Master of Sustainable Development
How to apply
- Study mode
- Full Time Part Time
- First year fee (domestic)
- $17,640
- Full course fee (domestic)
- $35,280
- Full time duration
- 2
- Murdoch code
- M1214
- Australian Qualifications Framework level
- Level 9 - Masters Degree (Coursework)
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year domestic student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Course overview
Real change can happen when tomorrow’s sustainable development leaders come together to share their experiences, ideas and insights – and for over a decade our sustainability Masters have been doing just that. In taking the course, you’ll become part of a much-valued group of sustainability professionals who are making a difference within Australia and around the world.
You’ll examine global sustainability challenges and explore inspiring solutions at international, regional and local levels. You’ll learn about urban and regional sustainability, climate change adaptation, sustainability education and ethics, and take a closer look at sustainability and international development within Asia.
You could choose professional-based electives to specialise in project and risk management, ethics, sustainability within businesses, and leading and managing non-government organisations. You might choose policy-based electives to specialise in environmental impact assessment, environmental policy and energy policy. There are also opportunities to take career-building sustainability internships for academic credit and/or to acquire specialised professional skills through Masters-level sustainability research.
3 reasons to study a Master of Sustainable Development at Murdoch University
- As you study, you’ll have the chance to build your professional portfolio of work, completing an internship or practical project for academic credit. Past students have interned with local governments, leading sustainability businesses such as The Forever Project and NGOs such as Perth City Farm.
- You’ll be taught by leading academics who are involved in important sustainable development projects within Australia and overseas. Our experts are working on important development projects, from aid projects in Africa and Asia, to leading sustainability initiatives in the Middle East.
- Follow in the footsteps of other Murdoch free-thinkers who are making a difference and leading the sustainability agenda globally and within Australia. Our graduates have gone on to work at Ikea, Uber and EY.
What you'll learn
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
- Sustainability ecology and communities
- Community, industry and local government
- Cultures, communities and sustainability in Asia
- Climate change adaptation
- Cities and sustainability
- Environmental policy for the 21st Century
- Project and risk management
Having completed three semesters and my honours research in Indonesia, I was able to get a much better idea of development on the ground. I found that when I graduated, I had a more realistic idea of what to expect in the workplace.
Karis Erceg, Bachelor of Arts
Your future career
You’ll graduate with the skills, knowledge and professional insights you need to lead sustainable development teams and projects within international and Australian businesses, government agencies, and non-government organisations. Careers could include:
- Sustainability or environmental officer within business or government
- Community development officer
- Sustainability consultant
- Sustainability educator
- Eco-preneur (starting and leading green businesses)
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online | Mixed mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
There may be a reduction in choice of units if completing this course in the online flexible mode.Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
Full course fee: $35,280
First year fee: $17,640
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year domestic student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Scholarships
Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Whether you're a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.
View all scholarshipsHow to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.