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Graduate Diploma of Sustainability

Postgraduate coursework

Build a solid understanding of issues in sustainability, environmental science and global change while exploring the study areas that interest you most.

Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

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. 

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Course 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 qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Sustainability, students must pass 8 credit points, which must include the following.

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • 3 core units
  • 5 course elective units.

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

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

  • Risk Assessment and Control
  • Circular Economy
  • Environmental Protection
  • Environmental Management Systems
  • Health and Environment

  • Principles and Practice of Public Health
  • Health Promotion
  • HMC703-OD Promoting Human and Planetary Health (0.5 credit points) ^

  • Community Consultation and Participation
  • Health Equity and Human Rights
  • MMC706-OD Change tools (0.5 credit points) ^
    MMC705-OD Innovation and leadership (0.5 credit points) ^

    Sustainable Regional Development

  • Climate Change, Adaptation and Mitigation
  • Regional Development Economics for Sustainability
  • Systems Thinking for Sustainability and Resilience
  • Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems
  • Professional studies

  • Research Project Planning
  • Industry Practice Planning
  • ^ 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

    Additional course information

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work 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 to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    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:

    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

    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 - (CSP)?
    $9,314 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)

    Learn more about fees.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

    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 fees and available payment options.

    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.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    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.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    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.

    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

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

    Top 250 universities globally for life sciences*

    World leader in environmental science research

    #1 Victorian university for facilities and resources^

    Sustainability specialists are second fastest-growing job globally#

    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.

    * Times Higher Education: World University Rankings 2024 by subject: life sciences
    ^ 2022 Student Experience Survey, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
    # World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2023