Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science

This qualification produces work-ready professionals who are able to meet the challenges of modern day resource management.

The Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science has been developed in response to industry demand.

Along with the graduate certificate and master, it has been designed to meet 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.

This postgraduate qualification is offered as part of a suite of three programs (graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master).

Each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to a master level qualification.

If you finish this qualification and want to do further study, consider going on to the Master of Environmental Science.

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have a completed Bachelor degree or a Graduate Certificate in a relevant discipline from a recognised higher education institution. Relevant disciplines typically include science, engineering, environmental studies and environmental management.

Applicants with qualifications in other disciplines are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on a case by case basis.

You will develop the skills to understand and manage resources within a sustainability framework. Your courses will cover areas such as ecological economics, community partnerships and natural resource management. You will also take three advanced, sustainability-focused electives.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide – we offer our students plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience and make industry connections.

Our research is rated at well above world-class in environmental science and management1 and this research informs the basis of this qualification. We have partnerships with industries, local councils, governments, communities and other research organisations are addressing the knowledge gaps and problems of our natural and built environments.

We also host regular employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

1 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Your career

This graduate diploma will equip you with the knowledge and skills to work in the sustainability and environmental sector. Employment can be found in the following areas:

• 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:

• environmental adviser: offering environmental support to construction sites; ensuring compliance with environmental regulations; helping to achieve environmental targets (e.g. sending zero waste to landfill); liaising with site teams, the client, stakeholders and other environmental teams
• land management officer: engaging with and mobilising land managers to continuously improve management of their land and water through a whole of landscape approach to NRM; contributing to the operational management of parks and reserves; delivering on-ground works, community events, activities and minor projects
• environmental manager: managing environmental management systems within an organisation; identifying, solving and alleviating environmental issues such as pollution and waste treatment; working in compliance with environmental legislation; ensuring corporate sustainable development
• sustainability officer: setting sustainability policies, goals and objectives; reducing a company's carbon footprint in compliance with government environmental regulations; developing partnerships (e.g. with government agencies and the community) to deliver environmental sustainability projects.

You could also consider going on to a Master of Environmental Science.

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

You will have access to our multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub at the Mawson Lakes campus. The $50 million facility supports our world-class research in minerals and materials science. It’s a place that blends teaching and research environments, making you part of a vibrant learning community.