The higher education Diploma of Sustainable Practice is fully aligned with extensive research conducted by the peak, global industry association - the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) - into the knowledge and skills needed to be an excellent sustainability professional.
This course will support you in creating opportunities to embed sustainability and sustainable practice in any organisation. It will provide you with the knowledge, confidence and transferable skills to design, develop, implement and evaluate frameworks and programs that will bring about lasting change to reduce organisational risk and increase resilience. As an umbrella industry, sustainability professionals come from diverse backgrounds, but what unites them is a drive to be an agent of change for a better future.
1 year full time or 2 years part time
In 2024, TAFE NSW won the prestigious Green Gown Award Australasia within the Next Generation Learning & Skills category. This award highlights our commitment to sustainability education, and our innovative approach to learning, equipping students with the skills needed to be immediately valuable to the global sustainability sector.
The Green Gown Awards celebrate excellence in sustainability across the higher education sector in Australasia, making this achievement a significant milestone in TAFE NSW's ongoing efforts to lead the way in sustainable education.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Apply your knowledge of the importance of sustainability and sustainable practices and how these can contribute to global, national and local environmental, social and economic objectives
Identify and use appropriate methods and tools for collecting, collating and analysing sustainability performance indicators and metrics to support a sustainability agenda
Report on a sustainability agenda on an organisational and personal level
Apply foundational knowledge of opportunities and trends in sustainable governance and how they can contribute to global, national and local sustainability objectives
Develop specialist skills to gain an advantage in the job market
Graduate with a Higher Education Diploma
The confidence and knowledge to assist you to achieve professional ISSP certification
Knowledge and skills that are transferrable to many industries and organisations
The confidence to manage organisational change
Exposure to a network of industry professionals and peers
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
A strong desire to design, innovate and find opportunities to live sustainably
Drive and determination to be an agent of change and make a real, meaningful and lasting difference for a better future in any organisation
A recognition that society can do better when it comes to sustainability practices
A PC or laptop to access study materials and complete your assessments. You can access this equipment on campus, however it is highly recommended you have your own equipment available
You do not require an ATAR score for entry into this course.
If you are unable to meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for special admission.
Please continue with your application and you will be guided to identify as mature aged (at least 21 years old in your first year of study) or disadvantaged (disability, serious or chronic illness, interrupted education, lack of support for study, serious personal problems and/or serious family responsibilities). Please contact us to find out more.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: sustainability manager, sustainability coordinator, sustainability consultant, sustainability specialist, sustainability engagement officer, climate impact consultant, climate emergency coordinator, energy officer, climate and nature coordinator, community organiser, waste education officer.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Alternative pathways into this course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Sustainable Practice does not have any post-graduate courses.
Strengthen your expertise and expand your employability
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning (https://www.tafensw.edu.au/enrol/recognition-credit-transfers) or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Completion of this course requires you to successfully complete 8 subjects (80 credit points) made up of 8 core subjects.
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
The higher education Diploma of Sustainable Practice is accredited by the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP), the peak global industry body. TAFE NSW is the only Australian education partner of the ISSP. This qualification prepares you to apply for the Sustainability Excellence Associate professional certification with the ISSP.
ISSP Education Partner
Green Gown Awards
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community