Why Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change?
Want to tackle global poverty and inequality as a green-collar professional?
The push for net zero emissions by 2050 is driving demand for ‘green-collar’ graduates worldwide. With an international development major, build a career that shapes a fairer, more sustainable world.
Address global challenges like poverty, inequality, health, human rights and climate resilience.
Tackle the big-picture questions. How do we reduce poverty, build strong communities and promote fair access to resources worldwide? How do we support enduring livelihoods and equip communities for climate change?
Join the growing movement towards a sustainable planet with a green-collar career.
Overview
In our Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change majoring in International Development, you’ll study future-focused strategies, policies, and actions. Learn how to apply these to an international context to reduce global issues like poverty, inequality and exclusion.
Discover the history of policies and practices, and the organisations actively engaged in the green sector. Prepare to be challenged by exploring the important social, environmental, and political issues facing our world today.
Broaden your mind with a study of global environmental politics. Immerse yourself in environmental justice, scarcity of resources, environmental activism, disasters and more.
Learn about humanitarian emergencies, aid and action. How do we reduce the impact on affected communities? What’s the link between immediate emergency response and long-term disaster impact?
Explore the connection between human rights and international development. Is a human rights-based approach a better way to achieve sustainable outcomes?
Focus on different theoretical perspectives and debates concerning sustainability. Learn how nature is conceptualised in policy-making. How are global capitalism, poverty and ecological issues connected?
Key features
Prepare to lead and advocate for the global push towards net zero emissions.- Explore solutions to the critical social, environmental and political issues facing our modern world.
- Benefit from real-world, practical experience by completing a professional internship.
- Broaden your knowledge and skills across local and international contexts.
- Become an ethical communicator who can articulate sustainable responses and policies.
- Cultivate analytical and research skills to design, review and deliver future-thinking solutions.
What you'll learn
Our three-year Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change majoring in International Development draws on politics, environmental science, and social sustainability to illustrate the bigger picture.
In your first year, you’ll study the fundamentals of climate change. Discover how natural forces and human actions shape climate change. Unpack its broader consequences, locally and globally.
By second year, you’ll be finding innovative solutions to climate change challenges. Cultivate the skills to respond to key issues. Master communication strategies.
Your final year brings it all together in the real world. A practical internship means you’ll apply your learning in industry. You’ll grow in professional confidence knowing where your future lies.
Our International Development major will challenge you with thought-provoking practical workshops, simulations, case studies and group projects. Build transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving and report writing.
Study future-focused courses across topics including:
- Introduction to international development
- Poverty reduction
- Empowerment, gender and community development
- Humanitarian emergencies, aid and action
- Climate change and sustainable development
- Rights and development.
Start with the key concepts and debates across the international development sector. Next, learn about the history of development policies and practices.
You’ll explore the policies and practices of poverty reduction by examining key development indices. At this stage, you’ll start devising practical solutions to the world’s biggest problems.
Discover how international development programs are designed, managed and evaluated to bring about lasting change.
Learn about humanitarian emergencies. Consider their impact on affected communities. What is the role humanitarian aid plays in disaster risk reduction? How does an immediate emergency response impact in the longer-term?
Majors
Adelaide University’s 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
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Poverty Reduction: Doing International Development
|
Course code
POLI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How to Change the World: Practicing Development
|
Course code
POLI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Development Practice: Design Project
|
Course code
POLI3016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environment and Development
|
Course code
POLI3015
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Rights and Development
|
Course code
POLI3017
|
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
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Poverty Reduction: Doing International Development
|
Course code
POLI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
How to Change the World: Practicing Development
|
Course code
POLI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environment and Development
|
Course code
POLI3015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Development Practice: Design Project
|
Course code
POLI3016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Rights and Development
|
Course code
POLI3017
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Poverty Reduction: Doing International Development
|
Course code
POLI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How to Change the World: Practicing Development
|
Course code
POLI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Development Practice: Design Project
|
Course code
POLI3016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environment and Development
|
Course code
POLI3015
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Rights and Development
|
Course code
POLI3017
|
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
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Poverty Reduction: Doing International Development
|
Course code
POLI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How to Change the World: Practicing Development
|
Course code
POLI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Development Practice: Design Project
|
Course code
POLI3016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environment and Development
|
Course code
POLI3015
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Rights and Development
|
Course code
POLI3017
|
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
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Poverty Reduction: Doing International Development
|
Course code
POLI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How to Change the World: Practicing Development
|
Course code
POLI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Development Practice: Design Project
|
Course code
POLI3016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environment and Development
|
Course code
POLI3015
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Rights and Development
|
Course code
POLI3017
|
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
With climate change and global warming increasing over the past 20 years, the world needs leaders capable of driving positive change.
You could find yourself working on society’s key issues with policy makers, scientists, politicians, sustainability managers or CEOs.
Lead a major organisation – locally or globally – in the private or public sector, towards greener, more sustainable solutions.
You could work in a career such as:
- Environmental analyst
- Community development officer
- Renewable energy project manager
- Sustainability manager
- Policy advisor
- International aid and development manager.
Fancy working in humanitarian aid? You could build a career as a policy advisor, program manager, or project coordinator for government agencies like the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). These roles often focus on sustainable development, humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts to tackle poverty and inequality.
Industry trends
To meet the 2050 net zero emissions target, the Australian job market needs confident, skilled professionals to lead organisations in sustainable practices.
With more than 76,000 new roles predicted for the renewable energy, ecosystem restoration and climate reduction sectors – the future of work looks bright (Climate Council of Australia, 2024).
New opportunities are always emerging in digital development and data analytics. International development graduates might seek roles that leverage technology – for resource management, health programs – or responding to challenges like social divides and disaster preparation.
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.
