact to drive the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Solutions for securing biodiversity and ecosystem services and ensuring the protection and sustainable use of renewable resources are discussed. The unit uses relevant policies and management approaches by which biodiversity and ecosystems are governed, to evaluate the scientific evidence base underpinning these, and to identify gaps and future solutions. Example topics covered include integrated land-use planning, area- and species-based conservation strategies, biosecurity, and the development of sustainable harvest systems. Students will develop their understanding of the concepts and the skills needed for translating and integrating scientific evidence into decision-making for the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems. To enhance this understanding students will collaborate with peers and experts to develop their capacity to use biological knowledge and evidence in professional planning, management and conservation. |
ENS5320 Climate change, energy, and human security (6 points) | This unit provides a fundamental understanding of the science, policy and regulatory frameworks relating to the nexus between climate change, renewable and non-renewable energy resources. The physical science, climate models, projections and impacts are discussed along with national and international climate change policy and regulatory aspects. The unit will develop skills and understandings to translate the best contemporary climate change science into appropriate decision-making to preserve the physical, biological and economic systems upon which human security depends. Students will also gain understanding of climate change scenario development, vulnerability assessment and mitigation and adaptation responses at organizational, community and national levels. The unit will involve site visits to both renewable (solar arrays and wind farms) and non-renewable energy generation facilities. To facilitate these understandings visits will also be made, for example, to local government authorities in Victoria dealing with climate change vulnerabilities and assessments. The critical links between climate change, climate change impacts and human security are emphasised throughout the unit. |
ENS5330 Water security and environmental pollution (6 points) | This unit will give students the knowledge and perspectives to manage water resources for human consumption, recreation and ecological values. The unit will commence by covering the basics of the hydrological cycle necessary to understand the factors controlling groundwater and surface water availability. Fundamentals of water quality and pollutants and their behaviour including, metals, organic contaminants, nutrients and algal blooms, pathogens and acidification (within the context of acid sulfate soils, mine drainage and ocean acidification) will also be addressed. Application of this knowledge will then be undertaken with case studies of contaminated systems, their assessment and remediation approaches. Finally the unit will cover the policy approaches used to manage water resources around the world including local and international examples of the development of water quality guidelines and frameworks. Current approaches used to balance the needs of ecological values and human water needs, will also be discussed with global and local examples. |
For more information, contact the Specialisation Coordinator Susie Ho.
What is the ‘International development and environment’ specialisation?
This specialisation will introduce you to comparative perspectives on the theory and practice of international development, and frameworks for understanding the environmental impacts of development and for working towards sustainability. You will gain rigorous theoretical and practical training in analysis of international development practices and programs. The specialisation recognises that international development is a dynamic and changing sector, and will equip you with knowledge and skills to work in the sustainability and community development sector in Australia and internationally.
In addition to the course learning outcomes, after completing this specialisation, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of the theory and practice of international development, and frameworks for understanding the environmental impacts of development.
- 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.
These are the specialist studies you will undertake:
APG5627 | This Unit introduces students to the field of political ecology, which considers the relevance of power and politics for shaping relationships between humans and their environments. The Unit explores the principles and analytical approaches of political ecology, particularly as applied to diverse real-world cases. Students engage with seminal and contemporary contributions in political ecology, exploring those contributions in relation to real-world case studies. The Unit introduces students to the key concepts of political ecology, conceptualising human-environment relations through society, nature, and capitalism. |
APG5628 | This unit addresses these questions by deconstructing the conceptual and practical pillars of development, and by interrogating similar concepts such as economic growth, progress, and modernisation. In addition to reviewing some early theorisations of development , the unit exposes the power-laden and unequal nature of contemporary development as an institutionalised set of practices that rose to prominence after World War II. Using case studies to paint a picture of geographically uneven development today, the unit explores whether development theories correlate with development-in-practice. |
APG5805 | The unit introduces students to the principles and practice of project planning and project management in international development. It takes a practical, hands-on approach to learning and applying project management strategies, tools and skills, especially as they relate to facilitating and managing participatory processes and participatory development. The unit cultivates project planning and management skills, examines the related strategic rationale, development partnerships and cross-cutting issues in development, including social inclusion and sustainability themes. |
For more information, contact the Specialisation Coordinator Wendy Stubbs.
