Graduate Diploma of Sustainable Development

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Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Location
Online and Melbourne
Next start term
Term 1, 2026
Study mode
On Campus, Online
Course code
CM83
First-year fee
$31,980 (Indicative) (FFP)
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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Overview

If you're a professional aiming to enhance your expertise, the Graduate Diploma of Sustainability will prepare you to lead sustainability initiatives within organisations, communities, and industries.

This postgraduate sustainability degree offers a comprehensive exploration of sustainability principles and practices, equipping you to address complex environmental challenges and promote sustainable development across various sectors. The course covers key themes in environmental sustainability, including climate change adaptation, sustainable resource management, and environmental policy.

You will also explore broader aspects of sustainability, such as social equity, economic viability, and governance frameworks. You will gain critical skills and knowledge through interdisciplinary coursework and case studies to develop and implement effective sustainability strategies.

You will graduate will the skills, knowledge and capability to integrate sustainable practices into your professional roles, drive positive environmental outcomes, and contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development.

The Graduate Diploma of Sustainable Development is ideal as a standalone postgraduate qualification in sustainable development or as a stepping stone towards advanced studies in sustainability such as CQU's Master of Sustainable Development.

Study Experience

Discover more about your postgraduate sustainable development degree and how you'll benefit from flexible study options and seamless pathways to advance your skills and knowledge. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • Online or On Campus
  • Study Full-time or Part-time
  • Seamless Pathways

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Graduate Diploma of Sustainability you will be equipped for mid-level roles such as sustainability consultant, project manager, or community engagement officer. You’ll have the opportunity to work in areas like environmental management, urban planning, or corporate social responsibility, where you can lead sustainability initiatives and drive organisational change.

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 eight units. (48 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (8 units)

What You'll Study

In this course, you'll study eight units from the below list. 

Click on a unit below to learn more.

Showing 8 of 15

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

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

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 select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage. 

Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in November each year.

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.

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Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development

On Campus, Online

0.5 years full-time, 1 year part-time

Melbourne, Online

Master of Sustainable Development

Online, On Campus

2 years full-time, 4 years part-time

Melbourne, Online