Master of Sustainable Development

Macquarie University

Australia, Sydney

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133

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Home/Australia/Sydney /Macquarie University/Master of Sustainable Development

Macquarie University

Australia , Sydney

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

083810A

Campuses

North Ryde

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines23-Feb-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 46,900 / year

Next Intake 23-Feb-2026

Master of Sustainable Development

About

Decent work, poverty eradication and environmental sustainability are three defining challenges of the 21st century. Transitioning towards environmentally sustainable societies requires a whole-of-economy approach and a massive infusion of green skills across the workforce. To meet this need, it’s estimated that 100 million green jobs will be needed by 2030, but currently, only one in eight workers has green skills. Therefore, those with skills to drive sustainable solutions across both traditional and emerging sectors will be in demand worldwide.

The Master of Sustainable Development – unique among sustainability degrees – takes a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the evolving needs of the green economy. Drawing on the expertise of specialists from business, law, sociology, geography, planning, health and environmental science, it will provide you with a comprehensive skillset relevant to all sectors, but especially those pivotal to meeting sustainability targets, such as energy production, transportation and finance.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

I'm an

looking to start my course in

2026
2025

Simple steps to entry at Macquarie

Meet the academic requirements

Meet the minimum English language requirements

Guide to admission points

Table Description

Complete this degree in:

If you meet the below or hold a recognised equivalent*:

Course structure:

2 years

(full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time)

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent

Foundation Zone, Core Zone, Flexible Zone (160 credit points)

View course structure

1.5 years

(full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time)

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent,

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent, and approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning,

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

Core zone, Flexible zone (120 credit points)

View course structure

1 year

(full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time)

AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent,

Meet two of the following three criteria:
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
- Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

Core zone (80 credit points)

View course structure

Related fields for prior qualifications

Environment, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Earth Sciences, Geology, (Environmental) Engineering, Environmental Economics, Environmental Law, Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Hydrology, Geography, Political Economy, Development Studies, Politics, International Political Relations, Business, Education, Management, Architecture, Built Environment, Planning, Design, Social Science, Communication, Media, Communication, Education, Sustainability or Sociology.

Relevant experience

Relevant areas defined as: employment or volunteer work including advisory, advocacy, consultancy, representation, relations, analysis, research, management in public service, local government, community organisations, non government organisations, international or professional bodies, organisations, institutes, associations or business. Experience in fields relevant to the environment, or community or social development, building, infrastructure or disaster management, energy, agriculture, public health or financing or economy or sustainability, human rights, education, capacity building, public relations, public policy, communications policy, communications strategy, media, international relations.

AQF levels

*'Bachelor’s qualification' relates to an AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent.

Guide to University terminology

Use our handy guide to better understand common study terms.

View our guide

Convert your qualification to a WAM

At Macquarie, WAM is used to measure your academic achievement instead of GPA. Use this tool to find how your qualification converts to Macquarie's required WAM.

If your qualification does not fit into any of the above categories, or if you are unsure, please do not hesitate to submit an application and it will be assessed by our admissions team.

The information on this page is a guide only and is based on your selections. They are subject to change.

Complete your degree sooner

Full degree duration

Admission point considerations

Credit for prior learning eligibility

You may qualify to complete your degree sooner!

Full degree duration

Admission point considerations

Credit for prior learning eligibility

You may qualify to complete your degree sooner!

Recognition of prior learning

With recognition of prior learning (RPL), you could get credit for your prior study and experience, reducing the duration of your studies. Credit is awarded for formal and informal or non-formal learning. You’ll need to apply for RPL once you receive your offer to study at Macquarie.

Find out more

Your prior learning may consist of:

Formal learning
Informal and non-formal learning

English language requirements

All Macquarie University applicants are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. The standard of English required for entry is based on the IELTS Academic test. Other accepted evidence of English proficiency, including minimum scores on other English tests and qualifications, can be checked using the conversion tool.

The required standard of English for this degree is:

The required standard of English

IELTS band

Minimum score required

Overall

6.5

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

You may also satisfy the English language requirements by:

passing an approved English language test at the required level
holding a qualification from an approved country with English as the language of instruction
completing an approved high school qualification or foundation program with study in English
completing an approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.

What if I don't meet the requirements?

If you don’t meet the English requirements for your course, you may be issued an offer of study that includes an English preparation program at the Macquarie University English Language Centre (ELC). If you receive a packaged offer, you can apply for a single student visa covering both your English preparation program and your course.

The length of your English program will depend on your current English level and the minimum English requirements for your course. Our admissions team will be able to recommend the number of weeks required when you submit your application.

What English language tests are approved?

We accept the IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT (internet-based), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency), and the Occupational English Test (OET).

English language qualification convertor

English Test
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program
Foundation program
High school English subject
Other evidence
Qualification from an English-speaking country

The information on this page is for guidance only and is subject to change.

Additional information and requirements

Assumed knowledge

None.

Recommended studies

None.

Inherent requirements

To be eligible to graduate from your course, you must satisfy the inherent requirements – essential activities, capacities and academic requisites – of that course.

View inherent requirements

Career

Career outcomes

I'm an

looking to start my course in

2026
2025

Take the next step in your career

So that you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills employers require now and in the future, we design many of our degrees and courses in consultation with a range of industries and sectors. Having such experts involved in creating the fundamentals of your degree or course provides you with opportunities to contextualise your learning, and gain the latest career insights.

Professions

Aid and development officer
Circular economy consultant
Climate change and sustainability consultant
Communications and engagement consultant
Corporate social responsibility adviser
Development manager
Environmental accountant
Environmental and sustainability adviser
Environmental planner
Liveability adviser

Net zero program manager
Policy adviser
Renewable energy leader
Researcher
Resilience adviser
Science-to-policy director
Social sustainability manager
Sustainability analyst
Sustainability data assurance and reporting director
Urban or regional planner

Employers

Banks and financial institutions
Businesses and corporations
Conservation agencies
Energy and environment sector
Environmental management and planning organisations
Fundraising organisations
Government agencies and departments
Humanitarian aid, health and development agencies
Indigenous development organisations
International organisations

Manufacturing companies
Mining companies
NGOs
Peak industry bodies
Planning and urban development organisations
Policy institutes
Sustainable development consulting firms
Transport, infrastructure and logistics companies
Universities
Water and resource management companies

Career information

Job Outlook – an Australian Government initiative – makes it easy to find career information, including the outlook, pay, main tasks, and physical and other demands of careers that interest you.

Explore careers on Job Outlook