Master of Environmental Studies

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Master of Environmental Studies at Edith Cowan University is a joint degree with Tokyo City University in Japan, designed for students who want to understand global environmental challenges and find practical ways to create a more sustainable future. Students explore environmental science, management, conservation, technology and sustainability, while gaining international experience through a compulsory semester at Tokyo City University and an optional two-week internship in Japan.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year gives students a strong foundation in environmental science and management. Subjects such as Biostatistics, Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures, and Integrated Environmental Management help students understand environmental problems, assess their impacts and develop appropriate management approaches. Students can then broaden their skills through subjects such as Management of Waste, Biological Conservation, Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing, or Machine Learning.

Year 2

The second year takes students deeper into environmental challenges, sustainability and research. Subjects such as Environment Conservation, Environmental and Social Systems, Environmental Communication and Governance, Sustainable Cyber-Physical Systems, Internet of Things for SDGs, and Regional and Local Environmental Planning Theory allow students to explore environmental issues from scientific, technological and social perspectives. Students can also take part in an optional two-week internship in Japan before completing a major Postgraduate Science Project or the Tokyo City University Special Research I and Special Research II units.

Focus Areas

Environmental science, environmental management, sustainability, environmental impact assessment, waste management, biological conservation, GIS and remote sensing, environmental and social systems, environmental governance, environmental planning, sustainable technologies, Internet of Things for Sustainable Development Goals, global environmental issues and environmental research

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyse complex environmental issues, apply scientific and technical knowledge to environmental challenges, evaluate environmental concepts and theories, communicate practical solutions and independently plan and complete substantial environmental research projects.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The course is an AQF Level 9 Master's Degree (Coursework) and develops skills relevant to environmental management, sustainability, government, consultancy, renewable resources and environmental research. Its partnership with Tokyo City University also gives students international exposure and the opportunity to understand environmental challenges and sustainability practices from a global perspective.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

ECU has a strong focus on postgraduate student experience, skills development and career preparation, with its postgraduate students receiving 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide for areas including overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality. ECU also highlights its position among the world's leading young universities, providing students with an internationally focused learning environment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Environmental Studies at ECU gives students a practical and international learning experience. As part of the joint degree with Tokyo City University, students spend one semester in Japan and can also choose a two-week internship, while research projects allow them to apply their knowledge to real environmental challenges.

Students gain practical experience through:

International study: Students complete one semester at Tokyo City University in Japan, gaining first-hand experience of different approaches to environmental management and sustainability.
Optional internship: Students can undertake a two-week internship in Japan, giving them additional workplace and industry exposure.
Environmental research facilities: ECU's School of Science provides specialist facilities such as the Environmental Radiochemistry Facility, Mesocosm and Aquarium Facility, and Molecular Ecology and Genomics Facility.
Aquatic research: The Mesocosm and Aquarium Facility allows researchers to study aquatic ecosystems under controlled conditions, including changes in temperature, salinity, light, carbon dioxide and pH.
GIS and digital tools: The Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing unit helps students develop practical skills in spatial analysis and environmental applications. Students also have access to modern computing resources and technology through ECU's School of Science.
Environmental research areas: ECU supports research in areas including environmental impact assessment, conservation, ecological restoration, climate change mitigation, fire management, fisheries management, mining rehabilitation and sustainability.
Research project: Students complete a substantial Postgraduate Science Project or, depending on their study pathway, Special Research I and Special Research II, allowing them to investigate an environmental issue in depth.
Research collaboration: The program's partnership with Tokyo City University provides students with an international research environment and opportunities to work with academic staff across both institutions.
Research centres: Students can benefit from ECU's research environment, which includes centres such as the Centre for People, Place and Planet, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, and Conservation and Biodiversity Research Centre.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Environmental Studies prepares graduates for careers in environmental management, government, consulting, non-government organisations, renewable resources and research. The program combines environmental knowledge with sustainability, practical experience and international exposure, helping graduates build skills that can be applied across a range of environmental careers.

Typical career roles include Environmental Officer, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Manager:

Career support: ECU’s Careers and Employability Services provides students and graduates with career advice, job-search guidance, employability resources and access to CareerHub.
Industry connections: ECU works with businesses, government organisations, not-for-profit organisations and other industry partners to create opportunities through placements, projects, consultancies and work-integrated learning.
International experience: Students can choose a two-week internship in Japan, giving them the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop an international perspective on environmental work.
Employment outcomes: ECU reports that 93% of its graduates are in full-time employment within three years, while 71.8% are in professional or managerial positions. The university also reports an average graduate salary of AUD 86,900 per year three years after graduation.
Professional value: The qualification is an AQF Level 9 Master's Degree (Coursework), providing graduates with a recognised postgraduate qualification in environmental studies.
Graduation opportunities: Graduates can pursue environmental careers across local, state and national government, environmental consultancies, NGOs, renewable resources and academia.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the master's degree, students can continue into further postgraduate or research study in areas such as environmental science, environmental management, sustainability or related disciplines, depending on their academic and research interests.