Our rankings
We're ranked 19th globally for life sciences by the 2022 QS University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th globally for employability by the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
The Master in Environmental Science degree 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 degree 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.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
Late applications may be considered subject to availability of places. We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
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.
