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Sustainability

Discipline

Study sustainability and help tackle the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Acquire the skills to survey the natural world, shape strategic planning decisions and inspire sustainable behaviours. Be a catalyst for positive environmental change.

Explore your study options

Gain practical experience that empowers you to play a pivotal role in preserving our planet. Explore top-tier facilities and on-the-job learning through strategic industry placements, ensuring you graduate with the knowledge and skills essential for shaping our shared future. Gain hands-on experiences to navigate the intricate relationships between business and biodiversity.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate (your first degree)

A Deakin undergraduate course is the foundation of your future career, usually completed in two to four years. Duration varies based on degree type, enrolment pattern and any credit received from recognition of prior learning.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate (further study)

A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.

Research

Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)

Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.

Choose a sustainability degree that will get you work ready

Our courses have a focus on developing real-world solutions to global wildlife and conservation issues. You'll gain theoretical and practical experience in ecology, biodiversity, sustainability and more.

Thriving research culture

Our ecologists are helping to protect Australia’s vulnerable flora and fauna from disease, rapid development and climate change. If you’ve got a great idea that mixes business with the environment, consider a research degree through our Centre for Regional and Rural Futures.

Industry experience

Our courses include a professional placement unit, giving you the opportunity to get your foot in the door at some of the most high-profile organisations in the industry, including Zoos Victoria, Parks Victoria, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Top professional roles in sustainability

Sustainability specialists are set to be the second fastest-growing job type globally (second only to artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists) over the next five years, according to The World Economic Forum.# Our graduates have found exciting and diverse careers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Depending on your chosen field of study, you may choose to seek employment in areas including:

  • coastal and marine management
  • land and water management
  • wildlife conservation or management
  • environment and sustainability consulting
  • science communication, education or journalism.

World leader in environmental research

Deakin was awarded the highest possible rating in environmental sciences and environmental science and management by the Australian Research Council’s State of Australian University Research report. This highlights our world-class facilities, academic reputation and research impact.

The most memorable experiences I’ve had at Deakin were the study field trips; going out in nature and using the equipment to monitor and survey the environment. Not only did I get practical, hands-on experience but I also met like- minded people passionate about the broader wellbeing of the world.

Ariel Walles

Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability)stainability)

Professional recognition

After graduating you can gain professional recognition by becoming a Certified Environmental Practitioner through the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand.

The Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand is a leading professional body in Australasia supporting environmental practitioners and promoting independent and interdisciplinary discussion on environmental issues.

World-class teaching experiences

Deakin’s world-class research and practical, real-world approach to learning will prepare you to be adaptable across the jobs of the future.

Hands-on, in nature

Our courses take you out of the classroom and into the field. Build the practical skills highly sought after by employers through on-the-ground activities such as coastal planning or surveying wildlife populations.

First-class facilities

Deakin’s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment include a geographic information systems lab, GPS wildlife tracking technology, and underwater vehicles that beam images of plants and animals from the sea floor.

Professional experience

Get work-ready with a professional placement unit. You can complete internships in a range of high-profile organisations such as Zoos Victoria, Parks Victoria, Biosis consultants and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Want to explore more?

Environmental management and sustainability

Our environmental management and sustainability students discuss worldwide environmental issues we are facing, and what they have learned we must do to develop real solutions.

Life and environmental science facilities

Explore Deakin's life and environmental science facilities at our Melbourne Burwood Campus, featuring modern labs and equipment, and the ability to conduct practical work in the natural reserve and creek right by campus.

Footnotes

# The World Economic Forum, The Future of Jobs Report 2023.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.

Contact us

Got a question about our sustainability courses? Our course advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.

Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online

International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online