Environment and Climate Emergency

This master by coursework is a research-led flagship course that leverages local and global partnerships to provide you with an advanced and unique education experience. 

It offers problem-focused and work-related learning experiences that are tailored to your interests, and can open pathways to future research. The course consists of two core dissertation units, research methods units and optional units to support your final dissertation. Your chosen research dissertation topic will be guided and oriented by an experienced supervisor throughout the course.

You will have the opportunity to engage with the latest research related to your topic at the innovative Legacy Living Laboratory (L3), a state-of-the-art data visualisation space and research facility.

L3 is also a meeting place of researchers, practitioners and industry and government partners, providing an ideal hub for learning and networking. Content is supported by demand-driven research at the Curtin University Sustainability and Policy (CUSP) Institute.

The master degree comprises three levels of study, with completion of one level providing credit towards the next. You can choose to exit the degree at the graduate certificate or graduate diploma level.

Students who complete the master degree to a high standard may apply for doctoral-level studies.

Why study

• Sustainability is one of the fastest growing job sectors around the world: it’s ranked as a top priority for industry and is relevant in every field of work.
• Your learning will be informed by research and best industry practice, enabling you to develop the relevant skills and knowledge to implement solutions to diverse climate and environment challenges. 
• As a graduate, you will be able to contribute to making the world a better place through your profession.
• Flexible study options enable you to study at your own pace and apply your learning to your professional role.
  
  

Career information

The future of environment and climate emergency action

Increasing extreme climatic events and natural disasters are affecting communities the world over. The declaration of a ‘climate emergency’ is progressively being accepted as policy by government authorities and professional institutions, initiating local action in a rapidly urbanising world. However, many governments are lagging in their policy development.

Our environment and climate emergency courses respond to the demand by globally-minded citizens and the next generation of students for rapid action from governments and industry towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future. These forward-thinking courses integrate the knowledge and skills needed to respond to the present global emergency and motivate global change.

Industries

• Urban/environmental planning
• Government
• Construction
• Engineering
• Regional development
• Conservation and environment
• Land use
• Resources and energy
• Transport
• Education
• Research

What you'll learn

• apply relevant disciplinary knowledge to the concept of sustainability in work and community settings
• apply critical and analytical skills within a sustainability framework under the current environment and climate priorities; think creatively to develop practical pathways to sustainability and dealing with the environment and climate change emergency
• locate, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant and reliable information sources on sustainability
• communicate ideas and information, verbally and in writing, to a range of target audiences
• use communication and research technologies to effectively collect information and communicate findings
• demonstrate a reflexive and adaptive approach to learning; understand second-order learning; identify and apply successful learning strategies
• recognise the global nature of sustainability and the relationship between global and local sustainability issues; identify and apply international good practice to sustainability
• recognise the diverse meanings and applications of the notion of culture to sustainability; respect indigenous culture and its relevance to sustainability; identify the complexities and benefits multiculturalism brings to sustainability; and critique culture as an integrated system of norms that enable or disable sustainability
• demonstrate the ability within sustainability practice to work effectively as a team and independently when appropriate; show leadership and apply ethical and professional standards