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Master of Environment and Climate Emergency
PostgraduateCUR-SCP-MAS2025
Identify and apply international best practice to sustainability
Study urban design, sustainable cities, leadership, Aboriginal sustainability, decarbonising cities and regions, climate policy and economics. Graduates find careers in sectors where social research and analytical skills in sustainability are required.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 21 May 2025,
- 20 Aug 2025,
- 19 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 15
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Master of Environment and Climate Emergency
About this degree
Students will achieve the following outcomes from this Masters degree:
- apply relevant disciplinary knowledge to the concept of sustainability in work and community settings
- apply critical and analytical skills within a sustainability framework under the current environment and climate priorities; think creatively to develop practical pathways to sustainability and dealing with the environment and climate change emergency
- locate, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant and reliable information sources on sustainability
- communicate ideas and information, verbally and in writing, to a range of target audiences
- use communication and research technologies to effectively collect information and communicate findings
- demonstrate a reflexive and adaptive approach to learning; understand second-order learning; identify and apply successful learning strategies
- recognise the global nature of sustainability and the relationship between global and local sustainability issues; identify and apply international good practice to sustainability
- recognise the diverse meanings and applications of the notion of culture to sustainability; respect indigenous culture and its relevance to sustainability; identify the complexities and benefits multiculturalism brings to sustainability; and critique culture as an integrated system of norms that enable or disable sustainability
- demonstrate the ability within sustainability practice to work effectively as a team and independently when appropriate; show leadership and apply ethical and professional standards.
This course is a relaunch of the Master of Sustainability and Climate Policy. It develops knowledge, understanding and appreciation of what it means to live within nature and our planetary boundaries. In a sense, it goes beyond sustainability and has developed out of the recent extinction rebellion and climate strike movements. The resultant Environment and Climate Emergency is increasingly accepted as policy by national, state and local governmental authorities worldwide. The course aligns with Curtin’s strategy of demand-driven research introducing a strong emphasis on research in a master by coursework to address a rapidly diversifying economy reflecting on a competitive job market and changes in students’ interests. To that purpose, the teaching and learning approach seeks to expose students to real-world practice and challenges while favouring familiarisation with industry and local governments’ expectations when hiring graduates. The course will graduate global citizens to affect change.
Recommended study pattern
Complete 11 core subjects, 3 optional subjects from a list, and 1 elective subject (can be any OUA postgraduate subject).
See the enrolment planner below.
Master of Environment and Climate Emergency enrolment planner (XLS)
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Masters of Environment and Climate Emergency students must complete a total of 11 core subjects, 3 optional subjects from the list, and 1 elective subject.
Exit points
This degree has exit awards of the Graduate Certificate of Environment and Climate Emergency and Graduate Diploma of Environment and Climate Emergency.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
Changes for 2022:
Change effective from Study Period 1, 2022.
- Added a new 0.125 EFTSL core unit - DBE600 Design and Built Environment Research Methods
- Added a new 0.125 EFTSL core unit - SCP680 Sustainability Dissertation 1
- Removed a 0.250 EFTSL core unit -SCP690 Sustainability Dissertation 1
Current students are not adversely affected by the course structure change and it'll have the minimum effect on the student study plans.
Changes for 2021:
Change effective from Study Period 3, 2020.
The title of the degree Master of Sustainability and Climate Policy has been changed to Master of Environment and Climate Emergency.
The degree duration has been extended from 1.5 years to 2 years.
The new degree may slightly impact existing students but they will remain in the existing degree until completion. The effects will include updates to names of subjects plus the addition of pre-requisite entry requirements for dissertation subjects.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$23,338
Indicative total fee $46,675
The amounts shown here are 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.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 13
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 14
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree but single subject enrolment is possible.
The following subjects can be designated as open-enrolment subjects:
- SCP522 Pathways to a Climate Resilient Society;
- SCP530 Sustainable Waste Management;
- SCP543 Future Cities;
- SCP544 Leadership in Sustainability;
- SCP547 Climate Policy;
- SCP548 People and Planet;
- SCP549 Sustainability, Climate Change and Economics;
- SCP701 Introduction to Environment & Climate Emergency
Students may transfer to this course after successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Environment and Climate Emergency.
Applicants need to meet Curtin’s English Language requirement as all degrees are taught in English.
If your education degrees were not solely in English, as per the International Handbook of Universities or the World Higher Education database please attach a scanned original copy of English Proficiency Test results. Admission requires an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) (or equivalent test) score of at least 6.5 and competence in all test components (IELTS score of 6.0).
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Entry Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at: English Proficiency Tests.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience. Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment. To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines. More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Study method requirements
Students are required to complete at least one-fourth of their program via individual, supervised research projects at an advanced level, demonstrating highly sophisticated skills in research, analysis, communication and reflection.
Career opportunities
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Managers | Over $120K | N/A^ |
| Policy Analysts | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
| Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
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Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.