Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Embark on a journey of discovery and impact with the Graduate Diploma of Sustainability. You will dive deep into the fascinating world of sustainability, environmental science, and global change, equipping yourself with essential tools to address pressing global challenges. It has never been more important to act on sustainability issues, and the need for skilled professionals developing appropriate cost-effective and targeted solutions is crucial for nurturing a brighter future.
This course builds upon the foundation laid by the Graduate Certificate of Sustainability. Shape your learning experience by selecting from a range of elective study options, extending your knowledge in the key areas you are most passionate about – ensuring you build the skills for the career you want. From climate change to public health or the circular economy, be prepared with the specialist knowledge you need to make a tangible difference.
Want your passion for sustainability to translate into real-world impact?
According to the World Economic Forum, sustainability specialists are projected to be the second fastest-growing job type globally (second only to artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists) from now until 2027*.
Through hands-on activities and real-world projects, you will develop tools to measure and report on complex sustainability challenges. You will hone the skills required to identify, develop, and implement practical solutions to the complex problems facing increasingly resource-constrained societies.
Deakin's state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment provide you with immersive learning experiences, including access to a geographic information systems lab, GPS wildlife tracking technology, and underwater vehicles for marine exploration.
You may also have the opportunity to articulate into either the Master of Sustainability or the Master of Sustainability (Professional), further expanding your expertise and career prospects.
Get ready to nurture a sustainable future and drive positive change in the world.
*World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2023.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Sustainability
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- S627
- CRICOS code?
- 108876F Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Sustainability, you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Sustainability includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 3 credit points of core units
- 5 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 and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
3
Core units
5
Course elective units
8
Total
Core
Year 1
Plus any five (5) course elective units from the list.
Course elective units
Students intending to articulate into the Master of Sustainability are recommended to choose course elective units from within the same group of units, and choose either SLE763 Research Project Planning or SLE767 Industry Practice Planning if they wish to take the research pathway in S728 Master of Sustainability (Professional), or industry practice pathway in S728 Master of Sustainability (Professional) or S727 Master of Sustainability.
Environmental Management
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
Professional studies
^ 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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Course duration
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.
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.
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)
English language proficiency requirements
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)
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 are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. 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. One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight 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 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 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Sustainability you could use the credit points you’ve earned to enter into further study, including:
Master of Sustainability (S727)
Master of Sustainability (Professional) (S728)
Alternative exits
Careers
Career outcomes
A career in sustainability is a chance to make a real impact – to solve some of the most complex challenges of our time, and to engage in something meaningful.
Businesses across all industries are looking to implement sustainable practices and are actively seeking professionals with the necessary skills to help drive action. Once you graduate, you will be well-positioned to seek employment as a sustainability officer, analyst, manager, or consultant for government, non-government organisations, or in the private sector.
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 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. Reflect on information, data and results and develop strategies for disseminating research outcomes in a digital world. |
| 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. |
| Self-management | 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. |
| Teamwork | 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. |
| 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. |
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