Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change majoring in Sociology

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City, Magill

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BSUSC

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$52,300

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115760D

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program in an undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) or higher.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	75
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
China	Gaokao	65%
China	Maple Leaf Education Systems World School Program	67%
Global	International Baccalaureate	26
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India	CBSE and CISCE	75
India	State Board Examinations	85
Indonesia	SMA III	78%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.78
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	3.01
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	87%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	9
Taiwan	GSAT %	65%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.40
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	8
UK / Global	NCUK	8
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	8
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	22
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1130
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thôxwng (Vietnamese Year 12)	8

Why Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change?

In a global society, you can turn the tides of climate change.

Our actions can have a real impact on our environment: we can reduce carbon emissions, preserve natural landscapes and endangered species, and source more eco-friendly resources. But we can only change our environment if we can change ourselves. Climate change priorities are driven by the turns of political views and cultural beliefs.

With a major in sociology at Adelaide University, you can discover the powerful influence that social change can have on international climate action. Investigate deeper into the human dynamics surrounding the science to help protect our future.

Overview

With our Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change majoring in Sociology, you’ll discover new perspectives on protecting the environment through the power of social transformation. You will gain the skills to act with compassion and creativity to address one of the most important societal shifts in history: climate change.

Learn how to analyse and influence environmental policies. Explore the social drivers to support change in local and global industries. Examine the impact of media and technology on mobilising and dividing people. Gain problem-solving and collaborative skills. Connect to your future career with hands-on work experience in your industry of choice.

Your specialised knowledge in how social changes can be constructed and steered will distinguish you in your field. Equipped with an in-depth understanding of local and international climate challenges, you will graduate prepared to lead the next industry movements for a greener tomorrow.

Key features

Become an ethical leader, equipped to tackle local and global challenges.
Gain unique social insights that can inform and transform climate initiatives.
Investigate the complex relationship between human behaviour and the environment.
Enhance your research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Get practical experience in a real-world work placement during your study.
Discover how a society is constructed – and how you can influence change in the world.

What you'll learn

This three-year degree in Sustainability and Climate Change majoring in Sociology will prepare you to enter a career in an industry with increasing demand for environmental solutions. As you build specialised skills in societal change and political advocacy, you will also build the climate knowledge needed to inform and educate your strategies.

With your focus on sociology, you’ll have the opportunity to take an intensive study of how societies move through the essential, major changes needed to address climate change. You will learn to objectively analyse moral panics and contemporary crises. You'll gain the skills to motivate a society and to break down practical solutions for leaders in environmental policy.

Throughout your studies, you’ll learn about:

Steering the future through social theory
Social disadvantage and inequalities
Innovations in climate change research
Environmental policy
International relations and politics
Geography and urban green spaces
The impacts of technology on our social experience
How conflicts and political collapse can occur in societies
Imagining new social worlds to create global change.

With case studies on real-world scenarios, you will have the opportunity to do an internship in your third year to explore your field of interest under skilled guidance. You’ll take career planning courses to educate and drive your career choices.

You will gain meaningful insights into cultural biases and become an inspiring, perceptive communicator. With a comprehensive skillset across professional collaboration, political leadership, policy, climate science and anthropology – you will become a valued specialist in your field.

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 code	Units
Course name Understanding Complexities Impacting Families and Communities	Course code EDUC1003	Units 6
Course name First Nations Peoples and Knowledges and Culturally Responsive Teaching	Course code INDG4000	Units 6
Course name The Brain and Learning	Course code PSYC2007	Units 6

	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

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name The Remarkable Power of Society: An Introduction to Sociology	Course code SOCI1000	Units 6
Course name Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice	Course code SOCI1001	Units 6
Course name Social Disadvantage in an Unequal World	Course code SOCI2004	Units 6
Course name Mediating Social Life	Course code SOCI2005	Units 6
Course name Think Big: Changing the World Through Social Theory	Course code SOCI2008	Units 6
Course name The Social Life of Technology	Course code POLI3005	Units 6
Course name What Tears Societies Apart	Course code POLI3006	Units 6
Course name Imagining New Social Worlds	Course code POLI3007	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 Society and Culture Internship	Course code SOCI3902	Units 6

Complete 18 units comprising:

18 units for all Free electives

Career outcomes

Global warming impacts are increasing on an international scale, affecting homes, resources, safety, migration, and dramatic political shifts. You will graduate with a unique understanding of the social forces that can push the cause for our survival to the front of our collective focus. And you’ll have the skills to deliver practical steps to make that change possible.

A major in sociology in a Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change will give you a dynamic skillset in collaboration, leadership and climate research. You will launch into a career with the ability to envision, communicate and enact critical transition plans across government and industries worldwide.

You could find yourself at the forefront of disaster prevention and humanitarian causes, advising on government policy, or advocating for change across sectors. You might consult with small businesses on ways they can transition to biodegradable products. Perhaps you'll lead innovation in the latest sustainable technology to be rolled out globally.

You could also be a:

Climate and social policy adviser
Renewable energy specialist
International climate diplomat
Cultural and humanitarian consultant
Climate research leader
Environmental analyst
Project and development manager
Urban planner.

No matter where you go, you'll be prepared to help protect our future.

Industry trends

Government policy in Australia is expected to deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 since the Paris Agreement (DCCEEW, 2024). Adelaide University’s comprehensive courses will provide you with the knowledge to inform and lead local and international industries into sustainable practices.

In a society with conflicting motivators around sustaining industry and environmental needs, there are diplomatic challenges to be addressed across industries. Essential resources in agriculture, energy and transport will need to rapidly pivot to new practices. The demand for new jobs in this field is only increasing, as social change drives the movement for environmental sustainability.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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: