Master of Environmental Science

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.

UniSA 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.

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 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.

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have a completed Bachelor degree, Graduate Certificate, or a Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline from a recognised higher education institution. Relevant disciplines for entry 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.

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree or Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline may be eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree or Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies may be eligible for 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.

Relevant disciplines for advanced standing typically include Environmental Management; Civil and Environmental Management; or Natural Resource Management. Applicants with qualifications in other disciplines are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on a case by case basis.

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

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 environmental science programs have been developed with extensive input and support from industry experts. An industry-based advisory group has also been established to oversee the programs so that they continue to meet industry standards.

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.

Your career

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

Applying to study with us:

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

You may be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete the requirements of this qualification in less than 2 years. Please see entry requirements for further details. When applying through SATAC, please refer to the codes below. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for Advanced Standing, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences.

• 2 years - SATAC CODE 4CM163
• 1 year - SATAC CODE 4CM200

If you have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree or Graduate Diploma in a related area, you may be eligible for Advanced Standing. This entitles you to enter this degree with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing, and complete it in one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) study. The disciplines relevant for Advanced Standing typically include:

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies
• Environmental Management
• Civil and Environmental Management
• Natural Resource Management

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.