Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy and Management

Be a voice for the environment

Responding effectively to environmental problems involves far more than applying scientific knowledge, or the ‘top-down’ regulation of people and their environments. The future of our planet relies on informed and creative thinking around policy and practice. This kind of environmental expertise is not only in high demand, but critical. 

Our six-month graduate certificate is suited to mid-career environmental management professionals looking to update their knowledge, students interested in related research and recent graduates seeking a career in the area.

What will you do?

  • Complete our core course, Environmental Planning and Governance.
  • Undertake one elective chosen from a select list that includes courses such as Environmental Impact Assessment, Regional Planning and Community Engagement.
  • Build advanced communication skills.
  • Consider innovative ways to address the signature environmental issues of our time.

Where could it take you?

A graduate certificate could be your first step towards a grad dip or masters. You might go on to negotiate environmental policy design with private businesses and government sectors. You could set up environmental programs for the public to air their concerns or better understand issues affecting them. Perhaps you’ll help implement economic incentives or decentralised solutions for better environmental planning.


  • Help rescue our planet from environmental destruction
  • Ranked in the top 150-200 in the world for Geography^
  • 91% full-time employment for postgrad environmental studies graduates

^QS World University Rankings, 2022

Entry Requirements

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Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3GC011
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelors degree or equivalent.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students N/A N/A
    All students 1 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

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Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $16,000

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

Graduates of the program will be well equipped to take up senior policy roles in government and a variety of roles in environmental management for government agencies, industry and the not-for-profit sector.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Parks Management;  Conservation Officer;  Conservationist;  Land Resources and Land Care;  Natural Resource Manager;  Natural Resource Planner;  Catchment Management;  Climate and Ecosystem Modeller;  Corporate Policy Advisor;  Corporate Sustainability Professional ...

Degree Structure

Students study the compulsory course in Environmental Planning and Governance as well as one course chosen from the available electives.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Assessment

Written assignments, oral presentation, research, exams.

Testimonial

The University has numerous support networks to assist students with adjusting to their new lifestyle, and the difficulties this may bring.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 20 Mar 2024