Why study the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice with UTS Online?

A pathway to a fulfilling career in energy innovation, where sustainability is paramount

Sustainable future-focused skills from top academics for real-world application

Unifying science, leadership and policy to provide a holistic approach to sustainable energy

Ranked among the top 20 universities globally for advancing sustainable development1


1Times Higher Education Impact Ranking

Who is this course for?

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice is designed for professionals to formalise their knowledge of science and policy, integrating sustainability principles to promote environmental and social responsibility. You might be looking to: 

  • Build foundational knowledge to make informed sustainability decisions
  • Contribute to creating a sustainable future through learned skills
  • Influence policy and drive sustainable change through transformative best practices
  • Acquire understanding of cutting-edge leadership and technology integration to overcome challenges
Learning outcomes
Promote sustainable opportunities

Advocate sustainable practices and opportunities for organizations, promoting social and environmental responsibility

Strengthen science policy understanding

Develop a deep understanding of the theories and practices behind current science policies, and be able to critically analyse and improve them

Evaluate climate change impacts

Critically evaluate energy storage systems and their potential across various applications, helping organisations make informed decisions

Evaluate energy storage solutions

Harness the power of big data to drive scientific discovery and innovation

Diverse skills for dynamic careers

Build a versatile skill set that can be applied to multiple career paths, enhancing employability and professional growth

To learn more about how these learning outcomes can help you advance your career, get in touch with our Student Enrolment Advisors.

Speak to an Enrolment Advisor

What you will study

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice comprises four online subjects (24 credit points [CP] in total).  

CORE SUBJECTS

Complete the following subjects (24 CP):

Shaping Policies for the Future (6 CP) 

This subject examines the impact of public policy on health and wellbeing, including evidence-based science policies in climate change mitigation, sustainable development, and population-level vaccination initiatives. It also explores the regulatory frameworks and governing bodies that shape the field of science globally. Through critical analysis, students gain an understanding of the complex decision-making processes involved in formulating public policies, which rely on scientific, economic, social, and political factors.

Science of Climate Change for Leaders (6 CP)

This subject explores the scientific concepts of climate change, its impact on various industries and communities, and strategies to mitigate its effects. Students gain an understanding of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, global warming, and ocean acidification. They investigate the impact of climate change on human health, food production, and society. With this knowledge, students can lead change within their organisations and communities.

Sustainable Energy: Sources and Systems (6 CP)

This subject emphasizes the importance of sustainable energy for economic growth, human development, and environmental health. Students gain an understanding of the scientific principles behind various sources of sustainable energy and how they can be harnessed and stored. The subject equips students with the knowledge to design infrastructure to store energy and tackle a range of energy problems. As scientific research advances, the adoption of sustainable energy technologies continues to grow in importance and reliability.

Sustainability Practices in Industry (6 CP)

Achieving a sustainable future requires collaboration across industry, government and business, with a combination of effort to achieve sector change. While sustainable and clean energy technologies will continue along the path towards mass adoption, interim solutions are needed to slow the impact our current practices have. This subject explores a range of sustainable practices that can be immediately implemented within industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and healthcare, in a transitional arrangement.

Note: Most subjects at UTS are worth 6 CP (credit points) but this can vary across courses

A pathway to a Master of Sustainable Leadership

Upon successful completion of this course, you will have the opportunity to enrol into the Master of Sustainable Leadership.

Upcoming intakes

UTS Online courses have six intakes per year.
The diagram below shows all upcoming intakes, with the next intake highlighted in blue.

 
  • Graduate
    Certificate
  • Masters

Course information

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.

It is a requirement that the degree be in a relevant Science or Engineering discipline, such as physics, chemistry, environmental sciences, nursing, education, engineering, and/or materials sciences. or another comparable field. The list of acceptable fields can be found on the UTS Online website.

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be considered on the following:

  •  A minimum of three (3) years professional work experience*;

AND

  • A general capacity to undertake tertiary education**;

AND

  • An interview, where required by the Faculty

*Relevant work experience is defined at ANZSCO skill level 1 (commensurate with a bachelor's degree or higher qualification) and is demonstrated through a CV or a Statement of Service outlining work experience and the dates of employment and position(s) held within the organization, demonstrating extensive work as a manager or professional, and the applicant’s ability to critically appraise their work. 

**General capacity to undertake tertiary education is demonstrated through a one-page Personal Statement outlining the applicant’s interest in the course and any contemporary professional education undertaken. The statement must clearly articulate the applicant’s learning expectations which align with the course intended outcomes and demonstrate capacity to undertake the course (such as, but not limited to, successful completion of UTS postgraduate microcredentials). 

English language requirements

English language requirements apply to both international and domestic students. Please refer to the UTS English language requirements for further information on how to satisfy the requirements for the course/s.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper-based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet-based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

For more information, schedule a 15-minute call with a Student Enrolment Advisor. 

Speak to an Enrolment Advisor

 

FEE-HELP

To assist with all or some of your tuition fees, FEE-HELP is available for eligible students. This government-supported loan scheme is designed to help eligible full-fee paying students pay their tuition fees.

To check your eligibility, feel free to speak with an Enrolment Advisor today.

Schedule a call

 

Career outcomes

Studying UTS Online’s Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice may lead to roles such as: 

  • Sustainability Consultant  
  • Climate Change and Sustainability Consultant  
  • Sustainability Officer  
  • Practice Managers  
  • Head of Environment & Climate Change 
  • Sustainable Practices Manager
  • Environmental Coordinator
  • Sustainability Project Coordinator
  • Sustainable Development Specialist
  • Green Initiatives Manager
  • Corporate Sustainability Analyst
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Coordinator
  • Sustainability Reporting Specialist
  • Sustainable Product Manager
  • Sustainability Educator
  • Renewable Energy Coordinator

To learn more about career outcomes, download a course guide

Download a course guide

Meet our Course Director

"Our graduates will become leaders who define the future and shape policies for the benefit of all. They will develop advanced capabilities to lead with confidence in government, the community and industry."

Dr Parvez Mahmud
Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences;
Program Director, Master of Sustainable Energy and Master of Sustainable Leadership

Graduate Diploma
All units from the Graduate Certificate + 4 Diploma units or continue studying

The Graduate Diploma focuses on giving you the foundational skills that industry demands plus the soft skills to influence business decisions at senior management levels. 

The fast-tracked model means you can graduate with a diploma in just over a year, plus it gives you a pathway to study the Master of Business Analytics. 

Masters
All units from the Graduate Certificate + 4 Diploma units or continue studying

The Graduate Diploma focuses on giving you the foundational skills that industry demands plus the soft skills to influence business decisions at senior management levels. 

The fast-tracked model means you can graduate with a diploma in just over a year, plus it gives you a pathway to study the Master of Business Analytics. 

Master of Sustainable Leadership
All subjects from the Graduate Certificate + 6 core subjects, plus 12 CPs from a range of elective subjects

The UTS Online Master of Sustainable Leadership is designed for professionals who seek to enhance their knowledge of contemporary sustainability and develop leadership skills necessary for making informed decisions and enabling teams to initiate change.