Why study with us
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
Find out moreWith a broad range of flexible and dynamic career options, science graduates are in high demand across many industries.
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The Master in Environmental Science is a launch pad into leadership for professionals in the environmental sector. If you are a new graduate keen to kick-start your career, or a professional looking to up-skill or gain formal qualifications, then this one-and-a-half-year course is the perfect option.
Drawing on a wide range of science-based disciplines and applications—from ecology to solar power, analytical chemistry to geomorphology—the Master of Environmental Science gives you a grounding in basic environmental issues, while also offering great flexibility in what subjects you take and how deep you delve into them.
The course’s focus is on linking your education in environmental sciences (such as ecology, climate change and chemistry) with studies in politics and law, project evaluation and assessment, decision-making and conflict resolution. As a result, you will be able to understand the environmental problems that can arise and the disparate solutions that can be applied to solve them. You can also pursue your particular interest with our range of electives, which include marine science, international development, law and the environment, geographic information systems, and more.
As a Master of Environmental Science student, you'll be taught by leading experts at the University of Sydney, which is top-ranked in Australia for Environmental Science (Excellence in Research for Australia evaluations). Our graduates leave with a broad interdisciplinary knowledge base and the ability to apply their knowledge with flexibility and innovation as leaders in the workplace.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSP places are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
Students follow the study pattern of the core units of study and electives as required. You may undertake the course on a full time or part time basis. You will complete a total of 72 credit points (cp) of study for the award comprising: 30cp of core units of study and 42cp of elective units of study. Please note however, that due to the nature of timetabling, the timetables of units from other programs may clash with the units of this course, and it is your responsibility to plan your course of study carefully.
Sample study plan:
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Year 1 |
|
| Integrated Environmental Practice Introduction to Environmental Chemistry Social Science of Environment Elective |
Climate Change: Process, History, |
Year 2 |
|
Elective |
Elective |
Elective units cover disciplines that include agriculture, environmental science, geography, government, marine science, sustainability, resource economics, and wildlife management.
Research Pathway
High-achieving students are encouraged to pursue an 18-credit point Environmental Science research project instead of elective units, starting in your second semester. This research pathway provides an opportunity for you to develop valuable research skills under the supervision of an academic member of staff that will enable you to pursue a research career in environmental science.
For admission into this course, you should have:
A credit average means a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 65. Applicants who do not meet the requirements for admission into the Master of Environmental Science may wish to consider applying for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science or the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science . As part of the embedded program, upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science, students may gain entry to the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science through an internal "upgrade". In turn, upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science, students may gain entry to the Master of Environmental Science through an internal "upgrade".
A very limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available to domestic applicants for this course from year to year. No additional application to the faculty is required. Only top-ranked applicants will be granted CSP, subject to yearly availability. Late applicants will not be considered for CSP.
Master of Environmental Science graduates are found in a variety of professional roles such as:
Within Australia, our graduates have acquired jobs in federal, state and local government bodies including State Forests NSW, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, as well as with private consultancies.
Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increase
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students
The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
