University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This programme blends core subjects in climate science and sustainability with modules from international security and political studies. You will learn the physical science of climate change and evidence-based approaches to mitigation and adaptation, alongside the tools of international relations, security analysis and conflict studies so you can assess how environmental change shapes risk at local, national and global levels.

• Core sustainability and climate topics: climate systems and impacts, greenhouse gas accounting, adaptation and resilience, sustainable development, environmental law and governance, Indigenous and local knowledge in environmental management.
• Core security and international topics: introduction to international relations, security studies, geopolitics of resources, human security and migration, conflict analysis, peacebuilding and diplomacy.
• Research and quantitative skills: statistics and data analysis for environmental and security research, GIS and spatial analysis, social science research methods.
• Applied and interdisciplinary options: policy design and evaluation, climate risk assessment for businesses and governments, environmental economics, cyber and critical infrastructure resilience where relevant to security, fieldwork and community engagement projects.
• Capstone and project work: a major research project or capstone that integrates sustainability and security themes, often including a policy brief, practicum or honours research pathway.

Entry requirements

Admission is typically based on completion of a recognised secondary school qualification with an appropriate selection rank or equivalent. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record in secondary studies; recommended background subjects include English and at least one of mathematics, geography or science.

• Domestic applicants: selection rank (such as ATAR) meeting the University threshold for the degree; adjustment factors and alternative entry pathways may apply.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary school qualifications from your country plus demonstrated English language proficiency (test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent). Specific minimum band levels for English apply.
• Other pathways: mature-age entry, recognised diplomas, or articulation from related tertiary study may be accepted; honours or research pathways require a specified grade point average from prior tertiary study.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles where environmental knowledge and security awareness intersect. Career pathways draw on both sustainability expertise and an understanding of geopolitical and social risks.

• Policy and government: climate and environment policy officer, resilience and adaptation planner, analysts in defence, foreign affairs or homeland security focusing on climate-related risks.
• International organisations and NGOs: programme officer for climate adaptation, humanitarian and migration agencies, environmental advocacy and development organisations.
• Private sector and consulting: climate risk analyst, sustainability advisor, corporate resilience and supply-chain security roles, environmental risk assessment for insurance and finance.
• Research and academia: further study in honours and postgraduate research in climate science, environmental policy or security studies.
• Local government and community: urban sustainability officer, disaster preparedness coordinator, community resilience and engagement roles.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers an interdisciplinary environment with strengths in climate and environmental research and connections to policy and industry partners. Students benefit from access to specialised research centres and institutes, opportunities for field-based learning in South Australia, and supervised research projects that enable practical experience.

• Interdisciplinary teaching that links natural science, social science and policy to address real-world climate-security challenges.
• Opportunities for hands-on learning, including field trips, community-engaged projects and capstone research under academic supervision.
• Pathways to honours and postgraduate study, enabling students to deepen research skills or move into specialised professional streams.
• Location advantages: Adelaide’s research networks, government agencies and environmental organisations provide avenues for internships and collaboration.