Vocational Graduate Certificate in Sustainability
Postgraduate course
Overview
The Vocational Graduate Certificate in Sustainability was developed to respond to a strong industry demand for staff with skills and knowledge in the field of sustainability. Knowledge and awareness of sustainability concepts and issues is on the increase in the public and private sectors of industry, government agencies and society. As a result, the demand for qualified sustainability graduates continues to rise.
Swinburne’s sustainability program is designed for:
- Individuals seeking to further their knowledge of sustainability by undertaking personal development to transform the way they live and work
- Professionals working in an environmental/sustainable development team in a corporate environment
- Consultants seeking to extend their knowledge in the field of sustainability
- Middle managers wishing to develop the sustainability profile of their company
- Individuals wanting to play an educational or advisory role in the field of sustainability - as part of an educational institution, a non-governmental organisation or a community group
| Duration | 1 year part-time | ||
Campus and intakes  |
| ||
| Study mode | Part-time (day & evening) | ||
| Course code | UU22066VIC | ||
| National code | 22066VIC | ||
| Fees | For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website. |
Course in detail
Course description
The Vocational Graduate Certificate in Sustainability was developed to respond to a strong industry demand for staff with skills and knowledge in the field of sustainability. Knowledge and awareness of sustainability concepts and issues is on the increase in the public and private sectors of industry, government agencies and society. As a result, the demand for qualified sustainability graduates continues to rise.
Swinburne’s sustainability program is designed for:
- Individuals seeking to further their knowledge of sustainability by undertaking personal development to transform the way they live and work
- Professionals working in an environmental/sustainable development team in a corporate environment
- Consultants seeking to extend their knowledge in the field of sustainability
- Middle managers wishing to develop the sustainability profile of their company
- Individuals wanting to play an educational or advisory role in the field of sustainability - as part of an educational institution, a non-governmental organisation or a community group
Course structure
In order to gain the Vocational Graduate Certificate in Sustainability, students must satisfactorily complete two core units and two elective units. One elective unit may be selected from another relevant Vocational Graduate Certificate or Graduate Certificate.
As part of the course requirements, students need to participate in weekly or fortnightly live online tutorials (conducted after hours). In addition, students are expected to attend three full day face-to-face sessions for each unit of study. Face-to-face sessions comprise workshops at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus and off-site excursions.
Units of study
Core units
Research and apply principles and tools of Sustainability (HVU20153)
Develop the knowledge and skills required to research principles and tools of
sustainability and apply them in practice. This unit will explore: history of sustainability;
sustainability in relation to ecological, social and economic systems, and frameworks in relation to sustainable practice.
Research and apply principles and tools of Sustainability (HVU20153)
Develop the knowledge and skills required to research principles and tools of
sustainability and apply them in practice. This unit will explore: history of sustainability;
sustainability in relation to ecological, social and economic systems, and frameworks in relation to sustainable practice.
Design a change management strategy for a sustainability initiative (HVU20154)
Develop a change management strategy for implementation of a sustainability initiative. This unit will explore change models and implementation methodology. Pathways to implementation of the strategy, business case for sustainability and the drivers and barriers to change will be evaluated.
Develop a change management strategy for implementation of a sustainability initiative. This unit will explore change models and implementation methodology. Pathways to implementation of the strategy, business case for sustainability and the drivers and barriers to change will be evaluated.
Elective units (Select two:)
Create an integrated sustainable land and water management plan (HVU20155)
Create a sustainable integrated land and water management plan for management of natural assets and resources. This unit will explore land and water management practices in Australia, and investigate effective development and implementation of a land and water management plan.
Create an integrated sustainable land and water management plan (HVU20155)
Create a sustainable integrated land and water management plan for management of natural assets and resources. This unit will explore land and water management practices in Australia, and investigate effective development and implementation of a land and water management plan.
Design for sustainable production and consumption (HVU20156)
Create a process for sustainable design of a product and or service. This unit explores application of design tools and principles, and the analysis of the relationship between sustainable design, production and the consumer.
Create a process for sustainable design of a product and or service. This unit explores application of design tools and principles, and the analysis of the relationship between sustainable design, production and the consumer.
Research and model energy for a sustainable future (HVU20157)
Develop a model for energy sourcing and distribution for a sustainable future. This unit will explore energy types, forms, sources and end-use; and will investigate dependence and reliance on energy.
Develop a model for energy sourcing and distribution for a sustainable future. This unit will explore energy types, forms, sources and end-use; and will investigate dependence and reliance on energy.
Cultivate relationships with business and community for sustainable development (HVU20158)
Learn the knowledge and skills required to develop strategies and models to cultivate effective engagement between business and community stakeholders, to achieve sustainable development outcomes.
Learn the knowledge and skills required to develop strategies and models to cultivate effective engagement between business and community stakeholders, to achieve sustainable development outcomes.
Graduate outcomes
Aims and objectives
This course addresses the key sustainability challenges in terms of environmental, economic and social issues at a local, national and global level. Core units will introduce students to general principles of sustainability and equip them with the skills to successfully implement sustainability strategies and initiatives in a variety of contexts.
Career opportunities
Graduates may be sought after by local, state and federal governments, and by organisations operating in areas such as:
- Land and water management
- Energy
- Design, e.g. building, manufacturing, engineering
- Sustainable production
- Plastics and chemicals
- Change management
- Environmental sustainability
- Social sustainability
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree or advanced diploma from a recognised tertiary institution (or approved equivalent). Applicants with industry experience in a relevant field may also be eligible. It is expected that applicants will be able to:
- Work independently
- Consult with others
- Manage time and commitments
- Research material from primary and secondary sources
- Present written information appropriate for postgraduate assessment
The enrolment of participants is subject to the provision of written information confirming eligibility and assessment through a phone interview.
Pathways
Courses at Swinburne can provide an alternative entry option, or pathway, into further TAFE, undergraduate and postgraduate courses if you don’t meet the entry requirements. For example, successful completion of a Swinburne diploma or advanced diploma provides credits that can advance you to later stages of an undergraduate degree. Certificate level studies can also pathway through to higher level TAFE studies. Whatever your situation, pathways ensure you gain the maximum benefit for previous study – whether at Swinburne or another institution. For more information, please visit the Pathways website.
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.