Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science
Postgraduate
ECU-ESC-GDI 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Become an environmental decision-maker
Would you like to lead an organisation towards better decisions for the environment? This course will show you how. Consider the greater context of ecosystems as you make choices based on impact and risk using management systems and auditing.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 6
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science
About this degree
At the end of the program, students of the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science can:
- Apply high level, independent judgement when planning, monitoring and evaluating Environmental Science issues to develop creative solutions.
- Communicate advanced knowledge, concepts and skills in Environmental Science to industry, government and consultants.
- Demonstrate management skills by planning, implementing and evaluating Environmental Science tasks.
This course is designed for professionals who wish to add to their qualifications and experience by extending their knowledge in environmental science. It is designed for professionals who require the skills and knowledge to integrate environmental planning, conservation and monitoring into the broader decision-making of their organisations. The course covers the areas of environmental impact assessment, planning and monitoring set in the context of our major ecosystems, and emphasises the global, regional and local nature of environmental issues. Students also learn about environmental management systems, environmental auditing, risk assessment and sustainability.
Recommended study pattern
As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:
- Sustainability Assessment and Reporting
- Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures
- Environmental Monitoring and Investigation.
As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.
Award requirements
Students are required to complete 120 credit points.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $27,350
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.
Learn more about ECU.
Explore ECU courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 28
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 25
How to apply
Edith Cowan University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Edith Cowan University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page for Band 4;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page for Band 4.
If you have completed units of study in another Postgraduate course or have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (CRPL).
To assess your eligibility for credit, we first need you to apply for and accept an offer in your course of interest with us. You can then submit an Application for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning via your Student Portal.
Career opportunities
This course provides students with exposure to industry/organisations as an integrated part of their units. This provides an excellent springboard for employment following this degree. Employment opportunities will be in local government, industry, state, national government and non-government organisations, particularly in the biology, ecology, mining and research sectors.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Conservation Officers | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Environmental Consultants | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Environmental Managers | Over $120K | N/A^ |
Environmental Research Scientists | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Environmental Scientists | $93K to $120K | Up 22.4% |
Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals | $93K to $120K | Up 31.7% |
Park Rangers | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
^ There is no data available