Key facts
Duration
0.5 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
Humanity is placing increasing pressure on the environment through growing consumption, resource use, and the increased degradation of natural capital. Issues of sustainability are complex, and there is a growing need for skilled professionals capable of developing cost-effective and targeted solutions to secure a better future.
In the Graduate Certificate of Sustainability, you will build a solid understanding of issues in sustainability, environmental science and global change. You will develop tools to measure and report on complex sustainability challenges and identify solutions that balance environmental, social and economic considerations. Gain a world-class degree from a university ranked in the top 100 globally for sustainability*, and kick-start your career making a positive impact on the world.
* QS World University rankings: Sustainability 2025.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Sustainability
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- S527
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Sustainability, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 2 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course elective units
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Year 1
Plus one unit from:
^ Students undertaking this unit must have successfully completed STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point)
Plus any two (2) course elective units from the list below.
Students intending to articulate into the Graduate Diploma or Master of Sustainability are recommended to choose their course elective units from within the same specialisation.
Students choosing Deakin's microcredentials^ (0.5cp) through our Stackable short courses as electives must take at least 2 microcredentials to equate to 1 credit point of study.
Health and Environment
HMC703-OD Promoting Human and Planetary Health (0.5 credit points) ^
MMC706-OD Change tools (0.5 credit points) ^
MMC705-OD Innovation and leadership (0.5 credit points) ^
Sustainable Regional Development
^ Students complete these Deakin approved microcredentials (Stackable Short Courses) to count towards the Health and Environment specialisation. These fully online microcredentials suit professionals with busy lives and work commitments, allowing you to complete microcredentials anytime and anywhere. Please refer to Microcredential learner support for more information.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Participation requirements
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: any aspect of environmental, social, and economic science, policy, and management.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn't have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you're able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$17,400 - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$4,730 - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:
- If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
- If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees. You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate of Sustainability you could use the credit points you’ve earned to enter into further study, including:
Graduate Diploma of Sustainability (S627)
Master of Sustainability (S727)
Master of Sustainability (Professional) (S728)
Career outcomes
As a graduate of this course, you will be equipped with the skills to build a rewarding career effecting positive change. You will be well positioned to develop and implement practical solutions to the complex problems facing our increasingly resource-constrained society. You may choose to seek employment as an environmental or sustainability officer, manager or consultant in government, non-government organisations or the private sector.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate specialist knowledge of natural and social sciences related to sustainability, environmental management, health and environment and sustainable regional development. |
| Communication | Present a reasoned argument that highlights essential details of sustainability, environmental management and sustainable regional development, theory and application, key observations, results and conclusions of scientific research in a professional manner using appropriate style, language and references including local, national, and international contributions or contexts. Apply listening skills and effective communication skills to accommodate, encourage and answer questions from a range of audience and to defend research/project findings and sustainability implementation propositions. Interpret the boundaries or limits of social and scientific information, data, discuss error, probability, uncertainty, conclusions and arguments to justify theoretical propositions, methodologies, methods, techniques, conclusions and professional decisions. |
| Digital literacy | Use well-developed technical skills, judgement and responsibility to independently locate, analyse, evaluate the merits of, synthesise and disseminate sustainability data, information and literature in the planning and implementation of projects to a range of stakeholders in sustainability, environmental management and sustainable regional development. |
| Critical thinking | Appraise complex social, economic and scientific methodologies and information from a broad range of interdisciplinary sources using critical, analytical and logical reasoning from multiple perspectives for evaluating and providing solutions to sustainability issues that incorporate the holistic principles. |
| Problem solving | Demonstrate complex problem-solving skills by identifying and creating solutions to real world sustainability through social, economic and/or scientific inquiry. |
| Global citizenship | Apply principles of sustainability and environmental management knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with the supervisor to articulate the place and importance of social and scientific inquiry in the local and global context. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
