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52 weeks
Blended (on-campus and online)
Full-time or Part-time; On-campus or Online · 4 credit points per trimester (full-time), typically two trimesters per year
March (Trimester 1) | July (Trimester 2)
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 who can develop 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? The World Economic Forum expects the climate transition to generate 8 million new jobs by 2030 - driving growth in roles such as sustainability specialists and renewable energy technicians.* 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.
Where You Can Study
Melbourne
1 Gheringhap St, GEELONG, VIC 3220
Eligibility
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCourse Content
Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
0 credit point compulsory unit, completed in first study period
Career Tools for Employability
0 credit point compulsory unit
Professional Research Practice
Core unit
Sustainability in the Anthropocene
Core unit
Environmental Science and Global Change
Core unit
Risk Assessment and Control
Course elective — Environmental Management
Circular Economy
Course elective — Environmental Management
Environmental Protection
Course elective — Environmental Management
Environmental Management Systems
Course elective — Environmental Management
Principles and Practice of Public Health
Course elective — Health and Environment
Health Promotion
Course elective — Health and Environment
Promoting Human and Planetary Health
Course elective — Health and Environment (0.5 credit points, microcredential)
Community Consultation and Participation
Course elective — Health and Environment
Health Equity and Human Rights
Course elective — Health and Environment
Change tools
Course elective — Health and Environment (0.5 credit points, microcredential)
Innovation and leadership
Course elective — Health and Environment (0.5 credit points, microcredential)
Climate Change, Adaptation and Mitigation
Course elective — Sustainable Regional Development
Regional Development Economics for Sustainability
Course elective — Sustainable Regional Development
Systems Thinking for Sustainability and Resilience
Course elective — Sustainable Regional Development
Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems
Course elective — Sustainable Regional Development
Research Project Planning
Course elective — Professional studies
Industry Practice Planning
Course elective — Professional studies
Common Questions
To be considered for admission, you will need either a completed bachelor degree or higher, or at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent) in areas such as environmental, social, and economic science, policy, and management. You must also meet English language proficiency requirements, which can be demonstrated through a bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country, an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0), or other approved evidence. A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
The estimated tuition fee for a full-fee paying place is $34,800 for 1 year full-time. For students in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the estimated tuition fee is $9,538 for 1 year full-time. You may be eligible for a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan, including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP, depending on your course, fee place type, and citizenship or residency status. Deakin alumni may also be eligible for a 10% discount on enrolment fees per unit.
Yes. Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Sustainability, you can use the credit points you've earned to enter into the Master of Sustainability (S727) or the Master of Sustainability (Professional) (S728). 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 or industry practice pathway.
Yes, the Graduate Diploma of Sustainability is professionally accredited by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). As a student of this course, you are encouraged to apply for EIANZ student membership and connect with the professional network that can support your future career as an environmental professional.
The course is available in two intakes: Trimester 1 starting in March and Trimester 2 starting in July. Both intakes are available at the Burwood (Melbourne) campus and online. Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close on 21 June 2026.
Application
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Step 02
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Step 03
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