Why Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change?
A ‘green collar’ career for a greener future.
With the push towards a 50% renewable energy target by 2030, ‘green collar’ professionals are in demand to manage large-scale renewable projects. As Australia shifts towards more sustainable practices and climate action, significant career opportunities are emerging for skilled graduates.
In our Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change majoring in Environmental Management, you’ll learn how to create meaningful outcomes for a greener future. You’ll explore the impact of climate change on humanity, the environment and the planet.
You’ll graduate equipped to join the ranks of 300 million new ‘green-collar’ workers globally (Deloitte, 2022).
Overview
Majoring in Environmental Management, you’ll study society’s impact on the environment – and how the environment impacts society.
This degree will deepen your knowledge of climate change, biodiversity, urbanisation and food security. Gain skills to make a difference. Learn how to advocate for renewable energy, design policies for environmental protection and lead sustainable development programs.
Cultivate the knowledge to drive sustainable transformations in key industries. Learn how to influence policy to change society’s response to global warming. Build a toolbox of transferable skills and knowledge to use across major local and global sectors.
You’ll explore critical issues facing our planet today. How do we build sustainable futures to ensure our survival? How can we progress Australian and international renewable energy ambitions? How do we build circular economies and food security?
Transform your passion for the environment into a sustainable career at Adelaide University. With this degree, you’ll be able to take the lead in policy, training, advocacy and management roles.
Key features
Become an informed leader and advocate, equipped to join the global push towards net zero emissions.- Grow into an ethical communicator who can develop sustainable responses and policies.
- Deepen your understanding of climate change, biodiversity, urbanisation and food security.
- Gain analytical and research skills to help you design, review and deliver innovative technologies.
- Learn how to implement policy and plans to manage environmental issues.
- Clarify your career focus, expand your network and complete an industry internship.
What you'll learn
Our three-year Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change is interdisciplinary – drawing on environmental science, politics, and social sustainability – to illustrate the bigger picture. You’ll develop unique skills to face today’s most complex challenges.
In your first year, you’ll immerse yourself in the fundamentals of climate change. Discover how natural forces and human actions shape climate change and unpack its broader consequences, locally and globally.
By second year, you’ll start tackling real-world challenges head-on. Develop the skills to respond to key issues, master communication strategies, and engage in professional development tailored to your goals.
Your final year is all about bringing it together in the real world. In a practical internship, you’ll apply what you've learned in a real industry environment. You’ll enhance your professional confidence and gain a clearer idea of where your future lies.
In the Environmental Management major, you’ll learn through practical workshops, simulations, case studies and group projects. You’ll build valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving and report writing.
You’ll study future-focused courses, such as:
- Humanity in a changing climate
- Culture, society and climate change
- Global environmental politics
- Economy, environment and place
- Cities and sustainability
- Tourism and environment
- Food security.
You’ll learn about the:
- effect of human activities on the enhanced greenhouse effect
- link between how climate change is reshaping society and the need for urgent action
- importance of sustainability-driven societal responses in the reduction of climate change
- connections between tourism and natural environments
- systems that ensure access to sufficient, nutritious food for all.
You'll also benefit from an industry internship where you’ll experience real-world mentoring and networking.
Majors
The Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change is also available with the following majors:
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 66 units for Core courses, and
- 48 units for one Major from Majors, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 18 units for Electives
Complete 66 units comprising:
- 18 units for all Common core, and
- 48 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 1
|
Course code
AUXX1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 2
|
Course code
AUXX2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 3
|
Course code
AUXX3000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Humanity in a Changing Climate
|
Course code
ENVI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanity in a Changing Climate
|
Course code
ENVI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Economy, Environment and Place
|
Course code
ENVI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cities and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Food Security
|
Course code
FARM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Tourism and Environment
|
Course code
ENVI3004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment
|
Course code
ENVI3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Economy, Environment and Place
|
Course code
ENVI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cities and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment
|
Course code
ENVI3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Tourism and Environment
|
Course code
ENVI3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Security
|
Course code
FARM3000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanity in a Changing Climate
|
Course code
ENVI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Economy, Environment and Place
|
Course code
ENVI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cities and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Food Security
|
Course code
FARM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Tourism and Environment
|
Course code
ENVI3004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment
|
Course code
ENVI3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanity in a Changing Climate
|
Course code
ENVI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Economy, Environment and Place
|
Course code
ENVI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cities and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Food Security
|
Course code
FARM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Tourism and Environment
|
Course code
ENVI3004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment
|
Course code
ENVI3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units for all University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanity in a Changing Climate
|
Course code
ENVI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Economy, Environment and Place
|
Course code
ENVI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cities and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Food Security
|
Course code
FARM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Tourism and Environment
|
Course code
ENVI3004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment
|
Course code
ENVI3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
See yourself as a leader in the private or public sector? In your future career, you could advocate for food security, promote sustainable development, design environmental policies, or preserve protected areas, green open spaces, and cultural assets.
You might implement sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact. You could integrate sustainable practices into urban development. Perhaps you’ll lead the regeneration of natural resources like forests, water and land.
Your future career might be as an:
- Environmental policy analyst
- Sustainability consultant
- Urban sustainability planner
- Environmental impact assessor
- Natural resource manager
- Environmental educator
- Renewable energy specialist
- Environmental compliance officer.
Industry trends
There is a growing demand for graduates with environmental management skills. With a projected surge in the number of ‘green-collar’ jobs, more than 76,000 new roles are expected in sectors like renewable energy, ecosystem restoration, and climate change mitigation Climate Council of Australia, 2020 & APS Jobs, 2024).
As climate change becomes a priority issue in government policy, public sector employment shows promise. For example, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water is increasingly hiring graduates for environmental policy and management roles (Climate Council of Australia & APS Jobs). Graduates are also increasingly in demand in Australian regional areas, due to sector investments in renewable energy and ecosystem restoration.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
