Master of Environmental Science
Postgraduate | ECU-ESC-MAS | 2022
Course information for 2022 intake
View information for 2023 course intakeTake a 6-month placement to hone your skills
Bolster your passion for environmental science with a 6-month placement. Investigate complex ideas and theories in government and non-government workplaces. Communicate with real professionals and make connections that will last your career.
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 10
- Price from
- $45,000
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Master of Environmental Science
About this degree
At the end of the program, students of the Master of Environmental Science can:
- Reflect critically on a complex body of specialist knowledge and understanding of recent developments and methods applicable to the field of Environmental Science and related disciplines.
- Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills drawn from a broad discipline base to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories in Environmental Science.
- Apply communication skills to design innovative contributions to professional practice in Environmental Science.
- Use high level self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute a substantial project in Environmental Science.
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
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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- 28
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 25
How to apply
Edith Cowan University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Edith Cowan University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
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 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.
If you're applying for a course and have previous study or professional experience, you may be eligible for what we call 'advanced standing'.
For more information and to apply please go to https://www.ecu.edu.au/future-students/course-entry/advanced-standing
Study method requirements
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.
Career opportunities
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.
Career outlook
- Conservation Officers:
- $86K to $111K
- Environmental Consultants:
- $86K to $111K
- Environmental Managers:
- Over $111K
- Environmental Research Scientists:
- $86K to $111K
- Environmental Scientists:
- $86K to $111K
- Occupational & Environmental Health Professionals:
- $86K to $111K
- Park Rangers:
- $86K to $111K
- Policy and Planning Managers:
- Over $111K