Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Australian Catholic UniversityThis double degree helps students understand and respond to major global challenges such as climate change, inequality, globalisation, and sustainability. It is a strong choice for students who want to combine environmental studies with global politics, sociology, and international development to create meaningful real-world impact.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students build core foundations in how societies and environments interact. Key units include Environmental Humanities (ENHU170), Environmental Economics (ENHU171), Introduction to International Relations (POLS104), and Global History: Six Degrees of Separation (HIST115). These subjects introduce the essential connections between environmental systems, global history, and political structures.
Year 2
In the second year, students deepen their understanding of society and sustainability through subjects such as Introduction to Sociology (SOCS100), Global Society and Change (SOCS101), Climate Change: Past, Present and Future (GEOG216), and Unsustainable: A Global History of Consumption (ENHU270). This year focuses on how human behaviour, policy, and environmental systems influence each other.
Year 3
The third year focuses on applied learning and real-world experience. Students study Environmental Sociology (SOCS270), Global Studies Research Project (GLST305), and Meaning of Life: Researching Qualitatively (SOCS207), along with Community Engagement Placement (HUMA330). There is also opportunity for international study or internship experience to strengthen global exposure.
Year 4
In the final year, students move into advanced analysis and leadership-focused learning. Units such as Sustainable Cities and Communities (GEOG310), Mapping for a Complex World (GEOG312), Power Wealth and Welfare: Social Issues and Policy (SOCS300), and People Count: Researching Globally with Quantitative Methods (SOCS302) help students develop strong research, policy, and problem-solving skills.
Focus Areas
Environmental sustainability, global politics and international relations, climate change studies, sociology and social justice, global development, community engagement, research methods, and sustainable urban planning.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates develop strong analytical and research skills, the ability to understand and address complex global and environmental issues, cross-cultural communication skills, and the capability to design practical sustainability and policy solutions.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This program is aligned with AQF Level 7 standards and is designed to prepare students for careers in government, international organisations, non-profits, and sustainability-focused industries.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
ACU is recognised as a strong teaching-focused university with positive graduate employment outcomes, with many students progressing into professional roles or further study soon after graduation.
This program is designed to give students real, hands-on experience in sustainability, global issues, and social change rather than just classroom learning. From early in the degree, students work on community projects, research tasks, and international learning experiences that help them understand how global challenges are addressed in practice. The course also includes opportunities for overseas study and professional internships, helping students build confidence in real-world environments.
Experiential learning in this program is delivered through structured practical components and global exposure opportunities:
Community Engagement Placement (HUMA330), where students work directly with organisations to address real social and environmental challenges
International study opportunities through Global Studies units (GLST301–GLST304), allowing students to study at partner universities overseas
Global Studies International Internship (GLST300), providing real workplace experience in global or community organisations
Research-based learning through the Global Studies Research Project (GLST305) and quantitative methods training (SOCS302)
Field and place-based learning in subjects such as Exploring Natural Environments (GEOG110) and Exploring Human Environments (GEOG111)
Applied learning focused on climate and sustainability issues through Climate Change: Past, Present and Future (GEOG216)
Group projects across sociology, environmental studies, and global studies units that build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
Access to university libraries, digital research databases, and academic support services that support independent and guided research
These experiences ensure students graduate with practical skills, industry exposure, and a strong understanding of real-world sustainability and global challenges.
Graduates of this double degree are well prepared for careers focused on global issues such as sustainability, social justice, and international development. You build the skills to work across government, NGOs, and international organisations in roles that address real-world environmental and social challenges. Typical career pathways include policy analyst, international development officer, sustainability coordinator, community development worker, and NGO project officer.
Progression & Future Opportunities: ACU provides strong career support and real-world learning opportunities that help students move smoothly into employment:
University services supporting employment: ACU Careers and Employability Service offers personalised career coaching, resume and interview preparation, job search support, and access to internships and graduate employment pathways
Employment outcomes and demand: ACU reports strong graduate outcomes in this field, with around 95% of graduates gaining employment, reflecting strong demand across government, community, and global organisations
University–industry partnerships: Students gain practical experience through international internship opportunities and study abroad partnerships with ACU’s global network of universities and organisations
Long-term accreditation value: The qualification is AQF Level 7 accredited, ensuring strong national and international recognition and long-term professional credibility
Graduation outcomes: Graduates complete the program with experience in community engagement, international study or internships, and research-based projects, making them well prepared for professional roles
Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of International Development, Master of Sustainability, Master of Public Policy, Master of Global Studies, or research pathways including Honours and PhD programs in related fields.
The Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability is offered at ACU’s Melbourne campus.Assumed knowledge: 2 units of English (any) (Band 3)Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.English language Requirements: IELTS: A minimum of 7.0 in Reading and Writing and a minimum of 7.5 in listening and speaking or TOEFL: a minimum of 27 in reading, 29 in writing, 27 in listening and 24 in speakingGCSE A-level: Minimum aggregate score of 8 in the best 3 Advanced Level (A2) subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. Subjects at Advanced Level (A2) must be taken in the same academic year. Advance Subsidiary Level (AS) subjects are not accepted.International Baccalaureate: Successful completion of International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 24 over six subjects.The median salary for graduates of the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability / Bachelor of Global Studies is typically around AUD 60,000–75,000 per year, depending on role, sector (government, NGO, or private), and level of experience, with strong growth potential as graduates progress into sustainability and policy-focused careers.India: CBSE (AISSC), ISC, or approved State Board qualifications are accepted with a minimum 65% average in the best 4 academic subjects (85% for Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan boards), excluding local language and non-academic subjects.India: Eligible qualifications include Senior Secondary Certificates from specified state boards such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and others with a required 65% minimum average in the best 4 academic subjects.China: Gaokao (58% minimum) or Senior High School Certificate with 80% average in Gao San, with higher scores.USA: Applicants may be admitted with a High School Diploma and SAT (minimum 1010 in Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math) or ACT Composite score of at least 19, or a minimum of two to four Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores with an aggregate score of 6 or higher.USA: For earlier SAT formats (pre-2016), a total score of at least 1370 across Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing is accepted as part of the entry requirements.social justiceand international development: policy analystinternational development officersustainability coordinatorenvironmental consultantNGO project officercommunity development worker
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