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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

302469 v.6 Master of Sustainability and Climate Policy

MSustainClimPol(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 074663D
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years


Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


This course develops knowledge, understanding and appreciation of, sustainability and climate policy issues in social research and analysis. It assists in career development, preparing students for new employment opportunities in a variety of public and private sector contexts that require social research and analytical skills in sustainability and climate policy. It is designed to complement existing knowledge gained from an undergraduate qualification in any recognised area including business, humanities, sciences and education. It also combines a general qualification with more specific educational opportunities, enabling students learn in a way that best suits existing needs and priorities.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


Students may transfer to this course after successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Climate Policy.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Climate Policy; Graduate Diploma in Sustainability and Climate Policy.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


Students are required to complete at least one-third of their program via individual, supervised research projects at an advanced level, demonstrating highly sophisticated skills in research, analysis, communication and reflection. There may be opportunities for practicum combinations of study and work.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply a range of relevant disciplinary knowledges to the concept of sustainability in work and community settings

2. apply critical and analytical skills within a sustainability framework; think creatively to develop practical pathways to sustainability

3. locate, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant and reliable information sources on sustainability

4. communicate ideas and information, verbally and in writing, to a range of target audiences

5. use communication and research technologies to effectively collect information and communicate findings

6. demonstrate a reflexive and adaptive approach to learning; understand second order learning; identify and apply successful learning strategies

7. recognise the global nature of sustainability and the relationship between global and local sustainability issues; identify and apply international good practice to sustainability

8. recognise the diverse meanings and applications of the notion of culture to sustainability; respect indigenous culture and its relevance to sustainability; identify the complexities and benefits multiculturalism brings to sustainability; and critique culture as an integrated system of norms that enable or disable sustainability

9. demonstrate the ability within sustainability practice to work effectively as a team and independently when appropriate; show leadership and apply ethical and professional standards


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is three semesters full-time or equivalent part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Study Period 2   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y Y    
2014 Bentley Campus Study Period 7   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y Y    

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
302471 v.5 *   Topics in Sustainability 521 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   75.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
302476 v.5 **   Pathways to Sustainability 522 2.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   75.0
  100.0
Year 2
302483 v.4   Advanced Individual Project 690 50.0
302484 v.4   Advanced Individual Project 691 50.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
302473 v.6   Urban Design for Sustainability 541 4.0 25.0
302475 v.5   Participatory Sustainability 542 2.0 25.0
302482 v.5   Sustainable Cities 543 2.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
302479 v.5   Leadership in Sustainability 544 2.0 25.0
311879 v.5   Communities Contact and Aboriginal Heritage 545 3.0 25.0
314240 v.1   Decarbonising Cities and Regions 546 25.0
314241 v.1   Climate Policy 547 25.0

*    Unit is only offered in Semester 1

**    Unit is only offered in Semester 2




Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.