Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning

Yes, you need a science background to enrol in this graduate diploma. As one student noted, 'You need a science background for this (graduate diploma), and I already had that with my Bachelor of Marine Science, so I didn't need to do any additional study before starting this.'

Yes, the course is designed to be flexible. Students can study two units each semester, mostly online from home, and attend in-person workshops only once or twice per semester. This makes it possible to fit university commitments around a work schedule, as demonstrated by a student who completed the course part-time while working full time as a Cadet Environmental Health Officer.

The course is delivered through the Menzies Institute for Medical Research in Hobart, Tasmania. Most study is completed online, with students coming in once or twice per semester for in-person workshops.

According to a student who met an environmental health officer during the COVID-19 pandemic response, the role involves a variety of tasks including food inspections, septic tank inspections, dealing with complaints from residents about things like noise or vermin, and going outside for sampling things like water — with every day being different.

Yes, students can pursue cadetship opportunities alongside their studies. For example, one student secured a cadetship with the Clarence City Council as a full-time Cadet Environmental Health Officer, which provided real-world experience in the new career path while completing studies part-time and primarily online.