Master of Environmental Science & Law
Environmental science and law is the merger between the applied science that is environmental science and the social aspect of law and policy that governs our interactions with the environment.
Overview
The Master of Environmental Science and Law (MESL) program allows students to undertake complementary units in the fields of environmental science and environmental law. It provides science graduates with the opportunity to extend their scientific knowledge into the area of the environment, as well as providing an introduction to the field of environmental law and policy. For law graduates, the opportunity is to extend their knowledge into environmental aspects of law, as well as to gain an understanding of some of the concepts underpinning environmental science. The program integrates disciplines which are normally considered separately and which are difficult to study coherently outside of the MESL program.
The MESL program has been designed to accommodate both science and law graduates as well as those “experienced” in either field. It provides the opportunity for scientists to gain a qualification to compliment their environmental experience and to acquire knowledge in areas of policy and management. It introduces lawyers to a more comprehensive knowledge of the laws and policies relating to the environment and a generalised understanding of the science that underpins them. The program is also designed for the “inexperienced” student, who may not have a background in science or law, but who has a committed interest in the environment, as well as for those who simply want a career change, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their interests.
University of Sydney Advantage
The MESL program at the University of Sydney is unique. While there are environmental law and environmental science programs available through other universities around Australia, only the University of Sydney offers the blend of law and environmental science that characterises this program. We have access to the outstanding resources of the Australian Centre for Environmental Law, which is well known around the world in this field, as well as to all of the scientific resources available to the environmental science program.
Program Expectations
MESL graduates will possess a practical and theoretical background in aspects of environmental science and environmental law. This knowledge will include competency in research and general practical skills in these areas.
Mode of Delivery
Most of the environmental science units are held on the Camperdown campus of the University and are generally run during business hours. Although teaching times vary, the majority of units are taught as a three hour block once per week for at least six weeks. The environmental law units are taught more intensively, all day during working hours for a period of four to five consecutive days. There are no exams for any of our units; all assessment is by essay, assignment and presentation. Please check the website for further details.
Admission Requirements
A Bachelor degree in either science or law, or graduates with subsequent experience which is considered to demonstrate the knowledge and aptitude required to undertake the program. Each application will be assessed on its individual merits.
Program Requirements
Satisfactory completion of 48 credit points (cp) of study; 24 cp from the Faculty of Science and 24 cp from the Faculty of Law.
Units of Study
Up to date list of units of study.
The unit of study titled Environmental Law and Policy is compulsory for all students while Legal Reasoning and the Common Law System is compulsory for students without a law degree.
After Graduation
Employment opportunities depend largely on your background and the areas in which you have chosen to study, but for the most part you will be best qualified for employment in the area of environmental management and/or policy development, or in private consultancies. A person with a science background who achieves this qualification is not qualified to be a practising lawyer, but does have the knowledge and capabilities for jobs where the development of policy and management schedules are required. Likewise, a person with a background in law will not get work as a technical scientist but can work in jobs where the use and analysis of scientific data is required.
Credit for Previous Study
Students who, before admission to candidature, have spent time in graduate study and have completed coursework considered by the Faculty to be equivalent to units of study prescribed for the program within three years, may received credit up to 12 cp.
Annual intake
12
Minimum Program Duration – Full Time
2 semesters
Minimum Program Duration – Part Time
4 semesters
Is Mid-Year Entry Available?
Yes
How to Apply
Application information for Local Students
Application information for International Students