The Graduate Certificate of Sustainable Regional Development will suit students who are analytical, inquisitive, solution-oriented or policy-oriented and interested in enhancing their standing for employment in multiple disciplines associated with sustainable regional and rural development, strategic urban and regional planning, natural resources management, and climate change adaptation planning. Sustainable Regional Development is critical to the economic performance of both developed and developing countries, especially in the face of globalization, population growth, economic structural adjustments and climate change. Two thirds of Australia’s export earnings come from regional industries such as agriculture, tourism, retail, services and manufacturing. As such, demand has risen sharply for professionals with the ability to undertake regional socioeconomic and environmental planning that looks to the long-term competitive advantages of regional areas, and propose appropriate policy responses. The Graduate Certificate of Sustainable Regional Development provides a pathway within a nested suite of Deakin’s courses focused on Sustainable Regional Development, from graduate certificate to graduate diploma to Master of Science (Research). Graduates of the Master of Science (Research) will be well prepared to continue doctoral studies at Deakin or elsewhere.

This course will prepare students for a career in planning (strategic, economic, rural, environmental, statutory), management (including environmental management), policy development, socio-economic and demographic analysis among others. Potential employers include: government (national, state and local) departments and agencies with a focus on regional areas, economic development, agriculture, the environment or policy development; planning, economic and environmental firms; statutory authorities such as catchment management authorities; and any organisation seeking graduates with formal training in strategic thinking and planning.