COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Sustainable Development consists of 48 credit points, all forming the core structure of the degree, with students choosing either a dissertation stream or a project stream to complete the program. The course begins with 21 credit points of required units that build foundational knowledge in sustainability across global, regional and local contexts. These units include Culture, Communities and Sustainability in Asia (AST650), Community, Industry and Local Government (COD505), Education for Sustainability (ENV536), Sustainability, Ecology and Communities (SUS512), Cities and Sustainability (SUS523), Resilient Regions: People and Practice (SUS611) and Development and Sustainability (SUS628). Students then complete 27 credit points through either the dissertation pathway or the project pathway. The dissertation pathway includes 15 credit points of compulsory research-focused units such as Masters by Coursework Research Dissertation (ART610) and Doing Research for Development (DEV600), followed by 12 credit points of electives chosen from a wide range of subjects including research methods, community development, environmental policy, climate change adaptation, food security, design thinking, social justice, business and sustainability, creative media for development and professional placements. The project pathway begins with the required unit Doing Research for Development (DEV600) and is followed by 24 credit points selected from the same extensive list of electives, giving students the flexibility to tailor the degree to their interests in policy, community development, environmental management, sustainable business or practical professional experience. Across both pathways, the structure allows students to deepen their understanding of sustainability while developing strong research or professional practice skills, preparing them for leadership roles in government, business, community organisations and international development.