This Graduate Certificate (program 7325, plan code HPSCFS7325) is designed for graduates wishing to learn more about the social and political context of environmental policy making and management. It is highly relevant for those already working in these areas of government or the private sector, and for teachers, educational planners and community service coordinators. Practitioners concerned with the built environment, such as architects and planners, will also benefit from the program.
Central concerns of the certificate are the rise of modern environmentalism, the concept and interpretation of ecological sustainability, and the assessment and management of technological risk.
The prescriptions of international treaties reflect the globalisation of environmental problems, yet the action which flows from these prescriptions requires action at the national and local level. Increasingly, managers and policy makers must respond using their understanding of ecological sustainability, taking account of a broad range of environmental, political and social matters. 'Sustainable Development' is characterised quite differently by various constituencies, putting an onus on decision makers to engage with participatory processes in order to reach agreement about how environmental management for sustainability should proceed.
With these matters in mind, the certificate aims to equip participants to analyse, negotiate and apply practical and scientific knowledge in the social and policy contexts of their professions.
Students considering enrolling in the Graduate Certificate might also wish to explore the possibility of enrolling in the MA by course work in Science Technology and Society, with a concentration on environmental studies.

The certificate consists of two courses taken in order: HPSC5500 Society, Environmental Policy and Sustainability, and HPSC5510 Risk Policy, Decision Making and Communication.

Classes two hours per week over two fourteen week sessions, in the timeslot 6-8 pm.

The normal qualification for entry is a three year degree, which can be in any discipline. In appropriate cases, relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of formal qualifications.