What is ‘Leadership for sustainable development’ specialisation?
The 'Leadership for sustainable development' specialisation, unique in Australia, gives you the skills to influence, persuade, plan and lead transformative change. You'll work more effectively across teams, disciplines and sectors. You'll identify new opportunities and map strategic pathways toward ambitious, innovative projects. Whether you're embedded in a large organisation, small business or creating entrepreneurial projects yourself, this specialisation helps you to create a bigger impact.
In addition to the course learning outcomes, after completing this specialisation, students should be able to:
- 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.
- 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.
These are the specialist studies you will undertake:
| ENS5510 Processes to influence change (6 points) | Leadership for sustainable development requires the ability to influence societal change in a range of complex contexts at varying scales. Critical appreciation is needed of processes and mechanisms that affect and guide such change. The unit breaks down the complexity of change processes, examining the various components of societal change (rules, norms, values, knowledge), and the different dimensions of our social world (institutional, political, organisational, community), that either help or hinder sustainable development. The unit also explores a range of formal and informal processes of influence. |
ENS5520 Understanding human behaviour to influence change (6 points) | Behavioural change approaches are an important, and often very cost effective, part of the mix of solutions to many sustainability and other public policy issues, such as water conservation, energy efficiency and immunisation. Considerable opportunities exist in this space, as comparatively little time and effort is usually invested in understanding the drivers of individual behaviour and designing solutions that target these drivers. With a mix of theoretical and practical work, this unit will enable students to understand individual behaviour in a way that identifies opportunities for change. It will take students through a process of unpacking public policy challenges and identifying real-life behavioural solutions. This involves prioritising behaviours and target audiences and understanding drivers of behaviour and potential solutions. Students will also learn to work collaboratively to design, test and evaluate behaviour change interventions. |
ENS5530 Leading change for sustainable development (6 points) | Building the capacity for effective leadership for sustainable development, at an individual, team and organisational scale, is one critical factor in addressing contemporary sustainability challenges. This unit frames ‘leadership’ as a process of influence that delivers a shared vision, aligns resources towards that vision and generates commitment to collective success. It recognises the importance of individual and group-based leadership to successful sustainable development outcomes, and focuses on those aspects of leadership that can be consciously developed, such as critical leadership skills and choosing appropriate strategies to match the context. The unit differs from traditional MBA-style leadership training in that it selects the theoretical frameworks/models, leadership roles, case studies and skill sets from the vast leadership literature that are most relevant to practitioners who seek to advance sustainable development. Starting with the concept of self-leadership, students will learn strategies and skills to develop their own leadership abilities as well as understand principles and practices for exerting influence and effecting change to support sustainable development. Students will also develop an individual leadership development plan, drawing on the concept of ‘self-leadership’, the principles and methods of leadership development and the types of knowledge, skills and networks typically needed for sustainable development leadership. This plan will set out developmental objectives and specific actions to improve leadership performance and capacity. |
For more information, contact the Specialisation Coordinator Annette Bos.
Can you tell me more about the advanced practice units?
ENS5900 Research thesis in environment and sustainability (24 points)
ENS5900 (24 credit points) provides an opportunity for students to pursue a major academically-oriented piece of research in their chosen discipline during the advanced practice component of the course. A research thesis enables students to consolidate the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills acquired during the Master course in a research context. It requires independent learning and research by the student on a chosen topic related to the core and elective units offered in the specialisation. The unit primarily comprises independent research but includes some scheduled activities to enhance and develop transferable skills for success in research. Students are assessed primarily on the thesis. Students also undertake a reflective task to help develop and present novel perspectives on their research within the broader field of environment and sustainability. This authentic research experience represents a pathway to a PhD. The 24 point unit can be taken within one semester, or over two semesters.
