Masters of Sustainable Development – Murdoch University (Perth)

What is Sustainable Development?

‘To meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’

(Brundtland Commission 1987 report –  Our Common Future)

Broadly defined, sustainable development is a systems approach to growth and development and to manage natural, produced, and social capital for the welfare of their own and future generations.  The term can be divided into 3 main parts: economic development, social development and environmental protection.

The Master of Arts in Sustainability at Murdoch University takes a holistic approach, providing students with the knowledge and skills that are particularly relevant for a wide range of sustainability careers within local, state or federal government, businesses and NGOs. The course addresses the implementation of sustainability at local, regional and global levels, and within urban and rural areas, and a wide range of organisations. Students have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge sustainability practices and policy relating to such areas as energy, water use, waste, climate change, biodiversity, urban planning and land management international development, and sustainability education.

The Core module provides a sophisticated understanding of some of the most important dimensions of Sustainable Development practice, including: sustainability issues and implementation at the global, regional and local levels; urban and regional sustainability; climate change adaptation, sustainability education and ethics; and sustainability and international development within Asia. Within this Core module, each student is given an opportunity to build their professional resume by undertaking a career-relevant internship or practical project for academic credit.

Professional Electives enable students to acquire professional skills in areas including: project management, community development, strategic communication, and disaster and risk management.

Policy Electives give students an opportunity to develop specialised expertise in areas such as: environmental impact assessment, energy policy, GIS, and environmental management, policy and law.

Finally, the Masters concludes with a Capstone program that gives students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and research skills by undertaking a Research Dissertation (that could qualify students seeking admission to a PhD) or a Research Project.

If you’d like to know more about this master program and our services contact us

Our counselling services are free of charge.