Master of Environmental Management
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1 - 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Distance (online with some face-to-face), Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8623
- CRICOS code 080063M
-
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2025 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $9,500*
-
2025 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $19,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $49,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $102,000*
Fees
Fees
-
Flexible study options
-
Transdisciplinary approach
-
Strong industry links
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
UNSW’s Master of Environmental Management is a two-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) postgraduate degree that will prepare you for a career that tackles our biggest ecological challenges through change-leadership and sustainability.
In this master’s degree, you’ll learn to think about environmental problems through a number of lenses, forming a deep understanding of the socio-political influences that drive them. In addition to the program’s key focus on conceptual tools, you will also develop experiential and practical skills to inform ethical and restorative sustainability leadership in a range of professional contexts.
Key features
A transdisciplinary approach
Today’s environmental leaders need to understand the ecological dimensions and environmental science underpinning environmental issues, biodiversity and climate change. Through this degree, you'll explore the social, cultural, and structural drivers and impacts, and the complex ways in which these are connected.
The Master of Environmental Management takes a transdisciplinary approach to environmental challenges. Through studies in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, creative arts, and community-based practices you’ll gain the skills needed to communicate complex ideas and lead transformative change.
Shape your study to suit your lifestyle
The program’s flexible delivery incudes interactive classes, evening seminars, experiential and field-based learning, and online components. It is designed for people from a wide range of disciplines, from environmental specialists to passionate environmental newcomers looking to develop the expertise and courage needed to make an impact.
However you choose to shape your degree, you’ll become part of a diverse and passionate community of change-makers who will support and challenge you during your studies and beyond.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- We're ranked 4th in Australia and top 50 in the world for Arts & Humanities according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
- Flexible learning options
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success - UNSW won the Australian Financial Review's Most Employable Students Award in 2024.
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world-class alumni connections
- Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024)
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
There are three different streams of the Master of Environmental Management. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to environmental management.
If you apply for Stream A or Stream B, you may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the Master of Environmental Management, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:
For the 1 year stream (A)
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%), plus one year relevant professional experience
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%), plus one year relevant professional experience
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%)For the 2 year stream (C)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%
For the 2 year stream (C)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Relevant disciplines include: Geography, environmental humanities, environmental social sciences, environmental art and design, environmental studies, environmental communication, sustainability studies, Indigenous studies, multispecies studies, environmental and urban planning, sustainable architecture and landscape design, environmental policy, urban studies, planetary health, conservation science, environmental engineering, environmental law, environmental management, environmental journalism, environmental economics, natural resource management.
Relevant professional experience includes: Environmental educator, planner, analyst, manager, campaign director, or similar in non-profit or for-profit sector, NGOs, or government; high-responsibility position as environmental activist or advocate; environmental consultant, law associate, reporter, assessor, or monitor; environmental performer, artist, designer, therapist, or similar.
Admission pathways
UNSW also offers a Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management. Completion of either of these programs with a credit average or higher, will allow you admission into the Master’s with full credit for courses already completed.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
There are three different streams of the Master of Environmental Management. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to environmental management.
If you apply for Stream A or Stream B, you may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the Master of Environmental Management, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:
For the 1 year stream (A)
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%), plus one year relevant professional experience
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%), plus one year relevant professional experience
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%)For the 2 year stream (C)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%
For the 2 year stream (C)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Relevant disciplines include: Geography, environmental humanities, environmental social sciences, environmental art and design, environmental studies, environmental communication, sustainability studies, Indigenous studies, multispecies studies, environmental and urban planning, sustainable architecture and landscape design, environmental policy, urban studies, planetary health, conservation science, environmental engineering, environmental law, environmental management, environmental journalism, environmental economics, natural resource management.
Relevant professional experience includes: Environmental educator, planner, analyst, manager, campaign director, or similar in non-profit or for-profit sector, NGOs, or government; high-responsibility position as environmental activist or advocate; environmental consultant, law associate, reporter, assessor, or monitor; environmental performer, artist, designer, therapist, or similar.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
This program is structured to acknowledge and recognise the skills individuals bring to their postgraduate education. More experienced students can undertake a streamlined degree while students with less relevant professional or educational experience will complete the degree in two years full-time.
Full program structure
Each of the following three different streams has full access to the program’s exciting courses. Explore the individual program structure, coursework and course details below:
Future careers
You’ll graduate from this degree with an in-depth understanding of interrelated environment and society issues at local and global levels, the confidence and skills to rethink and reshape the world, and the ability to partner with others in reparative and regenerative ways.
Our graduates work across a range of creative, challenging, and high-profile roles in environmental and sociocultural change-making in Australia and abroad. Career opportunities include positions in government and non-governmental outreach, sustainable development education, conservation, restoration, and leadership.
Potential careers
- Environmental Managers
- Environmental Scientists
- Environmental Consultants
- Field Officers
- Ecologists
- Parks and Land Managers
- Policy Specialists
- Renewable Energy Specialists
- Environmental Planners
"The program nurtures a positive, supportive environment where you can carve out your path in environmental leadership, management, and scholarship, all within a rigorous academic framework. It's an inspiring program, brimming with passionate changemakers eager to collaborate and drive positive change in the world."
Chris Mercer
Chief Experience Officer
National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA)
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
$9,500*
$19,500*
There are limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for this degree. Domestic students who receive a CSP will have a substantial proportion of their fees subsidised by the Australian government. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply. To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year)
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
