Diploma of Sustainability
TAFE course
Overview
The Diploma of Sustainability introduces students to concepts of sustainability and how it applies to their lives. Students will become familiar with tools and practices that can be used to address economic, environmental and social challenges. The skills and knowledge they will gain can be applied to a broad range of areas - from managing a business, to supporting shifts in individual and organisational behaviour, to understanding and reducing our ecological footprint through more efficient energy and resource use.
Behaviour change tools, models and theories will be explored and students will use these to implement a program to support behaviour change. They will also be required to research sustainable production and consumption principles. In developing a business plan and business case to support sustainable business practice, students will ascertain the advantages for businesses and organisations to align with sustainability principles and practices. Students are encouraged to relate their learning to their own life experience. During the course, students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained to their own practice, to a community organisation, business or industry sector of their choice.
Sustainability is increasingly being recognised as a critical challenge for society. It is also becoming an important business objective both in industry and government as we seek ways for society, business and government to address increasingly finite natural resources and protect the interests of our society.
| Duration | 6 months | ||
Campus and intakes  |
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| Study mode | Online | ||
| Course code | UU22105VIC | ||
| National code | 22105VIC | ||
| Fees | For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website. |
Course in detail
Course description
The Diploma of Sustainability introduces students to concepts of sustainability and how it applies to their lives. Students will become familiar with tools and practices that can be used to address economic, environmental and social challenges. The skills and knowledge they will gain can be applied to a broad range of areas - from managing a business, to supporting shifts in individual and organisational behaviour, to understanding and reducing our ecological footprint through more efficient energy and resource use.
Behaviour change tools, models and theories will be explored and students will use these to implement a program to support behaviour change. They will also be required to research sustainable production and consumption principles. In developing a business plan and business case to support sustainable business practice, students will ascertain the advantages for businesses and organisations to align with sustainability principles and practices. Students are encouraged to relate their learning to their own life experience. During the course, students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained to their own practice, to a community organisation, business or industry sector of their choice.
Sustainability is increasingly being recognised as a critical challenge for society. It is also becoming an important business objective both in industry and government as we seek ways for society, business and government to address increasingly finite natural resources and protect the interests of our society.
Course structure
The Diploma of Sustainability is available via a blended study mode and includes optional face-to-face workshops at Hawthorn campus, as well as online course content.
This course comprises four core units which, when combined with another diploma or higher level qualification, will allow students to graduate with a dual qualification. In order to gain the qualification, students will need to study all four core units, as well as provide us with evidence of their other diploma or higher level qualification. Students can also undertake the four core units of the Diploma of Sustainability without completing another qualification and receive a Statement of Attainment.
Learning is supported with live online tutorials conducted with a voice-based e-learning system called Collaborate, and optional value-added face-to-face workshops. Excursions and field trips are also offered to all students.
Key features of this course include:
- Only four core units of study
- Can be completed in one year or less
- Optional eight 3.5 hour classes
- Or complete the course entirely online
Units of study
VU20302 Apply basic concepts of sustainability to own, or local, practice
VU20303 Develop and implement a program to support behavioural change for a sustainability initiative
VU20304 Develop a business plan for sustainable business practice
VU20305 Research and apply principles of sustainable production and consumption
VU20303 Develop and implement a program to support behavioural change for a sustainability initiative
VU20304 Develop a business plan for sustainable business practice
VU20305 Research and apply principles of sustainable production and consumption
Graduate outcomes
Aims and objectives
To equip participants with an understanding of sustainability, including:
- What sustainability means as a concept and how to apply it
- Why sustainability is important for business, society and the environment
- How sustainability relates to a broad range of industry practices
- How to develop and implement programs to support behaviour change at the individual and organisational level
- How to develop a business plan for responsive and sustainable business practices
- How to analyse the long term outcomes of sustainable production and consumption
Career opportunities
Students and graduates of this course typically gain or upgrade their skills so they can integrate sustainability into their existing role, or transition into a sustainability-related career in a position such as sustainability officer, environmental and social sustainability advisor or project manager.
From business management, engineering, child and family studies, event management and hospitality and tourism, conservation and land management, through to design and IT, employers are recognising the business benefits of operating in ways that deliver good outcomes for people and the environment.
Sustainability is increasingly becoming an important business objective both in government and industry. In recent times there has been a strong growth in the number of jobs that specifically address sustainability issues. However, most opportunities exist through applying sustainability concepts to traditional disciplines.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
For Australian citizens and permanent residents these are the entry options.
- Are currently studying a diploma or higher qualification
- Have completed a diploma or higher qualification. Students will be required to provide evidence of their existing diploma/ higher qualification as the time of submitting an application
- Have an interest in sustainability and do not have a diploma or higher qualification
- Students can study the four core units of the Diploma of Sustainability and be issued with a Statement of Attainment on completion, however, they cannot be awarded the Diploma of Sustainability qualification
Pathways
Students wishing to transition to the Diploma of Carbon Management will gain one unit credit. Students who complete this course and have a higher level qualification or relevant work experience may gain credit towards a Vocational Graduate Certificate in Sustainability.
This course is recognised under the Guaranteed Entry Scheme leading to several Bachelor degrees. For further information see http://www.future.swinburne.edu.au/pathways/ges/
This course is recognised under the Guaranteed Entry Scheme leading to several Bachelor degrees. For further information see http://www.future.swinburne.edu.au/pathways/ges/
Credit transfer
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of a course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to the course with 'advanced standing'. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to the Credit Transfer website.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. To learn more about RPL and how to apply, please visit the RPL website.
Apply
How to apply
Apply direct to Swinburne by following the step-by-step process on the How to Apply website.