The Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management and Development is designed for students who, while coming from a diversity of academic backgrounds, desire to extend their theoretical and applied knowledge of environmental management issues. Grounded in the philosophy of sustainable development, the program aims to develop an understanding of the individual discipline based concepts and theoretical paradigms in economics, ecology and social science. The program also raises awareness of the complexity of addressing environmental conservation goals. Concepts are applied to problems of social and economic development and environmental management, particularly in the developing country context.

Normally a university degree in a relevant discipline is required, for example, Economics, Biological or Earth Sciences, or Geography. In exceptional cases, students with other tertiary qualifications and relevant experience may be admitted.