Master's Degree Environmental Science Full Time

Master of Sustainability

at Deakin University · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

108875G

CRICOS provider code

00113B

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1.5 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$66,276 total

Per year

A$44,184/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Sustainability at Deakin University in Melbourne is designed for graduates passionate about driving positive change towards environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The course provides advanced interdisciplinary knowledge in sustainability principles, covering topics such as climate change mitigation, resource management, sustainable development, and environmental policy. It encourages students to critically examine how human activities affect ecosystems, communities, and economies, equipping them to develop innovative, practical solutions for complex sustainability challenges in both Australian and global contexts.

Structured over 1.5 years, the Master's degree is made up of units of study that collectively reach the required number of credit points. Students progress through core and elective units, which may include areas such as sustainability governance, sustainable cities, environmental impact assessment, and strategic leadership. The programme incorporates a capstone project, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, and often enables work-integrated learning or professional placements in collaboration with Australian industry or community partners.

Graduates develop advanced analytical, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills. The programme focuses on building expertise in sustainability communication, systems thinking, and integrated approaches to problem-solving, preparing students for leadership roles. The course is suited to those seeking to upskill or transition to sustainability-related careers, or professionals in sectors such as engineering, architecture, business, or public policy who wish to deepen their impact.

Deakin’s location in Melbourne supports strong industry connections with the growing Victorian sustainability sector, offering valuable opportunities for networking and professional experience. International students have work rights of up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Entry requires evidence of English proficiency, with approved tests including IELTS, TOEFL, and others as recognised by the university. Prospective students should confirm the latest admission and course details on the official page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Sustainability consultant in business, industry or government
Environmental policy analyst in the public sector
Corporate social responsibility specialist
Sustainability officer in the local government, urban planning, or resource sectors
Environmental educator or community engagement coordinator
Project manager for sustainable development programmes
Researcher or advisor within Australian NGOs or international agencies

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Sustainability at Deakin University?

It typically takes 1.5 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$66,276 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Sustainability consultant in business, industry or governmentEnvironmental policy analyst in the public sectorCorporate social responsibility specialistSustainability officer in the local government, urban planning, or resource sectorsEnvironmental educator or community engagemen...

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