The Master of Environmental Policy and Management is an advanced postgraduate degree that equips students with the skills to research, develop, and implement solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The course sits at the intersection of science, policy, governance, and sustainability — drawing on disciplines including environmental science, economics, law, ecology, and social science. Students explore how human activities impact natural environments and learn to craft and implement effective policies and strategies for conservation, resource management, and sustainability. Core areas of study typically include environmental planning and governance, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, environmental economics, and research methods, with elective pathways allowing personalisation toward interests such as sustainable cities, water resource management, or renewable energy transitions.

This degree is designed for two distinct groups of prospective students: those entering postgraduate study directly from a relevant undergraduate background who wish to deepen their expertise, and mid-career professionals from fields such as science, engineering, law, geography, public policy, or corporate sustainability who are seeking to formalise and extend their environmental management credentials. Employers of graduates span a wide range of sectors across Australia, including federal, state and local government departments (particularly environment, planning, water, and energy agencies), environmental consulting firms, natural resource management organisations, not-for-profit conservation bodies, mining and resources companies, infrastructure developers, international development agencies, and corporate ESG teams.

Most Australian universities offering this degree require applicants to hold a completed bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) or bachelor honours degree (AQF Level 8), or equivalent, from a recognised higher education institution. Relevant undergraduate disciplines include environmental studies, geography, natural resources, biology, ecology, conservation, sustainable development, environmental engineering, marine science, law, economics, or social science — though some programs accept graduates from any discipline, particularly those with relevant work experience. Some universities offer tiered entry pathways: applicants with a bachelor's degree in a cognate area may enter at full program length, while those with a related graduate certificate or graduate diploma may be eligible for advanced standing and credit toward the degree, potentially shortening their program by one semester to one year. Certain competitive programs may additionally require a minimum GPA (commonly a credit average of 65% or equivalent) and some, particularly research-track programs, may also require a minimum number of years of relevant professional work experience at a senior skill level.

For international students, English language proficiency is mandatory. The standard requirement across most Australian universities is an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the reading, listening, speaking, and writing bands. Equivalent scores are accepted from TOEFL iBT (typically an overall score of 87 with sub-band minimums), PTE Academic (typically an overall score of 64 with 60 in all sub-bands), or other approved English proficiency tests. Some universities may exempt applicants from English requirements if they have completed prior studies entirely in English at an accredited institution. Applicants are generally advised to have all supporting documentation — including academic transcripts, proof of identity, and evidence of English proficiency — ready at the time of application.