Master of Science (Design for Circular Cities)
2026 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Science (Design for Circular Cities) |
| Course Credit Points | 12 |
| Deakin course code | S718 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2024 onwards |
| Duration | 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2026 This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2026 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS code | 114664A Waterfront (Geelong) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9 |
| Supplementary Information | This course is suspended (no intake in 2026). |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Alternative exits
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Be ready to step into the job opportunities offered by the booming green economy with the Master of Science (Design for Circular Cities). This course is situated in the cutting-edge arena of sustainable urban development through a new understanding of circularity in the built environment. You will graduate equipped with the skills to succeed as a leader in the growing field of urban sustainability. The expertise you gain will enable you to help influence a more sustainable future and create environmentally resilient communities.
Learn how to effectively influence circular city systems with a focus on the design and implementation of urban environments that prioritise sustainable practices - such as the minimisation of waste and efficient use of resources. Through a mixture of core and course elective units, you will learn to apply circular economy principles to urban challenges including public space and cultural heritage, green infrastructure, governance and policy, economics and supply chains.
Passionate about a career in building a sustainable future?
With 68% of the world’s population projected to live in urban areas by 2050,* the need for jobs that contribute to environmental preservation and support the transition to more sustainable cities is clear. Deakin's Master of Science (Design for Circular Cities) prepares you to meet this demand.
Learn by doing through participation in joint projects with our UNESCO Cities of Design international network. Get hands-on experience in the applied design research lab, where you'll apply design thinking and research methods to real-world problems building innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. Gain in-depth foundational knowledge via core units covering environmental systems, urban life and urban systems, before exploring the topics in urban sustainability that interest you most through electives. Choose from topics such as food security, climate change, community development, leadership, finance and data analytics - to name a few.
As issues of sustainability become increasingly central to our built environment, businesses and daily lives, your cutting-edge knowledge and work-ready skills will be highly sought after by employers.
* United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects 2018: Highlights.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, site visits and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Career opportunities
Architecture, engineering and construction industries are some of Australia's biggest employers. But our biggest services sector also produces roughly 40% of landfill waste and accounts for 18.1% of Australia's carbon footprint. The sector must change its practices fast for Australia to meet its commitments to cut emissions.
The Master of Science (Design for Circular Cities) gives you the advanced knowledge and skills to meet this demand for more sustainable development practices. As a graduate, you may pursue career opportunities in areas such as:
- urban design consultancies (in planning, engineering, architecture, landscape)
- urban management and governance
- property development and housing
- circular design specialists
- environmental consultancies
- urban regeneration and environmental agencies.
Participation requirements
Course elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information is available at Disability support services.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Pathways
Upon completion of the Master of Science (Design for Circular Cities) you could use the credit points you've earned to enter into further study, including:
Master of Science (Design for Circular Cities) (Professional) (S719)
Alternative exits
| Graduate Certificate of Science (Design for Circular Cities) (S519) | |
| Graduate Diploma of Science (Design for Circular Cities) (S619) |
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between urban design, architecture, engineering, social sciences, and environmental sciences in the context on circular cities. Develop an understanding of policy, governance and economic frameworks that support circular cities and critically evaluate their effectiveness in different contexts. |
| Communication | Communicate complex urban concepts, processes, and outcomes persuasively through a range of media, including verbal presentations, written reports, and visual representations. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital tools and technologies to enhance circular design and planning processes. |
| Critical thinking | Apply design and systems thinking approaches to discover, analyse and reframe complex urban problems related to circularity. |
| Problem solving | Analyse and synthesize data and information to identify opportunities for circularity in cities and catalyse them into propositions that address environmental, economic, and social challenges. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate leadership and entrepreneurial skills in designing, implementing, and promoting circular urban solutions. Apply research methods to investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of circular urban interventions and propose recommendation for future improvements. |
| Teamwork | Collaborate effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and sectors to develop circular city solutions that are contextually relevant and socially equitable. Conduct interdisciplinary research and integrate knowledge from multiple fields to inform circular city design. |
| Global citizenship | Critically reflect on the ethical, social, and cultural implications of circular cities in relation to the role of design in shaping circular cities. |
Course rules
To complete the Master of Science (Design for Circular Cities) you must pass 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 12-credit point Master of Science (Design for Circular Cities) includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 8 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of course elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SRA710 | Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SRD743 | Components of the Circular City (2 credit points) |
| SRL733 | Indigenous Narratives and Design Processes |
| SRD744 | Interactions and Enablers of the Circular City (2 credit points) |
| SRD760 | Urban Informatics |
| SRR703 | Applied Design Research Lab (2 credit points) |
Plus any 4 units from the course elective list (subject to meeting unit requirements)
Course electives
Environmental Systems - Natural Capital
| SLE740 | Climate Change, Adaptation and Mitigation |
| SLE742 | Systems Thinking for Sustainability and Resilience |
| ADH712 | Food and Water Security |
| SLE741 | Regional Development Economics for Sustainability |
| SLE725 | Environmental Management Systems |
| HSN706 | Policy and Practice for Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems |
| SRR722 | Built Environment Project |
Urban Life - Social Cultural Capital
| HSH703 | Health Promotion |
| ADS701 | Introduction to International and Community Development |
| HSH728 | Health Equity and Human Rights |
| AIM708 | World Heritage |
| AIM703 | Heritage Practice: Conservation and Managing Change |
| ADS705 | Participatory and Community Development Practice |
| ALR718 | Communication for Social Change |
| HSH701 | Principles and Practice of Public Health |
| HSH736 | Community Consultation and Participation |
| ADS715 | Cross Cultural Communication and Practice |
| SRR722 | Built Environment Project |
Urban Systems - Human-made Capital
| SLE757 | Environmental Science and Global Change |
| MPM780 | Foundations in Leadership |
| AIR726 | Human Rights in World Politics |
| MMP713 | Property and Real Estate Context |
| MIS772 | Predictive Analytics |
| MAF702 | Financial Markets and Digital Innovations |
| MAF752 | Principles of Finance |
| MIS770 | Foundation Skills in Data Analysis |
| SLE756 | Sustainability in the Anthropocene |
| AIP746 | Challenges to Democracy |
| ADH717 | Climate Change and Sustainability |
| SLE715 | Circular Economy |
| MPT712 | Managing Innovation (Tour) |
| MAA767 | Enterprise Value Creation: Sustainability and Integrated Reporting |
DMC713-OD Life Cycle Assessment (0.5 credit points) ^, and
MMC715-SY Sustainable Leadership to 2030 (0.5 credit points) ^
^ Must be completed together. These fully online microcredentials (Stackable Short Courses) suit professionals with busy lives and work commitments, allowing you to complete microcredentials anytime and anywhere. Please refer to Microcredential learner support for more information.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.