Master of Environment and Conservation

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Master of Environment and Conservation at Macquarie University is designed for students and professionals who want to build advanced knowledge and practical skills to protect ecosystems and respond to environmental challenges. The program brings together environmental science, conservation, climate change and sustainability, helping students understand issues such as biodiversity loss, environmental change and natural resource management.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: The first year builds a solid foundation in environmental science and conservation through subjects such as Climate Change and Adaptation, Environmental Pollution, Science in Environmental Management and Field Methods in Environmental Science. Students can also explore Environmental Planning and Environmental Remediation, gaining practical knowledge of how environmental issues are assessed and managed.

Year 2: The second year allows students to build deeper expertise through advanced environmental and conservation subjects and flexible study options. Depending on their interests, students can explore areas such as Environmental Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing, Regional and Global Conservation, Climate Change and Society: Vulnerability, Adaptation and Transitions, and Environmental Law and Sustainable Development.

Focus Areas

Environmental science, conservation, climate change, environmental management, biodiversity, environmental pollution, environmental remediation, field methods, environmental planning, GIS and remote sensing, natural resource management, environmental law, sustainability, ecological management and climate adaptation.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop advanced knowledge of environmental science and management, along with skills in research, data analysis, conservation, climate change and fieldwork. They also build critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and learn to develop practical environmental solutions while considering ecological, social, economic and policy factors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program focuses on preparing students for professional work in environmental and conservation fields rather than providing professional engineering accreditation. Its combination of scientific knowledge, practical fieldwork, environmental management and research helps students prepare for roles in government, conservation, environmental consulting and sustainability-related organisations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Macquarie University has a strong focus on environmental research, sustainability and practical learning, with academic expertise spanning environmental science, conservation and environmental management. The university has also reported being ranked Australia’s #1 university for graduate employment rate in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Environment and Conservation at Macquarie University combines classroom learning with practical environmental and conservation experience. Students develop hands-on skills through fieldwork, environmental data analysis, GIS and remote sensing activities, helping them apply what they learn to real environmental management and conservation challenges.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Fieldwork: Field Methods in Environmental Science gives students hands-on experience with environmental field techniques, observation and data collection.
GIS and remote sensing: Environmental Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing provides practical experience in spatial data collection, management, modelling and image processing.
Industry-standard software: Students can work with tools such as ESRI ArcGIS for GIS activities and ENVI for remote sensing through Macquarie University's digital learning environment.
Group projects: Selected GIS and remote sensing activities include individual and group-based projects, allowing students to apply their skills to practical environmental problems.
Computer laboratories: Students use dedicated computer-based learning environments for GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis and environmental modelling activities.
Campus environment: Macquarie University's 126-hectare campus includes native vegetation, waterways, ecological areas and rehabilitation projects that provide a useful setting for environmental teaching and research.
Marine research facilities: Through Macquarie's marine research connections, students can benefit from access to facilities supporting marine research, including laboratories, an aquarium, research vessels and a marine field station.
Research facilities: The Faculty of Science and Engineering provides specialised laboratories, research centres and collaborative facilities supporting environmental and Earth science research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Environment and Conservation can build careers in environmental science, conservation, sustainability, government, consulting and natural resource management. The program can lead to roles such as environmental scientist, climate consultant, conservation consultant and landcare or catchment manager, giving graduates opportunities to contribute to practical environmental solutions.

Career development can be supported through:

Career support: Macquarie's Careers and Student Employment services help students improve their resumes, search for suitable opportunities, prepare for interviews and build professional skills through career events and workshops.
Graduate employment: Macquarie University reports that 87% of graduates who were looking for work were employed within four months, while around 7 in 10 graduates were working in manager or professional-level roles.
Industry connections: The Faculty of Science and Engineering works with organisations such as the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Sydney Water and Transport for NSW, creating opportunities to connect learning and research with industry needs.
Work experience and internships: Students can access industry engagement, internship and employment opportunities that help them gain practical experience, build professional networks and understand workplace expectations.
Career opportunities: Graduates can work across government departments, environmental consultancies, conservation organisations, environmental protection agencies, natural resource management bodies and research organisations.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates interested in research or specialised expertise can continue into higher-level study, including a Master of Research or PhD, with opportunities to specialise further in areas such as environmental science, conservation, climate change or sustainability.