Master of Environmental Management

2 Years Blended Masters Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Master of Environmental Management at UNSW is a flexible, multidisciplinary program for students who want to understand and address environmental challenges from social, cultural, ecological and sustainability perspectives. It welcomes students from different academic backgrounds and combines classroom learning with fieldwork, research, internships and practical sustainability projects.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a strong foundation in environmental management through core subjects such as IEST5001, IEST5006 and IEST5003. They can also explore subjects such as Environmental Communication: Culture & Transformation and Political Ecology: Sustainable Development & Justice, while practical courses such as Large-Scale Conservation in Practice and Living Cities: Promises and Risks of Urban Environments connect their learning to real environmental issues.

Year 2: Students develop deeper expertise through subjects such as Climate Crisis & Action, Environmental Policy & Participation, Environmental Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities and Demystifying Environmental Law: From Regulation to Rights of Nature. They can also complete independent research, supervised projects or internships, giving them valuable experience applying environmental knowledge in professional settings.

Focus Areas

Environmental management, sustainability, climate change, environmental policy, conservation, ecological restoration, environmental communication, environmental technologies, environmental law, Indigenous knowledge, urban environments, natural resource management and sustainability leadership.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand complex environmental problems and work towards sustainable solutions. They also strengthen their communication, leadership, research, critical-thinking and teamwork skills while learning to approach environmental issues from different perspectives.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program provides practical experience through field courses, research projects, supervised work and internship opportunities. It prepares students for careers in environmental planning, policy, advocacy, sustainability and management, although UNSW does not specify a particular professional accreditation for this degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UNSW has a strong international reputation, ranking #19 worldwide and #1 in Australia in the QS World University Rankings 2027. UNSW has also received the AFR Most Employable University Award for seven consecutive years from 2020 to 2026, reflecting its strong focus on graduate employability.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in sustainability, environmental management, conservation, government, industry and not-for-profit organisations. Potential roles include climate change analyst, corporate sustainability advisor, environmental consultant, environmental policy adviser, environmental program manager, renewable energy analyst, sustainability data analyst, natural resource manager and ecological restoration specialist.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the Master of Environmental Management program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and practical skills that are essential for a successful career in environmental management. The program emphasizes experiential learning through a variety of engaging activities, including field trips, group projects, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Students will have the opportunity to work with advanced software and tools that are widely used in the industry, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world challenges.

 

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Master of Environmental Management program at UNSW:

- Field Trips: Students participate in field trips to various ecosystems and environmental sites, allowing them to observe and analyze real-world environmental issues firsthand.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects enable students to work in teams, simulating professional environments where teamwork and communication are crucial.
- Internships: The program offers internship opportunities with industry partners, providing valuable work experience and networking possibilities.
- Digital Tools: Students gain proficiency in industry-standard software such as ArcGIS for spatial analysis and environmental modeling, enhancing their technical skills.
- Research Laboratories: Access to specialized laboratories for environmental research allows students to engage in hands-on experiments and data collection.
- Libraries and Resources: The UNSW library system provides extensive resources, including access to environmental journals, databases, and research materials.
- Institutes and Centers: Students can collaborate with various research institutes and centers focused on sustainability and environmental science, fostering innovation and research opportunities.

These experiential learning components are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex environmental challenges. By immersing yourself in practical experiences, you will graduate ready to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental management.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Environmental Management at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to tackle pressing environmental challenges. With a focus on sustainability and practical solutions, graduates often find themselves in roles such as Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Manager, and Policy Advisor. This program not only prepares you for immediate employment but also opens doors to a variety of impactful career paths:

 

- University Services for Employment: UNSW offers dedicated career services, including personalized career coaching, resume workshops, and networking events with industry leaders. The UNSW Careers and Employment team also hosts job fairs and provides access to exclusive job listings.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Graduates from the Master of Environmental Management program have a strong employment rate, with over 85% securing jobs within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for graduates in this field is around AUD 75,000, with potential for growth as experience is gained.

- University–Industry Partnerships: UNSW has established partnerships with leading organizations such as the Australian Conservation Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund, providing students with opportunities for internships and collaborative projects that enhance real-world experience.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ), ensuring that your qualification is recognized and valued in the industry, which can significantly enhance your career prospects.

- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni of the program have gone on to work in various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies, making a tangible impact on environmental policy and management.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master of Environmental Management, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science or a related field. This path can lead to advanced research opportunities, teaching positions at universities, or high-level consultancy roles, allowing you to contribute even more significantly to environmental solutions and policy development.

By choosing to study at UNSW, you’re not just earning a degree; you’re stepping into a community dedicated to making a difference in the world.

Program Key Stats

$51,500
$34,000
$150


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

NA

NA
NA
NA
6.5
90
NA

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Climate change analyst
  • Community engagement officer
  • Corporate sustainability advisor
  • Ecological restoration specialist
  • Education and outreach coordinator
  • Energy and sustainability consultant
  • Environmental communications specialist
  • Environmental compliance officer
  • Environmental consultant
  • Environmental policy adviser
  • Environmental program manager
  • Environmental researcher
  • Indigenous land management officer
  • Natural resource manager
  • Policy and planning officer
  • Regeneration project coordinator
  • Renewable energy analyst

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts