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Applicants are required to have a completed Bachelor degree, Graduate Certificate, or a Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline from a recognised higher education institution. Relevant disciplines for entry typically include science, engineering, environmental studies and environmental management.
Applicants with qualifications in other disciplines are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree or Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline may be eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree or Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies may be eligible for 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.
Relevant disciplines for advanced standing typically include Environmental Management; Civil and Environmental Management; or Natural Resource Management. Applicants with qualifications in other disciplines are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements.
The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
SA’s number one university for research in environmental sciences.1
Research rated well above world-class in environmental sciences and management.1
Advanced development for environmental scientists and management.
Gain integrated knowledge of sustainability and a 'one health' approach that seeks to balance and optimise the health of people, animals, plants and our shared environment.
Develop skills in pollution, energy and natural resource management, and how to monitor and restore ecosystems.
Understand the critical role that human dimensions play in planning and managing society’s demands on the planet, and the important lessons that can be learned from indigenous knowledge, such as in managing fire systems.
Work alongside research and industry experts at the Future Industries Institute and UniSA STEM.
1 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Snapshot
This master degree offers innovative, integrated studies in sustainability and a 'one health' approach to managing humanity's footprint on the planet.
It provides the opportunity to pursue higher level study before entering the workforce. It also offers continuing professional development to suit the needs of environmental scientists and managers already in the workforce.
The University of South Australia’s environmental studies programs have been developed in response to industry demand. They are designed to meet the increasingly diverse responsibilities and challenges faced by managers, and the growing demand for skilled resource management practitioners. Courses are delivered by our highly qualified lecturers, and by industry practitioners from various government departments and private enterprise.
If you already have qualifications in a relevant discipline, you could be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete this degree in less than two years.
What you'll learn
You will explore the theory and practice of managing and sustaining our natural and built environment. You will also complete a Master Thesis. You will develop skills in:
reflecting critically on theory and professional practice related to environmental science and management
understand and incorporate new techniques into the solution of environmental science, management and sustainability issues
investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information to solve complex environmental and sustainability issues facing the public, private, government and non-government sectors.
1. Students who have received advanced standing into the program are required to contact the Program Director for an updated study plan.
Notes
1. With Program Director approval, students wishing to follow a research pathway (for example those intending to undertake a PhD) may select an 18-unit two-semester thesis and alternative study plan. Students must discuss this with their Program Director in their first semester of study.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
written reports
research proposals and assignments
essays and examinations
oral presentations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Postgraduate studies in environmental science will suit you if you are already working in natural resource management or environmental science and want to broaden your skills and knowledge. They are also ideal if you have a related undergraduate degree (such as engineering) and want to move into sustainable management.
You will develop skills across a broad spectrum of environmental science, and gain strong knowledge of the research techniques and processes needed to complete a major research project closely aligned with industry.
Real-world connections
UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide – we offer our students plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience and make industry connections.
Our environmental science programs have been developed with extensive input and support from industry experts. An industry-based advisory group has also been established to oversee the programs so that they continue to meet industry standards.
Our research is rated at well above world-class in environmental science and management1 and this research informs the basis of this qualification. We have partnerships with industries, local councils, governments, communities and other research organisations are addressing the knowledge gaps and problems of our natural and built environments.
This degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to take a leadership role in the sustainability and environmental sector. You could be employed by:
federal and state government departments and agencies
local authority departments and agencies
large private sector industries (e.g. mining, renewable energy, finance)
small and medium enterprises (e.g. restoration, pastoral, planning, tourism)
engineering and environmental consulting companies
non-government organisations (there are many aid and welfare organisations operating sustainability initiatives in developing countries)
Careers to consider:
natural resource manager: protecting and managing wildlife, trees, plants, soil and water; focusing on the issues linked to healthy ecosystems combined with human interaction such as habitation, economic resource extraction and recreation, and the complexities of climate change adaptation
environmental health manager: overseeing the environmental performance of private and public sector organisations; developing, implementing and monitoring environmental strategies that promote sustainable development; advising organisations on minimisation of their environmental impact
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Advanced standing
If you have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree or Graduate Diploma in a related area, you may be eligible for Advanced Standing. This entitles you to enter this degree with up to 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing, and complete it in one year of full-time study. The disciplines relevant for Advanced Standing typically include:
Environmental Science
Environmental Studies
Environmental Management
Civil and Environmental Management
Natural Resource Management
If your qualification is in another discipline you are still encouraged to apply. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
You’ll have access to our world class laboratories and dedicated STEM facilities on Mawson Lakes campus. Fieldwork is also an important part of the program, so as part of your studies you can expect to go off campus to visit field sites around Adelaide and across South Australia.
Your program director
Craig is based in UniSA STEM, at the Mawson Lakes Campus. Craig’s research is focussed on the monitoring and managing the environmental impacts of energy and resources developments, but he also has an interest in the social aspects of developments and “Social Licence to Operate". Prior to joining UniSA in 2020, Craig was based in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences at University College London (UCL), where he remains an adjunct Reader. Before that, Craig worked for about five years in industry in Western Australia, designing and running large scale environmental monitoring programs for port developments such as the Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG projects. Previous to this, Craig was a lecturer and taught marine ecology and statistics at Deakin University and before that was a U2000 Fellow at the University of Sydney (where he also taught marine ecology and experimental design/statistics). He also held an Australian Research Council funded post-doctoral research position at the University of Melbourne and while finishing his PhD worked as a senior fisheries biologist at the South Australian Research and Development Institute.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
All of the teaching staff I have been involved with at UniSA have been fantastic. Each staff member is incredibly well-versed in their field and are always happy to take questions from students, including those that go beyond the scope of the course. This has really helped me to explore concepts beyond the face value provided by traditional teaching. Some of the courses I undertook involved field work, in particular my research project involved conducting a series of self-run experiments with field work components. Each of these opportunities have provided valuable experiences and skills that I will be able to use in my future employment. As a result, I was offered a graduate position with a private consulting company before even finishing my degree.
Sean Sparrow
Master of Environmental Science
Graduate Environmental Scientist | GHD
Sean Sparrow
Master of Environmental Science
Graduate Environmental Scientist | GHD
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
