Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science

At the end of the program, students of the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science can: 

1. Apply high level, independent judgement when planning, monitoring and evaluating Environmental Science issues to develop creative solutions.
2. Communicate advanced knowledge, concepts and skills in Environmental Science to industry, government and consultants.
3. Demonstrate management skills by planning, implementing and evaluating Environmental Science tasks.

This course is designed for professionals who wish to add to their qualifications and experience by extending their knowledge in environmental science. It is designed for professionals who require the skills and knowledge to integrate environmental planning, conservation and monitoring into the broader decision-making of their organisations. The course covers the areas of environmental impact assessment, planning and monitoring set in the context of our major ecosystems, and emphasises the global, regional and local nature of environmental issues. Students also learn about environmental management systems, environmental auditing, risk assessment and sustainability.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Sustainability Assessment and Reporting
• Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures
• Environmental Monitoring and Investigation.

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award requirements

Students are required to complete 120 credit points.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $27,350

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.

Learn more about ECU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

29

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Bachelor degree; or
• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page for Band 4;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
• Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page for Band 4.

If you have completed units of study in another Postgraduate course or have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (CRPL).

To assess your eligibility for credit, we first need you to apply for and accept an offer in your course of interest with us. You can then submit an Application for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning via your Student Portal.