University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This degree combines core climate science and sustainability theory with applied skills in data analysis, policy evaluation and project design. Core topics typically include greenhouse gas science and projections, climate impacts and adaptation, mitigation strategies, sustainability principles, ecosystem services, environmental economics and law, and the social dimensions of environmental change.

• Climate science and modelling: fundamentals of the Earth system, drivers of climate change, emission pathways and basic climate modelling concepts.
• Sustainability theory and practice: sustainable development, circular economy, resource management and indicators for assessing sustainability outcomes.
• Policy, governance and law: policy instruments for mitigation and adaptation, environmental regulation, international agreements and local governance.
• Data and research skills: environmental data analysis, GIS and spatial skills, statistics for environmental applications, and research methods.
• Industry and community engagement: modules or placements focusing on stakeholder engagement, communication, and collaborative solutions with businesses, government and community groups.
• Capstone project or internship: an applied research project, industry-linked internship or practicum that synthesises technical, social and policy knowledge to address a real-world sustainability challenge.

Students can expect a mix of lectures, tutorials, laboratory and field-based practicals, group projects and a substantial final-year project or work placement. Elective options allow specialisation in areas such as renewable energy systems, biodiversity and conservation, urban sustainability, or climate resilience.

Entry requirements

Admission is typically based on completion of an Australian senior secondary qualification (or recognised equivalent) with a competitive tertiary admission rank. Applicants should have demonstrated competence in English at senior secondary level; some mathematics or science background (for example, senior secondary mathematics, chemistry or biology) will be advantageous for certain subjects but is not always mandatory.

• Domestic applicants: selection is usually through the university admissions system with a minimum rank or equivalent qualification; pathways and alternative entry options (such as bridging or portfolio pathways) may be available.
• International applicants: need an equivalent secondary qualification plus evidence of English language proficiency (for example IELTS, TOEFL or other approved tests) at the level required by the university.

Prospective students should consult the University of Adelaide's official admissions pages or contact admissions advisers for the precise documentation and any prerequisite subjects that apply to their individual circumstances.

Career prospects

Graduates are equipped for a wide range of roles across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Typical career paths include sustainability officer or manager, climate policy analyst, environmental consultant, natural resource manager, resilience and adaptation specialist, renewable energy project officer, and roles in environmental education and community engagement.

Other opportunities include research assistant positions in university or government research programs, roles in environmental auditing and reporting, and further study at honours or postgraduate level in areas such as environmental science, climate science, environmental policy or planning.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is research-led and offers strong interdisciplinary expertise in climate and environmental research, with connections across science, engineering, economics and social sciences. Students benefit from hands-on learning through fieldwork, laboratory facilities and industry partnerships within South Australia and nationally.

The university's links with government agencies, research institutes and industry provide pathways for internships and applied projects, while a supportive campus environment in Adelaide offers access to diverse landscapes for field studies, from coastal ecosystems to agricultural regions. This combination of practical training, research opportunities and industry engagement helps prepare graduates to tackle complex sustainability and climate challenges.