Course overview
This master by coursework is a research-led flagship course that leverages local and global partnerships to provide you with an advanced and unique education experience.
It offers problem-focused and work-related learning experiences that are tailored to your interests, and can open pathways to future research.
You’ll develop the skills and knowledge to respond to the present global emergency and facilitate environmental change.
Students who complete the master degree to a high standard may apply for doctoral-level studies.
Career outcomes
Increasing extreme climatic events and natural disasters are affecting communities the world over. The declaration of a ‘climate emergency’ is progressively being accepted as policy by government authorities and professional institutions, initiating local action in a rapidly urbanising world. However, many governments are lagging in their policy development.
Our environment and climate emergency courses respond to the demand by globally-minded citizens and the next generation of students for rapid action from governments and industry towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future. These forward-thinking courses integrate the knowledge and skills needed to respond to the present global emergency and motivate global change.
Industries
- Urban/environmental planning
- Government
- Construction
- Engineering
- Regional development
- Conservation and environment
- Land use
- Resources and energy
- Transport
- Education
- Research
Your student experience

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Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
The course consists of two core dissertation units, research methods units and optional units to support your final dissertation. Your chosen research dissertation topic will be guided and oriented by an experienced supervisor throughout the course.
You will have the opportunity to engage with the latest research related to your topic at the innovative Legacy Living Laboratory (L3), a state-of-the-art data visualisation space and research facility.
L3 is also a meeting place of researchers, practitioners and industry and government partners, providing an ideal hub for learning and networking. Content is supported by demand-driven research at the Curtin University Sustainability and Policy (CUSP) Institute.
The master degree comprises three levels of study, with completion of one level providing credit towards the next. You can choose to exit the degree at the graduate certificate or graduate diploma level.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
Applicants for a Master Degree (Coursework) are required to meet university academic and English language entry standards. 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 Environment and Climate Emergency.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
Domestic fee-paying first-year fee
$24,468*
Important information about fees
- *Fees are indicative only
- First year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credit points. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
- This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit other fees and charges for more information.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
Choose your preferred campus to find the application opening and closing dates for this course before you apply.
Select your preferred campus
| Intake | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | 21 Apr 2025 | Applications now closed |
| Semester 2, 2026 | 2 Mar 2026 | Applications now closed |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Applications now open | 28 Jan 2027 |
| Semester 2, 2027 | 1 Mar 2027 | 1 Jul 2027 |
Location and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
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