Environmental change is rapidly altering the world in which we live - its cities and suburbs, regional and rural landscapes, its natural heritage and biodiversity - and this has significant political and economic implications. You will learn about the important causes of environmental change and develop strategies, policy, and planning skills to effectively manage environmental issues at local, national and global levels. Areas covered include climate change, environmental management, population and migration, urban processes, biodiversity, conservation and sustainable development. Graduates are well equipped for careers in environmental policy, planning and consultancy, administration at local and state government levels, media organisations, teaching and research.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The University has student exchange links with over 100 overseas institutions. You can study overseas for one or two semesters which is credited towards your degree program at the University of Adelaide. In addition there are no extra tuition fees for this study. What better way to test out newly developed language skills or experience another culture as you learn?

In the first year of the program you will take courses on globalisation, the impact of humans on the planet, population-environment relationships and economy-environment interactions. These courses introduce the linked concepts of social and environmental sustainability at local to global scales.

Advanced Level courses are offered in coastal management, population and health, international migration, urban futures, housing policy and practice,  biodiversity conservation, environment and development, food and agriculture, environmental change and climate change, resource scarcity, environmental impact assessment, geographical information systems, and social science research techniques.

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management 

Double Degrees 

If you have strong interests in more than one area, then completing a double degree is a great investment. The following double degree program has a direct entry code for SATAC:

• Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management / Bachelor of Laws (5 years)

Concurrent Degrees

Are you enrolled in a single degree and would like to apply for a second degree? Have you ever wondered if you could study a combination of programs not covered in any of the listed double degrees? Both of these options are possible. And, by selecting the appropriate courses to enrol in, you can complete both awards in four years of full time study.

You can apply through SATAC for one program, and then apply for the second program the following year. Even better, you may be able to apply internally through the university for your second program in the middle of the year. The university rules for internal transfers, i.e. transferring from one degree to another or applying to enrol in a second degree can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/admission/internaltransfers.

Please talk to the Faculty Office for enrolment advice if you are considering this option.

Diploma in Languages

Studying for a humanities and social sciences degree means you can choose to study a language as part of your degree. Alternatively, any student enrolled in an undergraduate program at the university can elect to study a language through the Diploma in Languages. Start as a complete beginner or with more advanced knowledge and choose from Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Modern Greek or Spanish. The Diploma in Languages will extend study for one year to fit the language sequence, and you will graduate with certificates in both your program and the Diploma in Languages. You will leave university with language expertise, communication skills and greater cultural insight.

*The Diploma in Languages is not available to international students. 

Graduates find successful careers in numerous roles. Potential Careers are listed below.

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences facilitates an environment in which graduates are encouraged to take personal responsibility for developing the following attributes:

• Broad general knowledge.
• Specialised knowledge of current environmental issues from a social sciences perspective.
• An appreciation of the various theoretical and philosophical frameworks within which environmental issues are raised.
• A trained mind with the skills and discipline to research, synthesise, organise and present information on the environment, using a range of technologies as appropriate.
• Problem solving skills and the ability to argue from evidence.
• The ability to think creatively and communicate ideas effectively for the purpose of developing appropriate environmental policies.
• The ability to set appropriate goals and to work independently and/or cooperatively to achieve specified outcomes
• A clear understanding of ethical issues in their professional and intellectual contexts.
• A commitment to researching and solving environmental problems and raising awareness of environmental issues in an intellectual and broader social context.

A very popular option for your third year is to take part in an internship with an organisation from within the arts, media, parliament or environment. These include State Parliament and a range of public and business sector agencies, where you can use the knowledge from your university study in a practical work environment, building valuable networks and gaining experience that counts towards your degree program and prepares you for your future career.

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Undergraduate Program Rules

The Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management commenced in 2008, replacing the Bachelor of Environmental Studies.  Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Studies are expected to complete the program according to the rules that were in place in the year they commenced the degree.  However, they will be permitted to undertake a tailored program that combines elements of the template above with the rules in place the year they commenced.  Students affected by this change should consult the Faculty Office and have an individual study program approved if they have not already done so.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Studies will have the option to graduate in the Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management if they wish. Students who choose this option should consult the Faculty Office.

• Humanities and Social Sciences Program Information Leaflet
• Faculty of Humanities & Social Science
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• University Contact Centre enquiry form