Postgrad programs in sustainable development

Sustainable development is of increasing importance to industry, government and non-government organisations throughout the world, not just those directly concerned with the environmental sector.

Macquarie University offers a suite of programs in sustainable development, including a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters program.

What is sustainable development?

The key goals of sustainable development are to live within our environmental limits, to achieve social justice and to foster economic and social progress. The United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, established in 1983, has been a major driver of the concept of sustainable development by promoting quality of life for present as well as future generations.

About the Graduate School of the Environment and the sustainable development program

Macquarie University’s Graduate School of the Environment (GSE) was established in 1978 and is currently the largest independent environment centre in Australia. Its mission is to find integrative solutions to environmental problems, which is reflected in the teaching and research conducted. Programs offered are inter-disciplinary and are designed for students wishing to make or further careers in environmental fields.

The program in sustainable development considers a number of tools which can play an important role in effecting changes towards sustainable development. Specifically, it aims to develop participants’ practical skills in strategic planning and management, action research, education and capacity building, community consultation, facilitation and evaluation.

The program addresses the needs of environment and development professionals who interact with people and organised groups on a regular basis. It is particularly relevant to those who are involved in planning, financing and evaluating initiatives in sustainable development. Through its international case study focus, the program addresses the needs of professionals working in aid agencies, NGOs, government agencies and international bodies concerned with issues of sustainability.

The certificate, diploma and masters programs

To enrol in the Postgraduate Certificate, students must have either a Bachelor degree or a relevant tertiary award, or five years’ experience in a relevant field may be considered. They complete four units - Introduction to Sustainable Development, Ecotourism for Sustainable Development, Education (and Capacity Building) for Sustainable Development, and Action Research for Sustainable Development.

To enrol directly into the Postgraduate Diploma, applicants must have a Bachelor degree in a related field of study with results at credit level and evidence of genuine interest. Over one year full-time or two years part-time, they complete the four units of the Postgraduate Certificate (see above) and also take two electives from a set list of nine units.

Those enrolling directly into the Master of Sustainable Development must already have a Bachelor degree in a related field of study with results at credit level plus three years’ relevant work experience. The course is aimed at attracting professionals working in the field of sustainable development. Those people with less than three years’ experience will need to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Development and attain a minimum of four credit grades before they can transfer into the Masters program.

Over one year full-time or two years part-time, students complete the four core units as in the Postgraduate Certificate (see above) and choose four electives from the set list.

For more information on the GSE’s sustainable development program visit http://www.gse.mq.edu.au/Units/sus_dev/sus_dev.htm and/or contact Academic Program Coordinator Joy Monckton on (02) 9850 7993 or at jmonckto@gse.mq.edu.au

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