Master of Environment in Environment

COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Environment at the Australian National University requires completion of 96 units and is designed to build strong interdisciplinary expertise in environmental systems, policy, and sustainability. The program includes a minimum of 24 units from 8000-level courses and at least 36 units from Environment and Society subjects, ensuring advanced academic depth and research engagement. Students begin with 24 units of compulsory coursework covering complex environmental problems, environmental policy, environment–society interactions, and systems thinking for sustainable futures. These foundational courses develop critical understanding of how environmental challenges arise and how they can be addressed through integrated scientific and policy approaches. Students also complete 6 units of research methods training, selecting from courses in social research, environmental modelling, measurement, or community-based analysis, followed by 6 units of application-focused study such as GIS, impact assessment, environmental modelling, or science communication and risk analysis. A further 24 units are taken from specialised fields including biodiversity conservation, climate science, environmental policy, natural resource management, agricultural systems, or sustainable futures, allowing students to tailor their expertise to specific environmental domains. An additional 12 units are completed from advanced Environment or Development subjects, along with up to 24 units of electives across the university for broader learning. Capstone courses such as environment-society interaction and systems thinking integrate learning across disciplines. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental management, policy, conservation, sustainability planning, climate adaptation, and research roles globally.