Overview 2025
Location
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
Beth Rad
Diploma of Sustainable Living graduateAfter a transformative 12-month adventure exploring Australia, Beth was moved by the dire conditions communities were enduring as a result of unpredictable weather patterns. Determined to take action, Beth found her inspiration and enrolled in the Diploma of Sustainable Living.
For individuals who are passionate about creating a more sustainable future, the Diploma of Sustainable Living provides a comprehensive and practical education in sustainable practices. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand the complex challenges facing our planet, and to develop innovative solutions that you can apply in your home, community, business or social enterprise.
The Diploma of Sustainable Living will help you learn about sustainability on a local, national and international level, and align your studies with what sustainable living means for you.
Upon graduation, you’ll have a better understanding of your connection to sustainability as an individual, consumer and citizen. Learn to make a positive impact in a wide range of fields, from business and government to community development and environmental advocacy. Join us and become a leader in the movement towards a more sustainable world.
Study without tuition fees in 2025
Domestic students commencing the Diploma in 2025 may be eligible to receive a 100% HECS fee scholarship. This means you can study without any tuition fees. HECS fee scholarships will be automatically applied on enrolment. See the fees and scholarships section for more details.
Watch our course information webinar
Thinking of studying this course in 2025 and want to learn more? This webinar explores course structures, career opportunities, and the student experience to support your study journey.
Learning outcomes
Practical experience
The practical experiences of this Diploma are what you make it through your choice of units, and as you take your sustainable living knowledge out into the world and make a difference.
While the Diploma of Sustainable Living is offered 100% online, depending on what you choose to study you could be:
- growing a bigger, healthier and more productive garden thanks to your understanding of the Science of Gardening,
- using the principles of Sustainable Design for Houses to inform your house renovations with a focus on improving impact on the environment and your health,
- Helping maintain a healthy local ecosystem through your own Backyard Biodiversity,
- Engaging in your community, exploring your local environment, and much more!
Career outcomes
As a graduate of the Diploma of Sustainable Living you will possess new skills, outlooks on living, and a deeper understanding of sustainability in an ever changing world which will complement your existing career direction.
Where to from here? Further study options for those interested in sustainability.
Completing a Diploma in Sustainable Living and looking for your next step? Develop the skills to build a better future and continue your passion for sustainability with further study in one of these suggested courses:
- Major or elective units in Geography and Environment
- Major in Tourism Management, and include a second major or elective units in Geography and Environment
Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation
- Major in Natural Environment Management
- Major in Sustainability
Course structure
The Diploma of Sustainable Living comprises 8 units, made up of 2 core and six elective units.
HEJ111 Communicating Sustainability must be among the FIRST 4 units studied and KGA107 Local Lives for a Sustainable Planet must be among the LAST 4 units studied
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Domestic Applicants who have recently completed secondary education
Completed the TCE (or equivalent)
Domestic Applicants with higher education study
Completed at least one undergraduate unit (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points).
Domestic Applicants with VET / TAFE study
A completed VET Certificate III or higher,
Domestic Applicants with work and life experience
If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement. You may be eligible for an offer if you have work and life experiences that demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
Prerequisites
Nil
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
Articulation
Articulation from: If you have completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Living, you can receive advanced standing for four 12.5 credit point units of the Diploma of Sustainable Living.
Articulation to: Graduates of the Diploma of Sustainable Living who are interested in ongoing study can pursue a major in Sustainability under P3O Bachelor of Science.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
Student contributionStudent contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships
Domestic students
The Diploma of Sustainable Living is available with 100% HECS tuition fee and SSAF scholarship for eligible domestic students studying in 2025. This means you can have NO fees to pay.
Fee scholarship details
For domestic students studying in 2025, we are pleased to offer this degree with a 100% HECS fee and SSAF scholarship. This scholarship is not available for OUA students.
This scholarship is valid for students admitted and commencing this course in 2025 provided the eligibility criteria are met. If you are eligible, the HECS and SSAF scholarship will be automatically applied upon enrolment. This scholarship is valid for units offered in 2025 only.
- You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident (i.e. eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place [CSP]).
- You are enrolled in the Diploma of Sustainable Living and commence study 2025.
- You must be enrolled in a minimum of one unit and must remain enrolled until after the University Census Date relevant to the semester of study. If you are on an approved Leave of Absence (LOA), you are exempt from this requirement for the duration of your approved LOA.
- To retain this fee scholarship, you must engage with your enrolled units. If you have not engaged and receive a result of AN (Absent deemed failed) for all enrolled units in a given study period, will not retain the scholarship/discount from the following study period onward. You cannot then apply to have the scholarship/discount reinstated.
- Not be excluded from the course based on academic progress or misconduct.
If you have questions about your enrolment or scholarship, please contact us at course.info@utas.edu.au.
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Continuing students
If you are a continuing student, please contact UConnect for fee scholarship information relevant to your enrolment.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries