Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
The Diploma of Sustainability is an exciting course that introduces students to concepts of sustainability and how it applies to our lives. The course explores the relationship between the economy, society and the natural environment. Sustainability is increasingly being recognised as a critical challenge for society. How do societies continue to develop and prosper with increasingly finite natural resources? Business, government and civil society are exploring ways in which they can grow and prosper into the future in a manner which protects the interests of society and the natural environment. Principles of sustainability 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 wise resource use. The Diploma of Sustainability is designed to be studied concurrently with an existing degree or diploma during a student’s second year of study at Swinburne. It will help to gain a broader understanding of the challenges of sustainability related to students’ current area of study and will provide students an advantage in the increasingly competitive field of employment.
Aims & Objectives:
To equip students with an understanding of sustainability, including: How to apply concepts of sustainability to a major challenge 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
Course Structure:
The Diploma of Sustainability is offered by the National Centre for Sustainability at Swinburne to current Swinburne students and part-time employed students as a dual qualification. This means that it can be studied concurrently as a four unit course in a student's second year of their existing diploma, advanced diploma, degree or higher qualification. The dual diploma (four units) can be studied alone, providing the student has an existing degree or diploma. Participants will be required to provide evidence of their existing diploma or higher qualification and relevant related work experience in their registration application before being accepted into the program. Course Delivery There are two delivery methods: On-campus delivery - Part-time completed over one or two semesters - 15 x 3.5 hour classroom-based sessions - Use of online learning (Use of Web CT) - Research and project work - Field trips (included in the course fees) - No text books required Online delivery - Online self-paced learning (Using Web CT and Blackboard) - Research and project work
Units of Study:
This diploma comprises of four units of study: VPB 435 - Apply the concepts of sustainability to a major challenge Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have a working knowledge of the key concepts of sustainability and apply them to challenges in terms of environmental, economic and social issues at a global, national and local level. VPB 436 - Develop and implement a program to support behavioural change and sustainable practices Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have a working knowledge of the key issues affecting individual and organisational behavioural change towards sustainable practices. VPB437 - Develop a business plan for responsive and sustainable businesses The purpose of this unit is to develop a plan for responsive and sustainable business practice with a long-term view to the economic, environmental and social impacts of the business. VPB 438 - Analyse the long-term outcomes of sustainable production and consumption This unit explores and analyses the long-term effects and outcomes of sustainable production and consumption for business, the community and government.
Career Opportunities:
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. 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.
Entry Requirements:
This course is currently being offered to second year diploma students and to degree students studying their second, third or fourth year at Swinburne.
Recognition of Prior Learning:
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. Further details for students considering TAFE courses can be found on the RPL website.
Course Fees:
The Victorian Government is introducing a new TAFE fee structure from 1 July 2009. There are new eligibility requirements regarding Government Funded places. Details on Swinburne TAFE Fees can be found at: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees and information on the eligibility criteria at: www.skills.vic.gov.au/tafe_students/student-faqs
Application Procedure:
Semester 2 2009 Enrol now for classes at Hawthorn campus – Mondays 9 am - 12.30 pm, to see timetable, click here Semester 1 2010 Course will be delivered at Hawthorn, Lilydale, Prahran, Wantirna and online. 2010 registrations will be accepted after 1October 2009. Please register online by clicking the link below and completing all details. An enrolment form will then be mailed to registered students and participants upon approval of their registration. www.future.swinburne.edu.au/apply/tafe An offer of a place is always subject to availability. The university reserves the right to make offers to early applicants during this period and close applications when the course is full. Where demand for a course is not met the course may be cancelled at short notice.
Further information:
Submit an Online Enquiry Tel: 1300 368 777 Email: study@swinburne.edu.au Website: www.swinburne.edu.au/ncs
