Master of Environment

Graduates of the Master of Environment will have:

1. A body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments of key environmental concepts and issues
2. Knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the study of the environment
3. Exposure to systems thinking in several courses and through carefully designed group work by learning how to apply their knowledge in multi-disciplinary settings. 

If you're motivated to contribute to a more sustainable future, this postgraduate degree can help you build the expertise to engage with environmental decision-making. You'll tackle complex sustainability challenges, contribute to policy and guide organisations toward responsible environmental practice.

Highlights of studying the Master of Environment 

• Learn from academics and industry experts across climate adaptation, environmental planning, business sustainability and conservation practice.
• Build advanced skills in environmental economics, pollution assessment, water resource management and environmental systems.
• Work on practical projects that deepen your capacity to evaluate environmental impacts and design sustainable solutions.
• Gain strong research capability through dedicated training in research design, data analysis and critical inquiry.
• Tailor your study with a major and develop the ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams and support organisational change toward sustainability.
• Gain credit for approved recognised prior study and/or work experience.

Deep expertise in sustainability and environmental management 

Learn how the environment, society and economy interact and how these relationships drive contemporary environmental issues. You'll explore the science behind pollutants, understand environmental risk and develop the tools needed to manage natural resources responsibly. Courses in environmental management systems and environmental and water economics give you the ability to design strategies that balance regulatory requirements with sustainable outcomes.

Solve complex challenges through research and applied learning 

Whether you're advancing your current career or pivoting into the sustainability sector, you'll strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills through research training and real industry challenges. If you're interested in further study, you'll have the opportunity to complete a dissertation to support a pathway into doctoral research.

Majors

Climate Change Adaptation: Learn how to prepare communities, cities and ecosystems for a changing climate through practical, science-based strategies. Build skills in disaster management, urban resilience, public health and adaptation planning to create safer, more sustainable futures.

Environmental Policy and Planning - Brisbane South (Nathan): Shape how communities respond to environmental challenges by learning how policies are created, evaluated and put into action. Develop skills in climate-focused planning, community engagement and rights-based decision-making to drive sustainable outcomes.

Environmental Protection: Gain the expertise to safeguard ecosystems and manage environmental risks through practical knowledge in water, soil, waste and food systems. Learn to assess, remediate and manage natural and human-made hazards to support sustainable environmental outcomes.

Sustainable Business: Develop the skills to drive sustainability initiatives in organisations, integrating systems thinking, leadership and strategic decision-making. Learn to lead policy and organisational change that balances business goals with environmental and social responsibility.

Recommended study pattern

The program is offered full-time and part-time, both on-campus (at Nathan) with some majors available online.

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

• Environment and Development
• Environmental Economics
• Environmental Pollution
• Research Design and Methods

Plus there’s a selection of majors/pathways and electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80CP)

For the award of Master of Environment (MEnv), if eligible to complete this program in 1 year, you must successfully complete 80 credit points made up of:

• 80 credit points for the Core Module

Pathway 2 - 1.5 years program (120CP)

For the award of Master of Environment (MEnv), if eligible to complete this program in 1.5 years, you must successfully complete 120 credit points made up of:

• 80 credit points for the Core Module
• 40 credit points for the Flexible Module

Pathway 3 - 2 years program (160CP)

For the award of Master of Environment (MEnv), if eligible to complete this program in 2 years, you must successfully complete 160 credit points made up of:

• 40 credit points for the Foundation Module
• 80 credit points for the Core Module
• 40 credit points for the Flexible Module

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

Exit points

To be eligible to exit the Master of Environment program with the Graduate Certificate in Environment (3212) award, you must acquire 40 credit points of the core courses in the Graduate Certificate in Environment (3212).

To exit, you should apply for a program transfer.

Note: The Graduate Certificate exit point is not available if you are admitted to the Masters program with advanced standing

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

Indicative total fee $23,600

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.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

You can complete this program in 1 year, 1.5 years or 2 years depending on your prior study and work experience

To be eligible for this program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

1 year duration (80CP) 

• a recognised Bachelor Honours degree (or higher) in a related discipline
• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline and two years relevant work experience

1.5 year duration (120CP) 

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline

2 year duration (160CP)

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher)

Related discipline includes environmental science

• Relevant work experience includes environmental planning, environmental policymaking, environmental management, impact assessment, risk assessment, environmental health, environmental engineering, development assessment, natural resource management, water management

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.