Master of Environmental Science

This course places students with an industry/organisation for their six-month project. The placement will enable students to undertake environmental research/monitoring, reporting and communicating with a partner, as well as getting direct exposure to the nature of the organisation and its priorities. This provides an excellent springboard for employment following this degree. Employment opportunities will be in local government, industry, state, national government and non-government organisations, particularly in the resources sector.

Higher education

The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

Special entry may be considered for students with a cognate first degree (or with appropriate experience) who can apply for a reduced course duration:

1.5 years full time (3 years part time) – 180 credit points

Admission is based on:

Bachelor degree in a related discipline*, or

Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus five years relevant work experience^, or

Graduate Certificate of Environmental Science (or equivalent), or

Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.

*Related discipline refers to any environmental science / biology related discipline

^Relevant work experience constitutes Senior/Managerial positions to be approved by the Course Coordinator.

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.

English Proficiency Requirements

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;
• 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.

Practicum placement

Practicum requirement

• Students will undertake a project with an organisation under supervision of ECU and industry organisation staff.

Attendance requirements

• Students will be expected to participate in a minimum of 12 weeks (60) days or work at an organisation industry and produce a report on activities.

Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

• Each project will have an agreement for student placement. Each workplace will be inspected and the appropriate forms completed indicating it is a safe work environment for students.
• Every student will be required to complete a risk assessment and management plan as part of the WIL.

This course provides students with skills and experience in environmental science, focusing on project management, occupational health and safety, sustainability, monitoring and reporting.

It provides work experience in relevant organisations within the industry, allowing students to gain an understanding of the management of environmental projects. It also focuses on skills for the environmental, engineering, and sustainability professions and offers flexible study options through on-campus and off-campus study.

Recommended Study Pattern

Course Structure

Year 1 Semester 1

MAT5212 Biostatistics 

SCI5250 Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures 

SCI6110 Integrated Environmental Management 

Year 1 Semester 2

MAN6925 Project Management 

Students are required to select 2 (two) units from the following core options.

SCI5110 ^ Management of Waste 

OHS6132 ^ Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems 

SCI5117 ^ Biological Conservation 

SCI6105 ^ Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing 

Year 2 Semester 1

RES5115 Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches 

SCI5170 Sustainability Assessment and Reporting 

SCI6100 Environmental Monitoring and Investigation 

Year 2 Semester 2

SCI6104 Environmental Management Project

Award Requirements

Students are required to complete 10 units

MAT5212 Biostatistics 

SCI5250 Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures 

SCI6110 Integrated Environmental Management 

MAN6925 Project Management 

Students are required to select 2 (two) units from the following core options.

• SCI5110 ^ Management of Waste 
• OHS6132 ^ Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems 
• SCI5117 ^ Biological Conservation 
• SCI6105 ^ Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing 

RES5115 Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches 

SCI5170 Sustainability Assessment and Reporting 

SCI6100 Environmental Monitoring and Investigation 

SCI6104 Environmental Management Project