University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This program pairs core international relations subjects with environmental management topics to give you an integrated understanding of how environmental issues are governed at national and international levels. Typical topics include:

• Foundations of International Relations: theory of international relations, global political economy, diplomacy and international organisations.
• Global Governance and Law: international law, treaties and conventions, transnational governance mechanisms, human rights and environment intersections.
• Environmental Policy and Management: environmental governance, climate change policy, biodiversity and conservation policy, sustainable development frameworks.
• Economics and Decision-making: environmental economics, natural resource management, cost–benefit and policy appraisal methods.
• Research and Methods: qualitative and quantitative research methods, policy analysis, impact assessment and programme evaluation.
• Practical and Applied Learning: policy practicums, internships or placements with government, NGOs or international agencies; fieldwork units addressing coastal, marine or arid-land management (where available).
• Capstone or Honours pathways: a final-year integrative project or research thesis that synthesises international relations and environmental management perspectives.

The degree structure typically offers core compulsory units in international relations, a major or specialisation in environmental management, and elective choices allowing study in related areas such as development studies, security, sustainability science or languages. Opportunities often exist to take exchange semesters at partner universities and short study tours.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the University of Adelaide's general admission standards for undergraduate study. Typical entry pathways include completion of an Australian secondary qualification (or recognised international equivalent), a recognised VET pathway or successful completion of a university enabling program. Admission will be based on academic achievement and, where applicable, other selection criteria specified by the University.

As the program combines social science and environmental content, successful applicants generally demonstrate strengths in humanities, social sciences or science-related subjects. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements through an accepted test or equivalent evidence of prior study in English. Alternative entry routes such as pathway or bridging programs are available for eligible applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers where understanding both international systems and environmental challenges is essential. Typical roles include:

• Policy analyst or advisor in national or subnational government departments dealing with environment, foreign affairs, trade or development.
• Program officer or technical specialist in international organisations, multilateral agencies and development banks.
• Project manager, researcher or advocate in international and local non-governmental organisations focused on climate, biodiversity or sustainability.
• Sustainability consultant for private sector firms and consultancies working on cross-border environmental risk, compliance and reporting.
• Adviser on environmental diplomacy, treaty negotiation support or international environmental law (often with further legal study).
• Research and academic careers following honours or postgraduate study in international relations, environmental policy or related disciplines.

Work-integrated learning, internships and exchange experiences included in the degree help build professional networks and practical skills valued by employers across government, civil society and the private sector.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers research-active staff and interdisciplinary teaching that connect international affairs with environmental science and policy. Students benefit from the University’s established links with government agencies, research institutes and non-government organisations, creating opportunities for placements and collaborative projects.

Adelaide’s location also provides ready access to a range of environmental settings and research centres, supporting field-based learning in coastal, marine and arid-land contexts. Small-group teaching, opportunities for study abroad, and a focus on applied policy skills ensure graduates leave with both theoretical knowledge and practical capability to work on complex environmental challenges in an international context.