Master of Environmental Science

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Master of Environmental Science at Edith Cowan University is designed for students who want to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills to address real environmental challenges. The course brings together environmental science, sustainability, environmental assessment, monitoring and project work, making it a good option for students interested in environmental consulting, conservation, policy and resource management.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year builds a strong foundation in environmental science and management through subjects such as Foundations of Environmental Science, Integrated Environmental Management, and Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures. Students also develop practical skills through Environmental Monitoring and Investigation, Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing, and Biostatistics, learning how to collect, analyse and communicate environmental information.

Year 2

In the second year, students can choose a pathway that matches their interests, such as Terrestrial Environments or Environmental Management. The Terrestrial Environments pathway includes subjects such as Land and Water, Ecosystem Restoration and Management, and Wildlife Management, while the Environmental Management pathway includes Sustainability Management and Assessment, City Environments, and Environmental Management Systems and Auditing. Students finish by completing a Postgraduate Science Project or, where approved, a Professional Placement (Science and Mathematics), giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a research or professional setting.

Focus Areas

Environmental science, environmental management, environmental impact assessment, environmental monitoring, GIS and remote sensing, biostatistics, land and water management, ecosystem restoration, wildlife management, urban environments, sustainability, environmental auditing, environmental research and professional practice

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to assess environmental issues using scientific evidence, analyse complex environmental problems, communicate technical information clearly, work independently and as part of a team, consider Indigenous knowledge and rights in environmental decision-making, and apply ethical and professional judgement to environmental challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The course develops practical skills relevant to environmental science, sustainability, environmental assessment, monitoring and management careers. Students can also gain valuable workplace experience through the professional placement option, which can provide an opportunity to work with a host organisation and apply their knowledge to real environmental projects.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

ECU has a strong focus on student experience, practical learning and graduate employability. The university's postgraduate students have received 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide for areas including overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Environmental Science at ECU gives students the chance to develop practical skills alongside their academic knowledge. Students work with environmental monitoring, GIS and remote sensing, data analysis and environmental assessment, while the professional placement option provides an opportunity to gain experience within a real workplace. ECU also offers specialist science laboratories, fieldwork resources, aquatic facilities and modern computing facilities to support hands-on learning and research.

Students can build practical experience through:

Professional placement: Eligible students can complete a Professional Placement (Science and Mathematics) during their final semester, gaining experience within a host organisation. Placements can involve at least 300 hours, with full-time placements typically providing around 450 hours of workplace experience.
GIS and remote sensing: The Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing unit develops practical skills in spatial analysis, environmental mapping and using GIS tools to investigate environmental problems.
Environmental monitoring: Environmental Monitoring and Investigation gives students practical experience in collecting, analysing and interpreting environmental information.
Field and research facilities: ECU’s School of Science provides specialist teaching and research laboratories, a field support centre, plant growth and mesocosm facilities, glasshouses, shade houses and outdoor aquatic experimental facilities.
Aquatic and field equipment: Students benefit from fieldwork resources including two large boats, several dinghies, and 4WD and 2WD vehicles, which support field-based teaching and research activities.
Laboratory technology: ECU provides access to modern laboratory equipment, including mass spectrometry analytical equipment, supporting scientific investigation and research.
Computing and digital tools: Students have 24-hour access to e-Labs, with current software and course-specific applications available through ECU’s computer laboratories. The School of Science also provides access to technology and software through agreements with Microsoft, VMware and Amazon AWS.
Major research project: Students can complete a 60-credit-point Postgraduate Science Project, allowing them to apply their environmental science knowledge to a substantial research or professional investigation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Environmental Science prepares graduates for careers that involve solving environmental challenges, managing natural resources and supporting sustainable decision-making. The course also gives students the chance to gain real workplace experience through professional placement, helping them build practical skills and confidence for their future careers.

Typical career roles include Environmental Adviser, Environmental Coordinator, Environment Manager, Sustainability Manager:

Career support: ECU supports students through practical and work-integrated learning opportunities, including the option to complete a professional placement with a relevant host organisation.
Professional experience: Students who choose the placement pathway can gain substantial workplace experience during their final semester, helping them understand professional environmental practices and build industry connections.
Industry exposure: The professional placement allows students to work within a relevant organisation and apply their environmental science knowledge to real workplace projects and challenges.
Career opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles in environmental science, environmental consulting, policy development and resource management, with opportunities to work as environmental advisers, coordinators, managers and sustainability professionals.
Practical skills: Students graduate with skills in areas such as environmental monitoring, environmental assessment, sustainability, reporting, GIS and remote sensing, giving them a versatile foundation for environmental careers.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can move into environmental consulting, government and policy roles, resource management, sustainability positions and environmental coordination roles.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master of Environmental Science, students can continue into further postgraduate or research study in environmental science and related fields. ECU also offers related qualifications such as the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science and Graduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment and Management, which can support further specialisation in the field.