ENS5910 Interdisciplinary industry project for sustainability development solutions (12 points)*
ENS5910 (12 credit points) is the unit for students who wish to develop their professional competencies for working effectively in an applied interdisciplinary context. In this unit, teams composed of 3-5 students from different disciplines will work in association with a partner organisation from government, private industry or not-for-profit to identify, analyse and address ‘real-world’ complex, sustainability challenges.
In their mixed-disciplinary teams, students will focus on a sustainability governance, policy or management topic that has been identified as a ‘wicked problem’ by a partner organisation associated with Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI).
With guidance from an MSDI supervisor and the partner organisation, the team will diagnose and analyse different perspectives, values at stake and politics of the project and will present a well-argued, plainly communicated and easily accessible analysis of the wicked problem. Within the team the students will negotiate and integrate their knowledge to develop a context specific and relevant solution to the identified sustainability challenge. The team will deliver a proposed solution implementation strategy to the partner organisation that includes mechanisms to create and enable the desired change.
Students will communicate the project findings in the format specified by the academic supervisor and/or partner organisation. Part of the teams’ interdisciplinary project outcomes will be a project report that is to be shared with the partner organisation. The unit includes some scheduled activities alongside the project work to enhance and develop professional skills. Students from any specialisation can undertake this unit if they fulfil the academic requirements and gain approval from their specialisation and unit coordinator.
ENS5920 Environment and sustainability project (12 points)*
ENS5920 (12 credit points) enables students to undertake an applied project in environment and sustainability during the advanced practice year of the course. It provides an opportunity to pursue a contained research topic, in an applied manner, in collaboration with other students. This involves developing the capacity to integrate and apply knowledge and skills from different specialisations. The topic, chosen by students from a list of research topics provided by the unit coordinator, will draw upon the subject matter covered in the course and address an applied challenge in the field of environment and sustainability. It will allow students to build upon the research skills and experiences developed within their specialisation. This unit culminates in an oral presentation and written research report. The unit includes some scheduled activities and a reflection task alongside the project work to enhance and develop professional skills.
ENS5930 Sustainability internship (12 points)*
ENS5930 (12 credit points) is the unit for students who wish to undertake a professional internship during a semester of the advanced practice year of the Master of Environment and Sustainability. Students undertake a project defined by a host organisation domestically or internationally with the approval of the unit and specialisation coordinator. The placement may be an affiliated arrangement where a consultancy or research project is carried out in association with the organisation and physical location at the organisation is not required. Host organisations may be from a diverse range of industries and sectors, including government departments, private industry and not-for-profit organisations. Students communicate the project findings to the host organisation in the format specified by the host organisation, such as a consultation paper, report, commentary, manual, submission or speech. The host organisation provides field supervision, and the Faculty of Arts provides academic supervision. The unit includes some scheduled activities alongside the project work to enhance and develop professional skills. Students from any specialisation can undertake this unit if they fulfil the academic requirements and gain approval from the appropriate coordinators.
*Students undertaking this unit also complete 12 points of electives from an approved list.
I notice I can choose some electives. Which units can I select from?
There are a whole heap of options! We offer a broad range of electives, so you can tailor the course to suit your passions and desired career direction.
You can choose a specialist unit from a different specialistion than your own OR please contact your specialisation coordinator for a list of the many electives available to you in your specialisation.
Are there alternative exits for this course?
Yes. Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award during their enrolment in the masters 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.
How do I apply for credit to shorten the duration of my course?
After applying to this course, eligible applicants will receive a letter of offer for the full course duration (96 credit points, 2-years full-time or 4-years part-time).
In the letter of offer, applicants will receive instructions on how to apply for credit to shorten the course duration.
In other words, you apply for credit after receiving and accepting the initial offer. Credit is assessed based on your previous academic achievements and experience. You can apply for recognition for prior learning and other postgraduate studies.
Please click the link to view eligibility requirements for credit for entry levels 2 or 3.
What careers can I pursue after I graduate?
Feel free to dream big. In the last decade or two, the sustainability job market has been rising rapidly.
This master’s degree will set you up for many meaningful roles. Graduates of this course’s precursor have found jobs in business, in all sectors of government (including quasi-governmental agencies like the Environment Protection Authority), in national and international NGOs, at universities, research centres and think tanks, and in consulting.
Obviously, your specific options depend on your specialisation. Choose ‘environment and governance’, and you could implement sustainability strategies, programs or initiatives, analyse environments and develop policy, or advance public education and advocacy projects.
If you’re considering the ‘corporate environmental and sustainability management’ specialisation, note that there is a growing demand for sustainability leaders in business. In the US, corporations from General Motors to Google have created chief sustainability officer positions in the last couple of years. In Australia, the big four banks are now ranked in the 2016 Global 100 index – the top 100 most sustainable businesses in the world.
‘Environmental security’ directly addresses the challenges of global environmental security – energy shortages, loss of biodiversity, extreme temperatures, emerging infectious diseases and food and water insecurity. You’ll graduate with science literacy skills to manage and create policy around using sustainable resources and protecting the environment. The specialisation is ideal if you want to work either nationally or internationally with those organisations who are working to ensure life on earth has a future.
Developing nations need a new generation of experts. Our ‘international development and environment’ specialisation will allow you to unpack issues of poverty, disadvantage and environmental change, and equip you to take on leadership roles in organisations that are building human rights, social equity and sustainable development.
‘Leadership for sustainable development’ does what it says on the tin. It gives you the skills to persuade, influence and lead the kind of trans formative change required to develop solutions for a better world. You’ll learn to develop grand narratives that help guide others through the complex processes that result in sustainable solutions.that could be in an organisation dedicated to sustainable development, or an organisation that needs to begin focusing on sustainable development.
I don’t know a lot about science. Is that a problem?
Absolutely not. The point of this course is to attract a mix of expertise. Through your compulsory units, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the trends, issues and, yes, the science underlying sustainable development.
I’m a scientist unfamiliar with regulation, law and economy. Is that a problem?
No – we cater for this. The course is designed to bring together the expertise of people from a wide variety of disciplines. Bring your scientific knowledge to the table and use it to expand your career or carve out a whole new one.
Prior Learning Credits
Can I skip some subjects if I’ve studied them before? And what’s the benefit?
Yes. As we said, if you’ve got industry experience or qualifications in related areas, we may give you credit for parts B and/or D. We can talk to you about this during the application process.
Credit shortens your course – and, consequently, lowers your fees. Basically, to complete the course you need to earn 96 points. (For context, each subject (unit) is usually six points.) If you’ve got a bachelor degree in business, environmental science, humanities, science or social sciences, you could get 24 points as credit. With a relevant honours degree, you could get 48 points as credit.
You don’t have to take credit though, even if you’re eligible. Some students want to fully immerse themselves in the course and solidify their knowledge.
I’m an international student. Can I apply?
Of course. In this course, every student is a global student, so it doesn’t matter where you come from.
Find out how to apply as an international student here. The only caveat is that international students must study the course full-time to qualify for a student visa.
Fees and costs
How much will it cost?
For the most up to date information, please check Study.Monash for fees.
Domestic students – Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and humanitarian visa holders – have a range of options to help pay their fees.
Can I get a scholarship?
Possibly – we offer one of the most comprehensive and generous scholarship programs in Australia. There are scholarships for both domestic and international scholarships.
Structure
How can I study around work and family?
Good question! It can be tricky – this is an on-campus course, based at Clayton – but we do our best to make it as easy as possible.
Firstly, it depends on how much time you have to devote to study. If you’re in a position to study full-time, you can complete the course in either one or two years, depending on your prior qualifications.
If you’re juggling study with work and/or family, you can study part-time. Because we know that many of our part-time students are working, we try our best to schedule classes at in blocks and/or after work. Unit activities often include peer-directed learning and online work.
We finalise schedules and classes towards the end of the year. You'll be able to plot out your schedule in our Handbook.
Joining our Postgraduate Students Association is a great idea – it immediately connects you to a cohort with lots of tips and tricks for managing a busy diary.
Is Monash Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability the same?
It’s similar, but better. The Master of Environment and Sustainability is an evolution of the Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability, and adds two new specialisations. If you were considering the first course, this course is ideal.