Why Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change?
Want to find green solutions for earth’s growing population?
As a society, we are facing pressing climate change challenges. How can we work together to solve these issues – focusing on social justice, ecology, and cultural sustainability? That’s where geography comes in.
Studying a geography major, you’ll tackle some big questions. Can our planet cope with an ever-expanding population? What should future cities look like? How will climate change impact ecosystems and humanity? Prepare to roll up your sleeves in immersive field trips and learn how to piece together environmental puzzles and come up with smart, practical solutions.
As a ‘green collar’ professional, you’ll join the growing movement towards a sustainable planet.
Overview
In this degree, you’ll examine the environmental and political challenges shaping our world. Look at why climate change is happening – and what you can do to combat it.
Consider how climate systems work and the ways people impact – and are impacted by them. Analyse policies for better environmental outcomes. Be part of the shift to greener industries, crafting strategies to redefine our global response to climate change.
In your geography major, you’ll explore key global issues. Can our planet cope with an ever-expanding population? What should future cities look like? How will climate change impact ecosystems and humanity? Look at human and physical geography with a focus on responding to social and environmental changes. Cultivate analytical skills to address today’s societal challenges.
Using hands-on geographical tools and real-world examples, you’ll gain the insights to create sustainable solutions for the future.
Key features
Explore climate change and urban development with a geographical lens.- Use the latest tools in geographical analysis including GIS technology.
- Build a toolbox of advanced data and spatial analysis skills.
- Become an informed leader and advocate for the push towards net zero emissions.
- Grow into an ethical communicator who can articulate sustainable responses and policies.
- Cultivate analytical and research skills to design, review and deliver innovative technologies.
What you'll learn
Our three-year Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change draws on environmental science, politics, and social sustainability to illustrate the bigger picture.
In your first year, study 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 be finding innovative solutions to climate change challenges. You’ll cultivate the skills to respond to key issues, and master communication strategies.
Your final year brings everything together in the real world. A practical internship means you’ll apply your learning in industry and grow in professional confidence knowing where your future lies.
In your Geography major, you’ll learn in practical workshops, simulations, case studies and group projects. You’ll build valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving and report writing.
Study future-focused courses, such as:
- Humanity in a changing climate
- Global environmental politics
- Globalisation, justice, and a crowded planet
- Communicating climate change
- Resource scarcity and allocation
- Global population and health
- Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Learn about the effect of human activities on the greenhouse effect. Immerse yourself in the issues of global environmental politics. Discover the social and environmental consequences of globalisation for people in different locations. Learn how Australian society makes decisions about the allocation of scarce resources.
Majors
The Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change is also available with majors in the following:
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
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
Sustainability and Society
|
Course code
SOCI1302
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Globalisation, Justice and a Crowded Planet
|
Course code
SOCI1301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI2301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Resource Scarcity and Allocation
|
Course code
SOCI2302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Migration and Development
|
Course code
SOCI2303
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Population and Health
|
Course code
SOCI3301
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Geography Matters
|
Course code
SOCI3302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI3303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Globalisation, Justice and a Crowded Planet
|
Course code
SOCI1301
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sustainability and Society
|
Course code
SOCI1302
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introductory Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI2301
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Resource Scarcity and Allocation
|
Course code
SOCI2302
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Migration and Development
|
Course code
SOCI2303
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Population and Health
|
Course code
SOCI3301
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geography Matters
|
Course code
SOCI3302
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI3303
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
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
Sustainability and Society
|
Course code
SOCI1302
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Globalisation, Justice and a Crowded Planet
|
Course code
SOCI1301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI2301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Resource Scarcity and Allocation
|
Course code
SOCI2302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Migration and Development
|
Course code
SOCI2303
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Population and Health
|
Course code
SOCI3301
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Geography Matters
|
Course code
SOCI3302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI3303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
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
Sustainability and Society
|
Course code
SOCI1302
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Globalisation, Justice and a Crowded Planet
|
Course code
SOCI1301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI2301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Resource Scarcity and Allocation
|
Course code
SOCI2302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Migration and Development
|
Course code
SOCI2303
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Population and Health
|
Course code
SOCI3301
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Geography Matters
|
Course code
SOCI3302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI3303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units for all University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
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
Sustainability and Society
|
Course code
SOCI1302
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Globalisation, Justice and a Crowded Planet
|
Course code
SOCI1301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI2301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Resource Scarcity and Allocation
|
Course code
SOCI2302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Migration and Development
|
Course code
SOCI2303
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Population and Health
|
Course code
SOCI3301
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Geography Matters
|
Course code
SOCI3302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI3303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Once you graduate, you’ll be equipped to tackle society’s climate issues with policy makers, scientists, architects, and sustainability managers. You might even lead a major organisation - locally or globally - in the private or public sector, towards greener, more sustainable solutions.
You could be a geospatial analyst, using data and technology for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and urban planning. You could address the growing issue of sustainable food systems and find solutions to secure sustainable food production. Perhaps you’ll develop eco-friendly city infrastructure and focus on sustainable land use and green building initiatives.
Your ‘green collar’ career could include:
- Urban planner
- Geospatial analyst
- Food security analyst
- Environmental consultant
- Climate policy analyst
- Renewable energy project manager
- Sustainability manager
- Conservation scientist.
Industry trends
Australia is racing to deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (Net Zero, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2024). To meet this target, there is a growing demand for ‘green collar’ professionals to lead industry toward sustainable practices.
With more than 76,000 new roles are predicted for sectors like renewable energy, ecosystem restoration, and climate change reduction, career opportunities in sustainable agriculture and land management are on the rise (Climate Council of Australia, 2020 & APS Jobs, 2024). Your skills in sustainable agriculture practices will be essential to achieving food security and supporting rural communities.
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.
