Master of Sustainable Practice

Master of Sustainable Practice

POSTGRADUATE

Expand your knowledge of sustainability and sustainable practice with a degree that enables you to lead change within organisations.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

AU$36,480 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

Working with like-minded people, in the Master of Sustainable Practice you'll collaborate on projects tackling problems in areas such as water usage, energy, sustainable food production and consumption, liveable cities, waste management, climate change, risk management, consumerism, behaviour and transformational change.

You'll develop capabilities to achieve sustainable practice by:

  • communicating coherently across disciplines and with the broader community
  • identifying and defining sustainability problems by researching and developing proposals
  • leading, managing and participating effectively in change processes
  • evaluating activities undertaken for efficiency
  • being aware of self, others and the processes used in implementing change.

You'll also explore your views of sustainability, how it affects your employer and ways you can participate in change. Learn how to develop sustainable practice that is based on reflective practice, recognise "the long now" (an idea by Brian Eno) and how we can create realities by first imagining them.

Why study sustainable practice at RMIT?

Industry connections

Learn from experts, work on an industry-based research project and take advantage of the school’s established industry links.

Intensive delivery

Classes are held in intensive mode, enabling you to get started on your career plans earlier.

Build contacts

Develop your network by working with like-minded people on real-world projects and engaging with active professionals.

Details

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Classes are held in intensive mode.

This is normally three or four full days per semester (mostly Saturdays). Elective subjects may be run in the evening.

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, site and facility inspections, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.

You will have access to online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

You are also supported via online resources and discussion forums between classes.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Industry connections are a vital component of the Master of Sustainable Practice, and the School has well-established links with organisations such as the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and various water authorities through which students may engage in industry-based projects.

Industry representatives who are experts in their particular field also run interactive modules throughout the degree. In addition, many students are already working and able to bring industry awareness and professional engagement into classroom sessions.

  • 1 to 1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing)
  • 1 to 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This degree intersperses sustainability project subjects with sustainability body of practice subjects.

The sustainability project subjects are in the form of a workshop series that supports you through structured inquiry, providing the opportunity to share your learning with other participants.

The sustainability body of practice subjects explore a range of different practices from various disciplines that can be used to move through the problem solving/managing cycle. These subjects are built around case studies and are also delivered in intensive mode.

You may also select electives from an extensive range across RMIT University. Electives range from renewable energy technology through to environment and planning subjects. An exegesis and critical interpretation of the project and degree is required for the Master of Sustainable Practice.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Sustainable Practice
Program code: MC240

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

With the increasing importance of sustainability at all levels of society and across all industries, the need for specialists in sustainable practice will only continue to grow.

Graduates will be able to lead change in sustainability issues within an organisation. They will have an expanded view of sustainability and how this can be practised through projects, case studies and critical evaluation.

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The Master of Sustainable Practice is not accredited, although it has been developed to align with the Engineers Australia accreditation framework. Engineers Australia is the professional body responsible for the accreditation of higher education programs that prepare students to practise as professional engineers. Graduates of the Master of Sustainable Practice may be eligible to apply for membership of Engineers Australia.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) that includes knowledge of sustainability practices.

Applicants who have a successfully completed any Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) will be considered if they have at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

OR

Successful completion of an Australian postgraduate qualification (or international equivalent) in a related discipline (as above).

OR

Applicants without any relevant prior qualification will be considered if they have at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Exemptions

Some applicants may be eligible for exemptions. Approved exemptions may change the duration of their study in the program.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) that includes knowledge of sustainability practices.

Applicants who have a successfully completed any Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) will be considered if they have at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

OR

Successful completion of an Australian postgraduate qualification (or international equivalent) in a related discipline (as above).

OR

Applicants without any relevant prior qualification will be considered if they have at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Exemptions

Some applicants may be eligible for exemptions.Approved exemptions may change the duration of their study in the program.

Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree may be considered on the basis of work experience. Applicants must provide evidence that they have developed a level of experience and knowledge in a field of study, any field, sufficient to undertake the program. Examples of evidence would be CVs or a letter from an employer.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Masters advanced standing

If you have a qualification in a relevant discipline at honours degree or postgraduate/masters level (AQF level 8 or 9) you may be eligible for exemption of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full time study).

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

You may be eligible for advanced standing up to a maximum of 2 semesters (equivalent to 96 credits points). Eligibility for advanced standing is based on your previous studies and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2024 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$36,480 (2024 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*. The SSAF fees information for the 2024 intake has been delayed by the Australian government and will be updated when it is available.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$XX,XXX.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$XX,XXX.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information