Key facts
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6 (or equivalent). More information is available at www.ielts.org
Duration
One year part-time
Campuses
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Sustainable regional development is critical to the economic performance of both developed and developing countries. The Graduate Certificate of Sustainable Regional Development will suit students who are analytical, inquisitive, solution or policy-oriented and interested in seeking employment in areas associated with sustainable regional and rural development, strategic urban and regional planning, natural resources management, and climate change adaptation planning.
Two thirds of Australia’s export earnings come from regional industries such as agriculture, tourism, retail, services and manufacturing. As such, demand has risen sharply for professionals with the ability to undertake regional socioeconomic and environmental planning that looks to the long-term competitive advantages of regional areas and propose appropriate policy responses.
Read MoreCourse structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Sustainable Regional Development, students must attain 4 credit points (1 year - part time), which must include the following:
- four (4) core units
- Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.
Key information
2021 course information
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Cloud Campus
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin’s Cloud Campus.
Additional course information
S604 Graduate Diploma of Sustainable Regional Development
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals 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.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Entry will be based on performance in:
- a Bachelor degree in any discipline OR
- At least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
IELTS / English language requirements
Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.
It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Recognition of prior learning
Deakin 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 with Deakin, 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 with Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning Page which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin 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
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year in which 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. 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 tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 15% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees. Your Immediate Family Members may also be eligible to apply for this bursary.
Apply now
How to apply
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Further study options
Why choose Deakin
Career outcomes
This course will prepare students for a career in planning (strategic, economic, rural, environmental, statutory), management (including environmental management), policy development, socio-economic and demographic analysis among others. Potential employers include: government (national, state and local) departments and agencies with a focus on regional areas, economic development, agriculture, the environment or policy development; planning, economic and environmental firms; statutory authorities such as catchment management authorities; and any organisation seeking graduates with formal training in strategic thinking and planning.
Course learning outcomes
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 mastery and specialist knowledge through the application of scientific research principles and methodologies in the investigation of recent developments within a chosen field of study. Plan and execute a substantial research project to demonstrate a deep understanding and mastery within that scientific field. |
| Communication | Present a reasoned argument that highlights essential details of scientific procedures, 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. |
| Digital literacy | Use well-developed technical skills, judgement and responsibility to independently locate, analyse, evaluate the merits of, synthesise and disseminate scientific literature in the planning and implementation of research projects. |
| Critical thinking | Appraise complex scientific methodologies and information using critical, analytical and logical reasoning from multiple perspectives for evaluating the merits of scientific methodologies, theoretical propositions and practice. |
| Problem solving | Demonstrate complex problem solving skills by identifying and creating solutions to real world ill-defined problems through scientific inquiry. |
| Self-management | Work autonomously, responsibly and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices. |
| Teamwork | Work independently and collaboratively with advice from the supervisor towards achieving the outcomes of a research 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. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability to articulate the place and importance of scientific inquiry in the local and global context. |
Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019