Graduate Coursework Programs in Environment and Sustainability
Monash's School of Geography and Environmental Science offers a family of interlinked programs in which you can gain a qualification in your core interest and broaden and deepen your expertise.
The School has long been recognised, nationally and internationally, as one of the leading centres of geographical and environmental research within Australia. The School has designated five main areas of research - environment and society, geographic information science, indigenous archaeology, physical geography, urban and economic geography, and a summary of activity for each of these research groupings follows:
Environment and Society
Research is undertaken in the areas of:
- international development and environmental analysis (focussed geographically in the Indo-Pacific rim)
- urban water sustainability and governance through the National Urban Water Governance Program
- social, economic and environmental change in rural Australia through the Monash Regional Australia project (focussed on the changing dynamics of agri-environmental governance in Australia
- corporate governance and socially responsible investment through Monash Sustainability Enterprises who provide contract research services to the Australian finance sector.
Geographical Information Systems
The GIS research group main fields of research include:
- Spatial data integration in aid of bringing environmental sustainability policies to practice
- Design, development and implementation of spatial decision support systems
- Geodemographic analysis
for social, economic and environmental applications.
Indigenous Archaeology
Under the broad umbrella of ‘Indigenous Archaeology & Heritage’, this team presents the new face of Indigenous archaeology in Australia informed by anthropology, history and post-colonial theory, emphasizing Indigenous community partnership research and the development of a decolonized practice. The Group interests include the archaeology of history and identity and the meaningfulness of objects in past and present land- and seascape perception, construction and engagement.
Physical Geography
The group of physical geographers is distinguished by its scientific focus on environmental processes and change that contributes to the understanding of the present landscape and to prediction of future changes within it. It incorporates the fields of climatology, biogeography, geomorphology and pedology and their integration within the general area of Earth System Science.
Urban and Economic Geography
The group’s research is broadly concerned with the uneven geographies of the urban and economic realms and include areas such as:
- regional sustainability and resilience from the perspectives of economic geography, development, and political ecology
- environmental transformations and their causes
- historical geography, environmental history and historiography. I am fascinated by the interpretation and portrayal of the relation between humans and nature, and how and why those interpretations have changed over time
- ethnicity, gender and sexuality studies
Postgraduate coursework studies are usually undertaken after completion of a bachelor’s degree in a specialised area of study.
Our Postgraduate coursework programs may include the option of a minor or major thesis component. They offer a balance of theory and practice with an emphasis on industry-driven projects.
There are 3 main Masters coursework programs: Master of International Development and Environmental Analysis (MIDEA), Master of Corporate Environmental and Sustainability Management (MCESM) and Master of Environment and Sustainability (ME&S). All three programs are centred around the research strengths of the School. Further, a Master of Integrated Water Management (MIWM) is offered through the International Water Centre.
The School’s reputation for excellence in research and industry partnerships means that students work with enthusiastic staff in a dynamic and relevant learning environment.
Coursework Programs
- Master of Environment and Sustainability (ME&S)
- Master of International Development and Environmental Analysis (MIDEA)
- Master of Corporate Environmental and Sustainability Management (MCESM)
- Master of Integrated Water Management (MIWM)
All GES coursework Masters degrees are 72 points (1.5 years full time or 3 years part-time). On successful completion of one of the Masters programs, students may apply to complete a Graduate Diploma in one of the other GES programs. With approval from the course coordinator, students may be granted credit for units undertaken in the Masters course and so be able to complete the Grad Dip in one full-time or 2 part-time semesters. Following this path, students may be able to complete a Masters degree and Grad Dip program in 2 years (full time studies).
Information
- How to apply
- Useful information for current students
- Current and former research projects
- Student association
- Prizes
Other Postgrad Programs
Research degrees (MA /MSc/MEnvSc/PhD) in Geography and Environmental Science
These courses draw on partnerships with CSIRO, links with government and corporate sectors through Monash Sustainability Enterprises and Monash Environment Institute and affiliations with non-government community organisations.