Start date
February
July

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
LCES

Fees
AUD$ 20,450 per annum (per 0.5 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.5]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
058637F

Degree overview

  • Gain the latest in-demand skills for professional success in environmental science.
  • A pathway into the University of South Australia Master of Environmental Science.
  • Research rated well above world-class in environmental sciences and management.1

1 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Snapshot

Snapshot

Gain the latest in-demand skills for professional success in environmental science. This Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science is designed to meet growing industry 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 finish this graduate certificate and want to do further study, consider going on to the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science or the Master of Environmental Science.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

You will develop the skills to understand and manage resources within a sustainability framework. Your courses will cover; environmental pollution and monitoring, fire and culture, and ecosystem monitoring;

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Environmental Pollution and Monitoring ENVT 4031 4.5
Fire and Culture ENVT 4032 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Ecosystem Monitoring ENVT 3031 4.5
Natural Resource Management ENVT 5040 4.5

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

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
  • assignments, essays and examinations
  • group and individual 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.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science

Why this Degree

Postgraduate studies in environmental science are ideal if you are already working in natural resource management and want to broaden your skills and knowledge.

Our environmental science qualifications have been developed with extensive input and support from industry experts. An industry-based advisory group has also been established to oversee these programs so that they continue to meet industry standards.

Real-world connections

The University of South Australia collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide – we offer our students plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience and make industry connections.

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.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

1 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Career outcomes

Your career

This graduate diploma will equip you with the knowledge and skills to work in the sustainability and environmental sector.

Careers to consider:

  • environmental adviser: offering environmental support to construction sites; ensuring compliance with environmental regulations; helping to achieve environmental targets (e.g. sending zero waste to landfill); liaising with site teams, the client, stakeholders and other environmental teams
  • land management officer: engaging with and mobilising land managers to continuously improve management of their land and water through a whole of landscape approach to NRM; contributing to the operational management of parks and reserves; delivering on-ground works, community events, activities and minor projects
  • sustainability officer: setting sustainability policies, goals and objectives; reducing a company's carbon footprint in compliance with government environmental regulations; developing partnerships (e.g. with government agencies and the community) to deliver environmental sustainability projects. You could also consider going on to a Master of Environmental Science.

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.

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.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

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

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:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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.

Student services

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.

Location 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 study spaces

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.

AsPr Craig Styan

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for AsPr Craig Styan
Portrait image for AsPr Craig Styan

AsPr Craig Styan

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    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.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

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