Postgraduate Course

Master of Sustainable Development

Explore leading sustainability practices and policy related to energy, water use, waste, climate change, biodiversity, urban planning and much more with a Master of Sustainable Development at Murdoch.

What type of student are you?

Domestic International

Murdoch code: M1214
Study mode: Full Time or Part Time
Duration: 2
Selection rank
CRICOS code: 072141B
First year fee (domestic): $16,560
First year fee (international): $33,000
Full course fee (domestic): $33,120
Full course fee (international): $66,000

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The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.

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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.

3 reasons to study a Master of Sustainable Development at Murdoch

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

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)

Study areas

Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

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Progress to structure

Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points

Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses	Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.	Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
University study	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (after Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in Year 12. TLC – Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.	Successful completion of the course.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in Year 12. TLC – Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of the course.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Total score of 24 or higher.	Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
GCE A Levels	Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)	A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)	CPS 54 or higher.	50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
VET course studied at school	Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Extenuating circumstances	We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more.	Case-by-case assessment.
Overseas Year 12	Please refer to the information under the country of study.	Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.	Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	70	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Minimum academic requirement

Total score of 24 or higher.

Minimum English requirement

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
Minimum English requirement A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry

GCE A Levels

Minimum academic requirement

Aggregate of 6 points from:

A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Minimum English requirement

A Levels: D in one of the following:

English Language
English Literature
Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

English Language
English Literature
Knowledge and Inquiry

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

VET course studied at school

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

Minimum academic requirement

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Minimum English requirement

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

English
English Extension (Literature)
English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)

Minimum academic requirement

70

Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4	Successful completion of a Certificate IV.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)	MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)	Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Recognised Bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) or higher, or equivalent training, though not necessarily in an area directly related to the proposed course, or satisfactory preparation through previous study or professional experience.

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 external mode.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing 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.

Find out more

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.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing 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.

Find out more

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.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

View Fee Calculator

Progress to how to apply

How 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

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) both original and English translated versions.
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
GTE documents (if applicable) - Check the GTE requirements page for further information
- GTE Form 2
- Personal Statement (SOP)
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
A copy of your visa documents (if available)
A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

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Master of Sustainable Development

What type of student are you?

Overview

Study areas

Apply to start

Sign up to hear from us

Structure

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

Recent Secondary Education

Vocational Education & Training

Work & Life Experience

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

English Requirements

Other Requirements

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing

Fees and scholarships

Scholarships

How much will it cost?

How much will it cost?

Scholarships

How to apply

How to apply