Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science
Are you looking to advance your environmental training in specialised fields, or change careers from geology, engineering, zoology, botany or sustainability? Gain skills in environmental monitoring, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, environmental impact assessment and environmental education.
What type of student are you?
Murdoch code
G1053Study mode
Part Time or Full TimeDuration (years)
1Selection rank
CRICOS code
002991FBenefit from industry connections
Experience work integrated learning, guest lecturers, industry seminars and workshops.Volunteer for projects
There are many opportunities to participate in environmental activities and initiatives.Apply to start
You can apply to start studying at the following times.
Available
Not Available
| Internal | External | |
|---|---|---|
| Murdoch | Semester 1 | Semester 1 |
| Semester 2 | Semester 2 |
Overview
Effectively managing human interactions with the environment requires a thorough understanding of the inter-relationships between land, water, air, biota and people. As an environmental professional, you’ll need a clear understanding of the procedures and skills involved in investigating complex environmental issues in different settings such as urban, mining, agriculture and aquatic.
Upgrade your qualification in Environmental Science, or get the skills and knowledge you need to move into the field if you already work in geology, forestry, agriculture, zoology, botany or planning. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the science, policies, procedures and techniques of environmental planning and management. When you graduate, you’ll have a multidisciplinary understanding of Environmental Science, and be proficient in a range of techniques employed in environmental management.
5 reasons to study a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science at Murdoch
- Broaden your skills and add value to your undergraduate qualifications in geology, environmental engineering, planning or forestry, and learn about environmental monitoring, management and assessment.
- Fit study around your work commitments by choosing to study on-campus, online, full-time or part-time with this highly flexible degree format.
- Take advantage of our scholarships such as the Murdoch University Academic Excellence Award.
- Looking to complete a Master? On completion of this course, you may be eligible for entry into our one-year Master of Environmental Science.
- If you’re an international student seeking employment in an environmental career or wish to pursue Master of Environmental Science, this course will give you the skills and knowledge you need.
Develop your skills
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
- Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing as used in environmental management and planning
- environmental monitoring including use of GIS and remote sensing for designing, implementing and managing large monitoring programs
- how to effectively implement education strategies to engage individuals, communities and organisations in change processes to achieve environmental and sustainability outcomes
- understanding of sustainable land and water management with particular reference to agricultural, forestry and mining activities.
Your career
Our students have successfully gained employment in the public and private sectors, including the consulting industry in Australia and overseas.
After completing this graduate diploma, you will be able to pursue careers in environmental consulting, monitoring and management, community education and engagement, gain employment in the resources sector or federal, state and local government departments with portfolios in environment, water, energy and mining, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, coastal management and planning, or their international counterparts.
Careers could include:
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Scientist – Impact Assessment and Management
- Regional Planning Coordinator
- Bushland Management Officer
- Natural Resource Management (NRM) Officer.
Professional recognition
Depending on your specialisation, you will be eligible to join the following professional bodies:
- Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand
- Australasian Land and Groundwater Association
- Environmental Consultants Association
- Ecological Society of Australia
- International Association for Impact Assessment
- Australian Marine Sciences Association
- Soil Science Australia
- Australian Society for Freshwater Science
- Australian Society of Plant Scientists.
Study areas
Apply to start
You can apply to start studying at the following times.
Available
Not Available
| Internal | External | |
|---|---|---|
| Murdoch | Semester 1 | Semester 1 |
| Semester 2 | Semester 2 |
Structure
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Entry requirements
I have completed studies in
Select which option best describes your path to university :
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses | Successful completion of one of the following:
|
Successful completion of one of the following:
|
| Enabling courses | Successful completion of one of the following within 12 months of bachelor course commencement:
|
Successful completion of the course. |
| 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). |
| Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:
|
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:
|
| Enabling courses |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following within 12 months of bachelor course commencement:
|
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of the course.
|
| University study |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
|
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
|
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) | CPS 54 or higher. |
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
| 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):
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 | 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).
|
| Portfolio entry | A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. |
|
| 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. |
| GCE A Levels | Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. |
A Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
Knowledge and Inquiry. |
| 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:
or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| 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:
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).
|
| Overseas Year 12 | Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementCPS 54 or higher.
|
Minimum english requirement50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
|
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirement70
|
Minimum english requirementScaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
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 requirementTotal score of 24 or higher.
|
Minimum english requirementHigher 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).
|
| Portfolio entry |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementA successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. |
| Extenuating circumstances |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementWe'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 requirementCase-by-case assessment.
|
| GCE A Levels |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMinimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
|
Minimum english requirementA Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
Knowledge and Inquiry. |
| VET course studied at school |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
|
Minimum english requirementEvidence 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:
or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementOverall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
|
Minimum english requirementSound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
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).
|
| Overseas Year 12 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study.
|
Minimum english requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study.
|
| 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) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5–6 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
|
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
|
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV.
|
Minimum english requirementEvidence 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). STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 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. |
| Portfolio entry | A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. |
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMultiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
|
Minimum english requirementEvidence 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 requirementMAP 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 requirementEvidence 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. |
| Portfolio entry |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementA successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. |
A recognised Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher or equivalent training. If the first degree is not related to this area of study then at least two years of relevant work/life experience is required. Most of the units taken assume some prior knowledge, details of which are given in the description of each unit in the Handbook. Some students may therefore need to complete additional prerequisite units.
English Requirements
You must be able to meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which may include the successful completion of a variety of English proficiency tests.
Minimum English Language Requirements - Undergraduate
(pdf) 200 KB
Minimum English Language Requirements - Postgraduate
(pdf) 216 KB
Other Requirements
When taken in the external mode, some attendance may be required depending on the units selected.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.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar 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.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
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.
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.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
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.
International students are full fee paying. Use our Fee Calculator to estimate the cost of your course.
Scholarships
Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Our International Welcome Scholarship offers eligible students between $8,000 and $11,000, depending on the course you study.
The Australian Government also offers scholarships to students from developing countries through the Australia Awards Scholarship program.
Explore our scholarships and find out if you’re eligible to apply.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
How to apply
I want to start studying in
No Admissions
To start studying in Semester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Semester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Semester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Semester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can being your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 3 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 3 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
Your Document Checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Your Document Checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.