Australia is already considered the driest inhabited continent on Earth. Its ecosystems, including its human inhabitants, have adapted to this challenging environment but now our water systems are changing more rapidly than we have ever experienced: rainfall patterns are shifting; groundwater levels are declining in some areas; ecosystems that depend on water are under pressure.

At the same time, Western Australia is modernising its approaches to water sustainability. Engineers are improving recycling and desalination technologies. Communities are rethinking how we design cities, farms and industries. 

This unit asks you to look closely at the challenges of sustainable water use in Western Australia. You will be introduced to the principles of water-sensitive urban design and other nature-based solutions that are already available so that you are equipped with knowledge to help you contribute to a more sustainable water future. You will be introduced to basic GIS and data visualisation techniques to investigate and communicate spatial patterns and processes related to water sustainability.

Upon successful completion of this micro-credential, you'll receive:

• Two PD Points
• A Certificate of Achievement
• A UWA Plus Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials

Delivery mode

Online

Course dates

19 July 2027 - 24 September 2027

Duration

10 weeks

Registrations will re-open in November 2026

Total effort

5 hours per week for 10 weeks. 

Academic lead

Catherine Simmonds

Cost

UWA Starter fees for 2026 –

Broadway Schools

$82.50 (inc GST) per micro-credential for students from participating partner schools (register via your school)

$165 (inc GST) per micro-credential for individual students from non-partner schools

Non-Broadway Schools

$247.50 (inc GST) per micro-credential for students from participating partner schools (register via your school)

$495 (inc GST) per micro-credential for individual students from non-partner schools

Critical information summary

 GEOGM102 Resilient Water Futures [PDF 245KB]

Why study this course?

Students will strengthen their critical thinking, problem-solving and evidence-based decision-making skills by investigating complex environmental issues from multiple perspectives. They will also gain experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data to analyse and communicate information, skills that are increasingly sought after. By combining environmental knowledge with spatial thinking and digital literacy, students will develop transferable capabilities that support future study, employability and informed citizenship in a rapidly changing world.

Who should this course?

Resilient Water Futures is designed for students who are interested in understanding the environmental challenges facing our communities and exploring how they can contribute to more sustainable futures. The unit provides an introduction to how disciplines such as geography, spatial sciences, environmental management and sustainability are used to address real-world issues related to water, climate change and urban development. It is particularly suitable for students considering further study or careers in these fields, as well as those who simply want to better understand the connections between people, places and the environment. By examining contemporary water challenges and solutions, students will also develop a greater awareness of their own environmental impact and the actions individuals and communities can take to support a more sustainable future.

How does it work?

 10 weeks:
 Online Activities, Personal Study and Assessments 5 hours per week for 10 weeks. 

What's next after this course?

• Receive a UWA Professional Development Transcript at the end of your studies, listing all completed UWA micro-credentials – great for uni entry and your resume!
• Earn 2  stackable  PD Points -  complete two more UWA Starter micro-credentials to earn 6 PD Points and gain credit for one unit towards selected UWA bachelor degrees.
• Gain points that can contribute towards admission to UWA via Experience-based entry.

Enrol in an undergraduate minor or major in Public Health to pursue study or a future career in this field.