Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Sustainable Development serves the needs for professional roles in sustainability, in business, industry, the public sector, international organisations, non-government organisations, research think tanks, academia and consultancies.
CONTEXT
Sustainable development is an internationally embraced imperative oriented to meeting the needs of a growing population for social and economic development while addressing social justice, and ensuring the integrity of the planetary systems to support all life now and for the future. There are Global Goals for Sustainable Development which provide a focus for policy, strategy and action by all countries and organisations.
In 2018 Australia made its first report on the national and international actions undertaken for the Sustainable Development Goals in 2018. While Australia provides good case material for learning with good progress on many of the social development goals there are many challenges for the nation such as the rise of inequality and disadvantage, climate change, regional development in Australia, sustainable cities, and the continuing loss of biodiversity.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE MACQUARIE PROGRAM
The Master of Sustainable Development has a strong focus on the importance of the quality of the environmental systems and ecological economics to support present and future social development.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Levels 23 & 24, 123 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $26,200 per year

Duration

Full time: 2 years

Intakes

Session 1 | Session 2

Study Mode

Full-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent

International students:

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent
IELTS (Academic) overall band 6.5 with minimum sub-scores: listening 6, reading 6, writing 6, speaking 6, or an approved equivalent
CRICOS-registered course - a valid student visa is required to study on campus

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

I'm a domestic student looking to start my course in 2027 Take the next step in your career So that you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills employers require now and in the future, we design many of our degrees and courses in consultation with a range of industries and sectors. Having such experts involved in creating the fundamentals of your degree or course provides you with opportunities to contextualise your learning, and gain the latest career insights. Professions Aid and development officer Circular economy consultant Climate change and sustainability consultant Communications and engagement consultant Corporate social responsibility adviser Development manager Environmental accountant Environmental and sustainability adviser Environmental planner Liveability adviser Net zero program manager Policy adviser Renewable energy leader Researcher Resilience adviser Science-to-policy director Social sustainability manager Sustainability analyst Sustainability data assurance and reporting director Urban or regional planner Employers Banks and financial institutions Businesses and corporations Conservation agencies Energy and environment sector Environmental management and planning organisations Fundraising organisations Government agencies and departments Humanitarian aid, health and development agencies Indigenous development organisations International organisations Manufacturing companies Mining companies NGOs Peak industry bodies Planning and urban development organisations Policy institutes Sustainable development consulting firms Transport, infrastructure and logistics companies Universities Water and resource management companies Career information Job and Skills Australia – an Australian Government initiative – provides accessible labour-market data, research and tools to help you understand Australia’s current and projected workforce-skills needs. Explore careers on Job and Skills Australia

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units29 units

POIR8090

Advanced Introduction to Policy

AFIN8011

Business and Global Environmental Change

ACCG8052

Sustainability Accounting and Accountability

LAWS8055

Environmental Law and Sustainable Development

ENVS8229

Sustainable Cities

ENVS8544

Environmental and Sustainability Consulting

ENVS8525

Sustainability and Transitions

ENVS8527

Engaging Society with Sustainable Development

ECON6049

Economics for Professionals

ACST6003

Principles of Finance

ENVS8205

Environmental Pollution

ACCG6003

Managing Finance

LAWS8066

Indigenous Peoples and the Law

ECON8017

Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Economics

AFIN8010

Environmental Finance

ACCG8048

Business Ethics and Sustainability

GEOP8030

Smart Urbanism

LAWS8051

Climate Change Law

ENVS8104

Climate Change and Adaptation

LAWS8061

Environmental Planning Law

GEOP8020

Healthy Places: Planning for Diversity, Equity and Wellbeing

LAWS8060

Energy and Natural Resources Law

ENVS6364

Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing

ENVS8519

Environmental Health

ENVS6202

The Living Environment

GEOP6070

Urban Dynamics: Population, Housing and Regeneration

ENVS6405

Australian Environmental Futures

ENVS6115

Climate Change, Energy and our Future

GEOP6050

Environment and Society

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Master of Sustainable Development take to complete?

The Master of Sustainable Development at Macquarie University has a duration of 104 weeks (approximately 2 years).

What is the total estimated cost of the Master of Sustainable Development for international students?

The estimated total course cost for international students is AU$96,446, which includes tuition fees of AU$95,700 and non-tuition fees of AU$746.

Where is the Master of Sustainable Development delivered?

The course is delivered at Macquarie University's Wallumattagal Campus at North Ryde, New South Wales, which is owned and operated by the provider.

Is the Master of Sustainable Development eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

The course may be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights if it meets all CRICOS criteria: it must be in 'Registered' status, be a Skills Level 1 qualification, have a duration of 92 weeks or greater, and its narrow Field of Education must align with the Skills Level 1 priority list. This course has a duration of 104 weeks and falls under Environmental Studies (Field 0509), which may qualify. Eligibility is reviewed yearly.

How can I contact Macquarie University for more information about this course?

You can contact the Macquarie University Prospective Student Contact Centre by phone at +61 2 9850 6767 or by email at study@mq.edu.au.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $135,000 per year

Career Paths

Sustainability ManagerSustainability ConsultantEnvironmental Policy AdviserCorporate ESG AnalystSustainability Officer

Key Skills

Sustainability strategy development and implementationClimate change risk assessment and adaptation planningEnvironmental policy analysis and advocacyCorporate ESG reporting and complianceStakeholder engagement and community consultation

Full Course Overview

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