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Deakin master of sustainability professional students in front of recycling containers talking.

Master of Sustainability (Professional)

Top 100 worldwide for sustainability

I am a domestic student ?Domestic students are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.
Domestic International

Entry requirements for

I am a domestic student ?Domestic students are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.
Domestic International

Check the entry requirements below to confirm your eligibility for this course, including academic qualifications and English language requirements.

View entry requirements

Check the entry requirements below to confirm your eligibility for this course, including academic qualifications and English language requirements.

View entry requirements
Campus
  • Burwood
  • Online
Duration 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Intakes Trimesters 1, 2 View how to apply
Fees Commonwealth Support Places (CSP) available View fees and scholarships
EnquireApply

#1 Victorian university for course satisfaction

#1 Victorian university for science facilities

Top 100 worldwide for sustainability

Why choose sustainability (professional) at Deakin

Explore how humanity can meet its growing needs while ensuring future generations can meet theirs in the Master of Sustainability (Professional). Focusing on multidisciplinary approaches to policy and management, you will acquire the advanced knowledge and skills needed to develop successful sustainability strategies that balance environmental, social and economic considerations. 
 
This flexible course allows you to tailor your degree to suit your career aspirations by providing a choice of options towards the latter part of your studies –research, sustainability-focused elective study, or a combination of industry practice and sustainability-focused elective study. You will build a solid foundation in sustainability, environmental science, and global change, before specialising in an area of your choosing. Whatever you choose, you will be equipped for a rewarding career effecting positive change. Be the catalyst for a wonderful, sustainable future.

  • Unbeatable employability

    Build advanced sustainability skills preparing you for roles across government, business and consulting sectors.

  • Work-integrated learning

    Complete a professional placement or project that connects you with real sustainability challenges and industry partners.

  • Interdisciplinary learning approach

    Explore sustainability across science, policy and systems thinking, giving you a broad skill set to solve industry problems.

  • Leadership-ready capabilities

    Develop strategic thinking and applied knowledge to lead sustainability initiatives in complex organisational settings.

Connected to industry

Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.

A smiling postgraduate student walks down stairs on the Burwood campus.

Get more from postgraduate study at Deakin

Learn from industry experts, build valuable professional connections and develop the expertise to progress your career or take it in a new direction.

Deakin puts employability first

Career outcomes

Develop advanced skills to address complex sustainability challenges and drive meaningful change. If you choose the research option, you can also pursue further research study, including a masters by research or PhD.

Environmental manager

Plan and oversee environmental programs that help organisations manage their environmental impact. Support compliance, assess environmental risks and implement strategies to improve environmental performance.

  • $180k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

  • 11.5%

    Projected job growth in 5 years

Sustainability officer

Evaluate community needs and environmental impacts, and develop programs that support more sustainable practices. Work with stakeholders to deliver projects and recommend ways to reduce negative impacts.

  • $100k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

  • 24%

    Net growth in Australia by 2030

Professional areas

  • Environmental protection
  • Natural heritage management
  • Land and water management
  • Natural resource management
  • Agriculture
  • Communications and planning

Key dates

Direct applications

Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about this course.

A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.

Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.

Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.

The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.

Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.

Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.

Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.

Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.

*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.

Course structure

To complete the Master of Sustainability (Professional), you must pass 16 credit points.

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.

3
Core units
+
4
Specialisation units
+
9
Pathway units
=
16
Total units

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements

Units

You are required to complete three core units (these are essential units for this degree)

In your first trimester you must also complete two 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
DAI001
Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)
STP710
Professional Research Practice
SLE761
Sustainability in the Anthropocene
SLE756
Environmental Science and Global Change
SLE757

Professional recognition

The Master of Sustainability (Professional) is professionally accredited by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). As a student of this course, you are encouraged to apply for EIANZ student membership and connect with the professional network that can support your future career as an environmental professional.

Deakin student smiling and holding a bag, dressed in business wear.

What to expect while studying

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, workshops, site visits and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Students will have an opportunity to complete work experience as part of the industry practice pathway.

At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.

If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.

When can I start?

When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.

Explore important dates

Campus
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
BurwoodMelbourne
Online

Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.

Course Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate mastery and specialist knowledge of natural and social sciences related to sustainability, environmental management, health and environment and sustainable regional development.

Plan and execute a substantial research or industry based project to demonstrate a deep understanding and mastery within the sustainability, environmental management and sustainable regional development disciplines.

Demonstrate well-developed judgement and responsibility to review, analyse and develop sustainability strategies based on holistic principles.

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.

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.

Reflect on information, data and results and develop strategies for disseminating research outcomes in a digital world.

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.

Formulate research questions to test and/ or contest ideas, concepts and theoretical propositions through an evidence-based well-structured project.

Plan and implement sustainability research investigation by using traditional and emerging techniques and technologies to identify problems and by applying analysis and synthesis skills, and triple-bottom line principles to solve research and/or practical problems.

Demonstrate complex problem-solving skills by identifying and creating solutions to real world sustainability through social, economic and/or scientific inquiry.

Contribute to advancements in scientific knowledge through mastery in the use of traditional and emerging instruments and techniques to device an investigation, and in the collection, interpretation, analysis, synthesis and dissemination of issues pertaining to the identification of issues and solutions to improve sustainability in general and/or environmental management and/or sustainable regional development.

Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing national and international professional contexts to develop autonomy as researchers and evaluate own performances.

Work autonomously, responsibly and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of social frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices based on the triple-bottom line principles.

Work independently and collaboratively with advice from the supervisor towards achieving the outcomes of a project and thereby demonstrate interpersonal skills including the ability to brainstorm, negotiate, resolve conflicts, managing difficult and awkward conversations, provide constructive feedback and work in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts.

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.
Award granted
Master of Sustainability (Professional)
Year

2027 course information

Deakin code
S728
Level
Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

View detailed course and unit information in the Handbook

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

Get credit for your experience

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.

Admissions information

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.

Fees

Estimated tuition fee

$9,609

for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.

Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.

Two Deakin students walking outside.

Scholarships

We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.

Browse scholarships

Applications for 2027 are open

Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.

Key dates

Direct applications

Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027

Apply now

Apply direct

Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.

Apply through Deakin

Recognition of prior learning

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.

Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.

Pathways

Graduates will be uniquely positioned to commence a PhD. You will have access to a range of elective units from a variety of relevant discipline areas across the University. This will allow you to tailor a program relevant to your specific interests. As a pathway to PhD, the course has a key component in the form of a research project. The thesis should offer a significant contribution to knowledge in the discipline concerned and demonstrate your capacity to carry out independent research.

Students not wishing to pursue further studies in research will have the opportunity to undertake an industry practice placement or undertake course electives that will allow them to complement their studies with a range of relevant options.

Alternate exits

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