Postgraduate Major

Environmental and Sustainable Systems Engineering

Progress your engineering career and help create a more sustainable future by specialising in environmental and sustainable systems engineering.

What type of student are you?

Domestic International

Murdoch code: MJ-ESSE
Study mode: Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank
CRICOS code: 108655H

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Overview

Examine vital frameworks, principles and tools to develop practical skills and apply these in real-life case studies.

You’ll apply specialised engineering knowledge and skills with an emphasis on the integration of energy, water and resource recovery systems into Smart Cities and sustainable communities.

3 reasons to study Environmental and Sustainable Systems Engineering at Murdoch

Gain practical experience with industry through Work Integrated Learning, site visits and industry focussed projects.
Complete your Masters degree in 1.5 years by studying in intensive mode.
Number one university in Western Australia for student engagement, teaching quality and medium graduate income for engineering and technology by the Good Universities Guide 2024.

What you’ll learn

The circular economy and innovation
Hydrology and Water Cycle Management
Design of water treatment unit operations
Integrated waste management for resource recovery
Land use planning and green infrastructure
Industrial ecology (symbiosis)
Hydrogen systems

Your future career

Graduates can find employment in the water, waste management, resource recovery, land development and green infrastructure industries.

Professional accreditation

This course has received provisional accreditation from Engineers Australia (EA) in 2023. EA is the professional body for Engineers in Australia and is also the accrediting body for Engineering degrees within Australia. Graduates from an accredited degree are eligible for EA membership, which is recognised worldwide and provides our graduates with strong employment pathways. The course level outcomes of the Master of Engineering Practice are aligned with the EA Stage 1 Competencies, making the course eligible for full accreditation which will (and can only) be sought in 2025 when first graduates are in the workforce.

Professional recognition

This course has received provisional accreditation with Engineers Australia. Full accreditation (can only and) will be sought when first graduates are in the workforce in 2025. Once full accreditation has been achieved, graduates will be eligible for graduate membership of Engineers Australia. Full Chartered Professional Engineer status can then be achieved after a further five years of work experience in the engineering profession.

Study areas

Engineering and Energy

Courses with this major

To study this major, you must apply for one of these courses.

Master of Engineering Practice

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points

Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
University study	Successful completion of 4 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).	Successful completion of 4 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (after Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.	Successful completion of the course.
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course Introduction to Academic Communication unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 4 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 4 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of the course.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course Introduction to Academic Communication unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Total score of 24 or higher.	Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
GCE A Levels	Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.	A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.	Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Extenuating circumstances	We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.	Case-by-case assessment.
Overseas Year 12	Please refer to the information under the country of study.	Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university	Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)	CPS 59 or higher. For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology: CPS 54 or higher.	50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	70	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
VET course studied at school	Successful completion of a Diploma or higher. For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology: Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
Minimum English requirement A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 59 or higher. For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology: CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or higher. For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology: Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4	Successful completion of a Certificate IV.	STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010), OR Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only)

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirement STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010), OR Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only)

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)	Multiple Choice score of 155 (165 if taken prior to May 2010). For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology: Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).	Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)	MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.	Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement Multiple Choice score of 155 (165 if taken prior to May 2010). For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology: Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Minimum English requirement Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.
Minimum English requirement Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Entry may be gained through either of the following means into the Master of Engineering Practice with the Major in Environmental and Sustainable Systems Engineering: 1. Successful completion of a four-year Engineering degree accredited by Engineers Australia (or equivalent Washington Accord-recognised degree) in an approved field of Engineering, * 2. Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7, non-Washington Accord), or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by Murdoch University, which includes prior studies in Engineering or Engineering Technology, * Advanced standing for any students with existing studies would be considered on a case-by-case basis through the standard advanced standing processes at Murdoch. *Entry into each major is subject to different approved field of Engineering and cognate degrees

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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Environmental and Sustainable Systems Engineering

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