Why Graduate Diploma in Environmental Policy and Management?
Addressing environmental challenges requires more than just scientific knowledge. It calls for informed, creative thinking around policy and practice.
With this certificate, you’ll gain skills to influence decision-makers and create positive change for communities and ecosystems. Whether it’s tackling climate change, deforestation or microplastics, your knowledge could help solve some of the biggest challenges our planet faces.
You’ll graduate ready to work in government, industry and not-for-profits, with environmental protection at the heart of every decision.
Ready to influence policy and make an impact that matters? This is your opportunity to change the world for the better.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy and Management offers focused training for those eager to make a difference in protecting our planet. Through practical experience and hands-on learning, you’ll develop the skills to tackle real-world environmental challenges.
Learn the fundamentals of environmental management, policy creation and sustainability. Gain insights into how human activities impact natural environments. Explore critical topics on climate change and resource management. Choose exciting electives aligned with your career goals.
You’ll graduate ready to pursue careers as an environmental policy officer, sustainability coordinator or conservation manager. You’ll be equipped to drive initiatives that promote renewable energy, reduce waste and preserve biodiversity – whether in government, industry or the not-for-profit sector.
Key features
Build advanced communication skills to influence environmental decision-making. - Learn how to tackle environmental issues like climate change and resource scarcity.
- Develop policies and strategies to address complex environmental challenges.
- Strengthen your creative and critical thinking abilities.
- Choose electives that align with your career goals.
- Use this graduate certificate as a stepping stone towards a Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree.
What you'll learn
Environmental policies are crucial for protecting natural resources, promoting sustainable development and addressing environmental issues.
Our Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy and Management is designed for mid-career professionals, recent graduates, and those looking to specialise in environmental management. The program encourages innovative thinking, challenging you to consider new ways to address environmental problems.
Over six months, you'll gain a solid foundation in environmental planning and governance. You’ll explore the policies and strategies needed to tackle key environmental issues – and come up with your own as well. You’ll develop advanced communication skills, learning to advocate for environmental issues effectively.
The core course, Environmental Planning and Governance, provides essential insights into how policy shapes environmental outcomes. You'll also select one elective, tailoring your learning to your interests and career goals. You can choose from Environmental Impact Assessment or Regional Planning and Community Engagement.
This graduate certificate could also be your first step toward further study, such as a Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree. You’ll graduate equipped to negotiate environmental policies with private businesses, government sectors or not-for-profit organisations.
Your learning will be assessed through a combination of written assignments, oral presentations, research projects and exams. You’ll be well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental management.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 12 units for all Core courses, and
- 36 units for Electives
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Environmental Planning and Governance (UoA)
|
Course code
ENVI5015
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Environmental Planning and Governance (UoA)
|
Course code
ENVI5015
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 36 units comprising:
- 36 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Fire and Culture
|
Course code
EARTX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sustainable Cities: Climate Change and Planning
|
Course code
ENVI5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Spatial Analysis
|
Course code
ENVI5001
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Economics and Policy
|
Course code
ENVI5002
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Cities and Housing
|
Course code
ENVI5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sustainable Cities: Planning for Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI5007
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Natural Resource Management (UniSA)
|
Course code
ENVI5014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Community Engagement
|
Course code
ENVI5205
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Impact Assessment
|
Course code
ENVI6001
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Public Policy
|
Course code
POLI5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Security (PG)
|
Course code
POLI5004
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
The Ethics of War and Peace (PG)
|
Course code
POLI5013
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Global Public Health (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Occupational Health (UoA) (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5027
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Science (PG)
|
Course code
SCIE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Research Design and Methods
|
Course code
SCIE6800
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Environmental Planning and Governance (UoA)
|
Course code
ENVI5015
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
The Graduate Diploma in Environmental Policy and Management at Adelaide University prepares you for influential careers in the field. With a focus on environmental policy, governance and resource management, you’ll graduate ready to lead initiatives that benefit both communities and ecosystems.
You could be a natural resource manager, balancing development and conservation needs. You might work as an environmental consultant, advising government agencies on better ways forward. Perhaps you’ll be a corporate specialist, gathering crucial data on carbon footprints, waste management and resource use.
You could also be a:
- Policy advisor
- Environmental project officer
- Catchment advisor
- Sustainability officer
- Community engagement coordinator
- Corporate social responsibility analyst
- Land resources professional.
Industry trends
The job market is promising for graduates with environmental policy and management skills. There is growing demand in Australia and internationally across multiple sectors.
The global environmental consulting market is expected to reach USD 61.62 billion by 2029 (Mordor Intelligence Industry Report). At the same time, the need for climate resilience specialists is set to increase by 15-20% annually through to 2030 (Globe Newswire Market Report).
There are also exciting new technologies reshaping the field. Artificial intelligence is making analysing environmental data faster and more accurate. Enhanced satellite technology is improving global mapping and ecosystem monitoring. Renewal energy advancements are contributing to a greener, more sustainable world.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
