Why Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change?
Keen to influence politics and drive sustainable change?
Australia’s race to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 is creating demand for ‘green collar’ professionals to help build a more sustainable world.
By majoring in Politics, you’ll explore our Australian system of government. Learn how to address complex issues in contemporary political theory and practice. Consider the transformative impact of cyber-politics, with a focus on today’s issues like hate speech, fake news, populism and cybersecurity.
What role does social media play in shaping political beliefs? How are climate change and political systems interconnected?
You can lead the way to a sustainable future as a politically-minded, green collar professional.
Overview
In our Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change majoring in Politics, you’ll explore the environmental and political issues shaping our world.
This degree will deepen your knowledge of climate change, biodiversity, urbanisation, and food security. You’ll learn how to influence policy to change society’s response to global warming. Explore critical issues facing our planet today in contemporary political theory and practice. These include power, freedom, national identity, ideology, equality, human rights, social justice, marginalisation, community, citizenship, colonialism, and political activism.
You’ll examine how environmental challenges are redefining what it means to be a citizen. Consider how the principles of citizenship are influencing environmental politics and policies worldwide. Immerse yourself in challenging topics like terrorism, ethics, security, international negotiations, crisis decision-making, and justice in Australia.
Build a toolbox of transferable skills and knowledge to use across major industries worldwide. Transform your passion for politics and the environment into a sustainable career.
Key features
Deepen your knowledge of Australian government policy and the factors shaping it.- Learn how environmental challenges are redefining what it means to be a citizen.
- Become an informed leader and advocate for the global push towards net zero emissions.
- Gain analytical and research skills to design, review and deliver innovative and future-thinking technologies.
- Benefit from a real-world work placement and professional development as you study.
- Grow into a responsible, ethical communicator who can articulate sustainable responses and policies.
What you'll learn
In our three-year Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change majoring in Politics, you’ll learn about climate systems – and the political systems that influence and maintain them.
During your first year you’ll study the fundamentals of climate change and Australia’s political system. Discover how natural forces and human actions impact climate change. Unpack the broader political consequences worldwide.
By second year, you’ll be exploring innovative solutions to climate change with a political focus. You’ll cultivate the skills to respond to key sustainability and policy challenges.
In your final year, you’ll begin using your knowledge in the real world. A practical internship means you’ll apply your new insights in an industry setting. You’ll enhance your professional confidence and plan your future career.
With the Politics major, you’ll gain valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving and report writing.
You’ll study future-focused courses, such as:
- Introduction to politics
- Policy and practice in Australian politics
- Passions and interests: the history of greed
- Cyber-politics: politics and the internet revolution
- Humanity in a changing climate
- Global environmental politics
- Globalisation, justice, and a crowded planet
- Communicating climate change.
You’ll immerse yourself in the issues facing global environmental politics. Analyse the Australian system of government – exploring parliament, cabinet, federalism, the constitution, High Court, parties, and the public service. Unpack the history of Australian electoral experiments and the controversies around them.
Examine environmental citizenship and the environmental concerns changing it. Learn how the language of citizenship is influencing environmental politics and defining policies worldwide. Gain insight into the key political and policy issues shaping Australia’s future.
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
Introduction to Politics
|
Course code
POLI4000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policy and Practice in Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The Politics of Exclusion
|
Course code
POLI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Passions and Interests: The History of Greed
|
Course code
SOCI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
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
Environment and Citizenship
|
Course code
POLI3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Electoral Democracy
|
Course code
POLI3000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Cyberpolitics
|
Course code
POLI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Introduction to Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Politics
|
Course code
POLI4000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Policy and Practice in Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Politics of Exclusion
|
Course code
POLI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Passions and Interests: The History of Greed
|
Course code
SOCI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australian Electoral Democracy
|
Course code
POLI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cyberpolitics
|
Course code
POLI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environment and Citizenship
|
Course code
POLI3002
|
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
Introduction to Politics
|
Course code
POLI4000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policy and Practice in Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The Politics of Exclusion
|
Course code
POLI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Passions and Interests: The History of Greed
|
Course code
SOCI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
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
Environment and Citizenship
|
Course code
POLI3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Electoral Democracy
|
Course code
POLI3000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Cyberpolitics
|
Course code
POLI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Introduction to Politics
|
Course code
POLI4000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policy and Practice in Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The Politics of Exclusion
|
Course code
POLI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Passions and Interests: The History of Greed
|
Course code
SOCI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
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
Environment and Citizenship
|
Course code
POLI3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Electoral Democracy
|
Course code
POLI3000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Cyberpolitics
|
Course code
POLI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Introduction to Politics
|
Course code
POLI4000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policy and Practice in Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The Politics of Exclusion
|
Course code
POLI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Passions and Interests: The History of Greed
|
Course code
SOCI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
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
Environment and Citizenship
|
Course code
POLI3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Electoral Democracy
|
Course code
POLI3000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Cyberpolitics
|
Course code
POLI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
With a Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change majoring in Politics, you’ll be equipped to shape policies and drive environmental change. You’ll graduate with an in-depth understanding of climate policy, sustainable practices and political theory – ready to build a meaningful career.
Want to work in advocacy? Lead campaigns for environmental organisations or political parties focused on sustainability issues. Keen to become an environmental lobbyist? You’ll work with environmental groups to influence policy decisions. See yourself as an adviser? You might influence climate policies and sustainable development strategies for government bodies or NGOs.
You could also be a:
- Sustainability consultant
- Environmental policy advisor
- Policy analyst
- Public sector policy advisor
- Sustainable development project manager
- Climate policy analyst
- Renewable energy project manager.
Industry trends
With Australia powering towards its 2050 target, industry trends indicate an increased demand for green collar professionals skilled in environmental management and political strategy.
It’s predicted the Australian government will need skilled professionals for policy and governance roles. They’ll be crucial in developing and implementing climate policies for sustainable urban development, environmental justice and renewable energy transitions (ASIC, 2024)
With over 76,000 new roles projected across sectors such as renewable energy, ecosystem restoration, and climate change mitigation (DCCEEW, 2024), the future is bright for Adelaide University graduates.
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.
