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    DR-SUSDEV

    Sustainable Development

    Professional doctorate by research

    Course outline
    • Qualification
      Doctor of Sustainable Development
    • Duration

      Duration

      4 years full-time, part-time
    • Credit

      Credit

      100
    • CRICOS

      CRICOS

      085112M
    • Location

      Location

      Curtin Perth
    Course outline

    Select your preferred campus:

    2026

    Research Term 1

    On campus

    Research Term 2

    On campus

    2027

    Research Term 1

    On campus

    Research Term 2

    On campus

    Course outline

    Overview

    Overview

    Based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this innovative course is among the first of its kind.

    In this course, you will develop a critical understanding of the complex issues that lay at the frontier of sustainable development. You will understand sustainable development as a profoundly inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary endeavour, involving professionals, policy developers and researchers on global and local scales.

    The Doctor of Sustainable Development will comprise at least two-thirds research and four units of coursework. You will learn cognitive and technical skills relevant to sustainable development and use these skills to undertake a significant research project. Your research will be well designed and locally embedded to help you become a long-term influencer of change within society and your profession.

    Why research at Curtin

    Curtin is widely recognised for applied research firmly focused on solving real-world problems. Underpinning our research endeavours are strong partnerships with industry, business and government, which result in outcomes that greatly benefit the broader community locally, nationally and globally. Our international reputation for being a strong partner in industry-driven research ensures our graduates enjoy outstanding opportunities to become innovators in their fields.

    What you'll learn

    • have a systematic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the frontier of sustainable development and of inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary roles and representations of sustainable development, and apply this knowledge to professional practice and research.
    • develop a range of analytical, creative, critical specialised research skills, integrate these cognitive and research skills and apply them to research in professional practice.
    • demonstrate specialised cognitive, technical and research skills relevant to sustainable development,; evaluate the relevance of information making valid judgements,; and synthesise information from a range of sources.
    • communicate in ways appropriate to audience and purpose and disseminate and promote new insights into sustainable development through appropriate channels.
    • use appropriate technologies appropriate to research and communicate the complexities of sustainable development.
    • develop a reflexive and adaptive approach to learning that is relevant for professional practice and research; adapt and/or implement successful learning strategies to continue to redefine existing knowledge and professional practice.
    • generate original knowledge and understanding pertaining to the global nature of sustainability and the relationship between global and local sustainability issues; develop, adapt and/or implement international good practice for sustainable development in professional practice.
    • respect indigenous and other cultures and their immediate relevance to sustainable development; understand the complexities and benefits multiculturalism and diversity brings to sustainable development; and critique culture as an integrated system of norms that affect sustainable development.
    • demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar in sustainable development; work independently and in teams; demonstrate leadership, professional behaviour and ethical practices.
    Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

    Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

    Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

    Fees and scholarships

    Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens who are successful applicants of a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program are eligible for a tuition fee exemption under the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP): up to four years of full-time equivalent study for Doctoral or PhD programs and up to two years for Master of Philosophy programs.

    If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen please see information for international students.

    Looking for more detail on the course structure?

    View course structure

    Location

    For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

    Curtin Perth flag

    2026

    Research Term 1
    • On campus
    Research Term 2
    • On campus

    2027

    Research Term 1
    • On campus
    Research Term 2
    • On campus

    All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

    The University reserves the right 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.

    How to apply

    Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

    Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

    Apply now
    • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

      The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

      While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

      View courses information disclaimer.

    • Curtin course code: DR-SUSDEV
    • CRICOS code: 085112M
    • Last updated on: 19 March 2026

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