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Environmental Science

Course overview

The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science, Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science and Master of Environmental Science are articulated coursework programs that allow a large degree of flexibility in the depth at which studies are undertaken and the choice of subjects studied. Some of the major themes addressed include environmental chemistry, ecology, climate change, renewable energy production and environmental policy

The articulated award program in Environmental Science is designed for both recent graduates wishing to obtain employment in the environmental field and for graduates already working in an environmental sphere who are interested in gaining either a formal qualification in environmental science or additional information about related areas of environmental science.

Environmental managers and scientists are increasingly finding that they need to have a broad interdisciplinary knowledge base and the ability to be flexible and innovative in their application of such knowledge. Thus the aim of this award program is to provide students with the ability to solve environmental problems that require the integration of knowledge from diverse disciplines. Emphasis is placed on studies which span several disciplines, adaptive problem solving, and the development of new skills and expertise.

Contact and further information

Program Director: Associate Professor Jeffrey Neilson
jeffrey.neilson@sydney.edu.au

Course resolutions

The course resolutions detailed in this page apply to all courses included in the table below under section 1 (course codes).

These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Coursework Policy 2021 (the 'Coursework Policy'), the Learning and Teaching Policy 2019, the Resolutions of the Faculty, University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021, the Academic Integrity Policy 2022 and the Academic Integrity Procedures 2022. Current versions of all policies are available from the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies

1 Course codes

Code Course and stream title
GCENVSCI-01  Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science
GNENVSCI-02  Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science 
MAENVSCI-01 Master of Environmental Science 

2 Attendance pattern

The attendance pattern for these courses is full time or part time according to candidate choice.

3 Master's type

The master's degree in these resolutions is an advanced learning master's course.

4 Embedded courses in this sequence

(1) The embedded courses in this sequence are:

(a) Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science

(b) Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science

(c) Master of Environmental Science

(2) Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any course in this sequence. Only the highest award completed will be conferred.

5 Admission to candidature

(1) With approval from the Dean available places will be offered to qualified applicants, according to the following admissions criteria.

(2) In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit to the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, applicants without the following qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent.

(3) Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science requires: a Bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent.

(4) Admission to the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science requires:

(a) a Bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent; or

(b) completion of the embedded graduate certificate in this discipline, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.

(5) Admission to the Master of Environmental Science requires:

(a) a Bachelor's degree with at least a credit average, or equivalent qualification; or

(b) a graduate diploma in this discipline, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.

6 Requirements for award

(1) The units of study that may be taken for these awards are set out in the table for Environmental Science postgraduate courses. With the approval of the Dean and the program coordinator, candidates for the graduate diploma or master's degree, who have special aims or interests, may be allowed to substitute up to 12 credit points with relevant postgraduate units from outside the table.

(2) To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science a candidate must complete 24 credit points, including:

(a) 18 credit points of core units of study; and

(b) 6 credit points of elective units of study.

(3) To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:

(a) 24 credit points of core units of study, and

(b) 24 credit points of elective units of study.

(4) To qualify for the Master of Environmental Science a candidate must complete 72 credit points, including:

(a) 30 credit points of core units of study;

(b) 42 credit points of elective units of study.

7 Recognition of prior learning

Candidates offered admission to the Master of Environmental Science may be eligible for recognition of prior learning in accordance with the University Coursework Policy.

8 Transitional provisions

(1) These resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January 2020 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2020 who elect to proceed under these resolutions. Students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2020 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement.