Course Summary
This one-year, part-time programme provides public servants with some of the knowledge, skills, and competencies they will need to contribute to the climate action and sustainability efforts that are now central to contemporary public management. They will also be able to help their organisations comply with sustainability reporting requirements.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification. Transcripts of undergraduate qualifications are required at the application stage.
Application Details
Application Deadline
September 2025 - Places are limited, so early application is advised.
How To Apply
Complete the online Postgraduate application form on the home page. On submitting that, you will receive correspondence from the IPA on next steps/documentation.
Commences 18/09/2026
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Career Progression
Graduates can move on to study other IPA postgraduate programmes, including a Professional Certificate in Governance and a suite of Master of Arts public management specialisms.
Duration
Delivery
Blended Learning
There are four in-person, day-long seminars over the academic year and four weeknight webinars.
In-person seminar Friday, September 18, 2026
Evening webinar Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Evening webinar Wednesday, October 28, 2026
In-person seminar Friday, November 20, 2026
In-person seminar Friday, January 15, 2027
Evening webinar Wednesday, February 3, 2027
Evening webinar Wednesday, February 24, 2027
In-person seminar Friday, March 12, 2027
Exam April 2027
