Master of Sustainable Development

Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Location
Online and Melbourne
Next start term
Term 2, 2025
Study mode
On Campus, Online
Course code
CM82
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Overview

The Master of Sustainable Development is designed for professionals seeking to become leaders in the field of sustainability. This comprehensive course offers a holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing environmental, social and economic dimensions.

In this postgraduate sustainability degree, you will delve into advanced topics, including sustainable resource management, policy analysis and corporate sustainability strategies. You will build and advance your understanding of sustainability in areas such as emergency and disaster management, community engagement and resource management, climate change, demography, business sustainability, public health and more. This extensive coverage will equip you with a robust and multi-faceted understanding of sustainable development.

A distinctive feature of this course is the practical residential school, where you will gain hands-on skills and insights from industry experts. This immersive experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing your practical understanding of sustainable practices. The curriculum is designed to foster innovative solutions and critical thinking, preparing graduates to drive sustainable development agendas, influence policy and implement impactful initiatives in diverse sectors globally.

Career Opportunities

With a Master of Sustainable Development, you will be ready for leadership and senior advisory roles in sustainability. You will be positioned for careers as a sustainability manager, policy advisor or strategic planner, working in sectors like environmental management, disaster management, corporate sustainability, climate change mitigation and public health. You’ll be equipped to influence policy, lead development projects and drive systemic change across industries.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete 15 units. (96 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (14 units)
  2. 2
    One elective unit

What You'll Study

In this course, you will study 15 units, consisting of 14 core units and one elective.

The units you'll study are listed below. The first 14 units listed are the core units. You will also have the option to select an elective from either:

  • Community Safety and Education
  • Volunteerism and the Community

Click on a unit to learn more.

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Course Planner

To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and when you will study each unit, check out our course planners.

Browse course planners

Additional Information

Attendance at a compulsory residential school is required.

If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative First-Year Fee

Not Yet Available
Please check back later or visit our fees webpage for more information.

The Indicative First-Year Fee for a Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (this is usually eight units studied over two terms) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you study and your study load. Check the cost-per-unit spreadsheet available on our fees webpage for the approved unit fees. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.

You may be eligible for FEE-HELP, an Australian Government loan scheme that helps eligible students pay their tuition fees. Provided you meet the FEE-HELP eligibility criteria, you can choose to use FEE-HELP to cover all or part of your tuition fees. 

Learn more about paying for university or view the FEE-HELP information booklet on the Australian Government’s Study Assist website.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your Application Options

Extra Admission Information

Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.

Start Your Application

Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.