Master of Environmental Science and Law

Program Overview

This unique program combines environmental science with environmental law and policy, integrating ecology, climate change, and law to equip students with comprehensive qualifications. By linking scientific knowledge with policy and management principles, graduates are prepared for careers in environmental management, policy development, and related fields, including private consultancies and government agencies. The program's interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on research skills provides students with a valuable foundation for addressing complex environmental challenges.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This degree allows students to study complementary subjects across both environmental science and environmental law. It provides an opportunity to extend scientific knowledge into environmental areas and offers an introduction to the field of environmental law and policy.

Objectives:

The program aims to integrate diverse disciplines into a comprehensive program, equipping students with qualifications to complement their environmental experience and gain knowledge in policy and management.

Outline:

Course Content:

The course focuses on linking environmental sciences (ecology, climate change, chemistry) with studies in politics and law, project evaluation and assessment, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Structure:

The program consists of compulsory units in Environmental Law and Policy and Legal Reasoning and the Common Law System. Students can select environmental science units based on their interests and needs, which must be completed alongside a research-oriented capstone unit.

Modules:

• Environmental Law and Policy (compulsory)
• Legal Reasoning and the Common Law System (compulsory)
• Environmental Science electives (selection based on student interests)
• Research-oriented capstone unit (compulsory)
• Optional 18-credit point Environmental Science or Environmental Law research project (for high-achieving students)

Careers:

Graduates are prepared for employment in environmental management and/or policy development, and in private consultancies. Potential employers include:

• Private industry
• Government agencies
• International development agencies
• Non-governmental organizations
• Conservation agencies
• Research institutions

Other:

• The program does not qualify students as practicing lawyers, but provides knowledge and skills for jobs requiring policy development and management schedules.
• The University of Sydney is ranked equal 19th globally in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, rising 22 places from the previous year.
• The University holds a top 5 star rating in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings in the fields of Environmental Science, Environmental Science and Management, and Ecological Applications.
• The program is unique in bringing together subjects that are typically taught separately.
• Students are encouraged to pursue an 18-credit point research project to develop research skills and potentially pursue a research career in environmental science.