Adelaide University
Master of Environmental Policy and Management
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Doctorate
Empower communities by creating programs that address public concerns while working with industries, businesses and governments to develop sustainable management systems.
Course overview
The Master of Environmental Policy and Management provides advanced training for those passionate about making a positive impact on our planet. You’ll explore complex topics such as policy development, environmental management and sustainability. Research how human activities influence natural environments. Learn to create policies that safeguard the Earth for future generations.
Gain practical experience and tackle real-world environmental issues in diverse settings throughout your studies.
This degree allows you to choose between coursework and a research specialisation. You will explore environmental policy, planning and management. You'll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to solve real-world problems and pursue electives that align with your personal and professional interests.
You’ll be ready for roles as an environmental consultant, policy advisor and sustainability manager. You'll have skills for community engagement, environmental management, research and specialist education.
Key features
- Deepen your understanding of climate change, biodiversity and resource scarcity.
- Conduct in-depth research on the impact of human activities on natural environments.
- Master the skills to develop effective policies and management strategies to address complex environmental challenges.
- Enhance your creative and critical thinking abilities.
- Pursue electives aligned with your professional interests and career goals.
- Explore innovative approaches to sustainable development and environmental management.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 96 units comprising:
- 24 units for all core courses.
- 24 to 48 units for discipline courses.
- 24 to 48 units for electives.
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.
Complete 24 units for all of the following:
- Research Design and Methods (12 units)
- Environmental Planning and Governance (UoA) (12 units)
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive, with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed bachelor's (AQF level 7) or bachelor's honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
- A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Gain employment-relevant skills and knowledge in environmental policy, management, planning and governance to meet the growing demand of employers, nationally and internationally.
- Equips you with the skills to research and address the impacts of human activities on natural environments.
- Learn to craft and implement effective policies and strategies for conservation and sustainability.
Career outcomes
You could manage ecosystems as an environmental policy advisor. You might work as a sustainability consultant, guiding organisations toward eco-friendly practices. Perhaps you’ll become a conservation manager, dedicated to restoring and protecting habitats.
Other potential roles include:
- Climate and Ecosystem Modeller
- Corporate Sustainability Professional
- Fisheries and Marine Officer
- Environmental Planner
- Strategic Planning Officer
- Sustainability Manager
- Project Officer
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Specialist
- Environmental Compliance Officer
- Professional in Community Engagement and Environmental Management
- Researchers or Specialist Educators
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $34,700 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.