The Master of Environmental Management and Development is an interdisciplinary degree comprising coursework or coursework and research, that allows students to develop a program of advanced learning.

The program comprises compulsory courses in core topic areas covering environmental governance, environmental economics, environmental assessment and research methods. Elective courses can be selected from a wide range of topics to meet individual students' needs and interests, including economics and business, water management, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, governance and policy, climate change, society and the environment, and law and policy. The courses focus on the theoretical and practical decision aspects of achieving the goals of economic viability, social acceptability and environmental sustainability within differing social and political contexts.

Master of Environmental Management and Development graduates can expect to: 

• gain a high level of knowledge of the main theories and approaches of environmental and natural resource management and development;
• gain proficiency in the application of social science and economic tools applied to environmental problems;
• develop independent learning, analytical and research, teamwork, and oral and written communication skills;
• develop networks relevant to their academic and professional interests; and
• be better placed to respond to the challenges of sustainable development through their chosen careers.

8 courses (1 Year full -time or 2 to 4 years part time)
Intake in Semester 1 and 2
Coursework only or Coursework and Research Project degree options

Applicants should normally hold:

(1) qualifications equivalent to a degree of Bachelor with first or upper second class Honours from an Australian University,

(2) a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management and Development awarded by the Australian National University with Merit or Distinction;

(3) qualifications equivalent to a degree of Bachelor from an Australian University and substantial relevant work experience, as determined by the Prescribed Authority; or

(4) an equivalent combination of postgraduate study in Environmental Management and Development and relevant work experience, as determined by the Prescribed Authority.

International students on development assistance scholarships, e.g. AusAID, normally take two years to complete the Master degree, as they are required to do the Graduate Diploma first.

Student Income Support:

Eligible students undertaking the Master of Environmental Management and Development at ANU are able to access Youth Allowance, Austudy and/or ABSTUDY. For full details, please visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website.