Maintaining the balance between our environment and human development is challenging. The future needs you to work on sustainable solutions to issues including increasing biodiversity loss, urbanisation and climate change.
The ANU Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability is a contemporary degree, covering environmental science, policy and social sciences, allowing you to address the complex challenges of sustainability by giving you a broad environmental education.
You’ll learn to link perspectives from the natural and social sciences with their applications in your chosen major and minor.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
Can you see yourself jet-setting the globe with a career in trade, foreign affairs, journalism, international business or research? You have found the right degree.
ANU is a leader in the field of International Relations.
Our program will introduce you to International Relations, initially via the broad historical and intellectual framework which has framed the modern world of states since the 17th century. It will then concentrate on the 20th century, the age of World Wars and the Cold War, before addressing contemporary issues, the age of global political economy, global culture and communication, global environmental concerns and post-Cold war political conflict, including the 'War on Terror'.
With our flexible program you can extend your chosen language subject into a major, and have the opportunity to go on exchange or an international/national internship.
Career Options
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
Employment Opportunities
You can choose from a range of careers as diverse as the environment itself.
Many of our graduates are employed in policy making within government, water resources management, environmental management, urban planning and sustainability, international development and climate change adaption consulting.
See where a Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.
You can choose from a range of careers as diverse as the environment itself.
Many of our graduates are employed in policy making within government, water resources management, environmental management, urban planning and sustainability, international development and climate change adaption consulting.
See where a Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.
Learning Outcomes
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Evaluate current understandings of environmental science, natural resource management and sustainability, and of a range of response strategies for sustainable resource management and development.
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Integrate knowledge from relevant scientific areas and from policy approaches across disciplines into approaches designed to address complex contemporary environment and sustainability issues, in global, national and local contexts.
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Apply a range of written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey and discuss information about environmental science, sustainable development and resource management decisions and relevant policies across discipline
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Engage with ongoing debates on environmental science, resource management and sustainability issues, recognising the importance of biophysical and socio-political and cultural contexts.
identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of international relations, and the relationships between them;
have a thorough understanding of the historical development of the global system;
demonstrate an understanding of the principal actors in contemporary global politics and the challenges they face;
understand the principal factors that determine the foreign policies of major powers and of Australia; and
reflect critically on the knowledge and skills developed in their study of International Relations.
Further Information
As an exception, courses listed in the Australian Indigenous Studies minor but not listed in the Science course list will contribute towards the 96 unit Science requirement for students completing the minor.
As an exception, courses listed in the Australian Indigenous Studies minor but not listed in the Science course list will contribute towards the 96 unit Science requirement for students completing the minor.
Admission Requirements
At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.
In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.
The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.
- ATAR:
- 85
- International Baccalaureate:
- 31
Domestic applicants
Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.
- Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
- completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
- co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
- previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
- previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
- ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
International applicants
Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.
Diversity factors & English language proficiency
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.
Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission
Adjustment Factors
Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded.
You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:
- applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
- undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
- achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
- not previously attempted tertiary study.
Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of International Relations - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $46,910.00
Scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
For further information see the Scholarships website.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability flexible double degree component requires the completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list
A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list
The 96 units must consist of:
48 units from completion of one of the following majors:
Environmental Science
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
Resource and Environmental Management
Sustainability Studies
Either:
24 units from completion of one of the following minors:
Australian Indigenous Studies
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Climate Science and Policy
Environmental Policy
Forest Science and Policy
Geography
Human Ecology
Soil and Land Management
Sustainable Development
Water Science and Policy
24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
Or:
48 units from completion of a second major from the following list:
Agricultural Innovation
Biodiversity Conservation
Climate Science
Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
Resource and Environmental Management
Geography
Marine Science
Sustainability Studies
A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.
In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.
The Bachelor of International Relations flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis
A minimum of 6 units from the following theory courses:
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
POLS3017 International Relations Theory
POLS3032 The Politics of Empire
A minimum of 6 units from the following methods courses:
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science
POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2137 Meaning in Politics: Interpretation, Method and Critique
POLS3045 Qualitative Research Methods in Political Science Research
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
A minimum of 12 units from the following areas studies courses:
ASIA1035 Introduction to Asian Politics
ASIA1999 The Origins of Political Order in Asia
ASIA2109 Violence, Poverty, and Politics in India
EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
EURO2012 Uniting Europe: History, Politics, Theory
EURO3002 Comparative European Politics
INTR2010 International Relations in the Asia-Pacific
MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
POLS2031 Politics in the Middle East
POLS2055 Pacific Politics
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2117 The International Relations of Latin America
POLS3040 Conflict and Change in Sub-Saharan Africa
A minimum of 12 units from the following security courses:
ASIA2111 Indonesian Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2012 Chinese Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2016 US Foreign and Security Policy in Asia
INTR2018 Japanese Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2020 (In)Stability on the Korean Peninsula
INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities
POLS2123 Peace and Conflict Studies
POLS2136 Power and Influence in world politics
POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict
POLS3036 International Terrorism
STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies
STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific
STST2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands
STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century
A minimum of 12 units from the following global politics courses:
DEMO2003 Migration in the Modern World
DIPL2000 Leadership and Diplomacy
HIST1209 Terror to Terrorism: A History
HIST2136 World at War: 1939-1945
HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989
HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945
INTR3001 Humanitarianism: Principles, Politics and Practice
PHIL2113 Global Justice
POLS2011 Development and Change
POLS2100 Genocide in the Modern World
POLS2101 Refugee Politics: Displacement and Exclusion in the 20th and 21st Centuries
POLS2113 Human Rights
POLS2133 International Organisations in World Politics
POLS2135 Race, Ethnicity and Representation
POLS3004 Emotions in International Politics
POLS3035 The Politics of International Law
POLS3037 Globalisation: Communications, Culture and Democracy
SOCY2030 Social Inequalities and Development
A maximum of 12 units from the following internships and Vice-Chancellor's courses:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A
ANIP3005 Australian National Internships Program B
VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
A maximum of 24 units from courses in the following language minors:
Advanced Chinese Language
Advanced French Studies
Advanced German Studies
Advanced Italian Studies
Advanced Japanese Language
Advanced Korean Language
Advanced Spanish Studies
Arabic
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Korean Language
Mongolian Language
Russian
Persian
Spanish
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Vietnamese Language
Majors
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Majors
Minors
Bachelor of International Relations Minors
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Minors
Back to the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability page
Are you concerned about the state of the environment and want to be part of the solution?
With a strong emphasis on getting outside and learning in the field, the ANU Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability will give you a broad environmental education, teaching you to link the natural and social sciences with their applications in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
If you enjoy the great outdoors and are passionate about keeping them pristine for future generations, this degree will teach you to be an effective environmental scientist and natural resource manager, helping you to meet the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing us this century.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
- One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
- Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)
Double degree
- This degree requires 96 units Science courses
- A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
- One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
- Other courses from the Science course list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability single degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead. You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU (science or non-science courses). You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability double degree program you will study a total of 96 units of Science course. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Science degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead.
Study Options
The maximum period for completion of the degree program is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. The 10 years includes periods of leave.
Enrolment Status
It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234.
- A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science major from the list.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science minor or a second potential Science major from the list.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.
But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units)
towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Environment and Sustainability half of the double degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
A course can only ever be counted toward one major or minor.
Exception: A maximum of 12 units of 1000 level courses can count toward two majors that share common first year requirements.
You can find a list of Majors and Minors for this program on Program and Courses, under the ‘Study’ tab on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage.
If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. You don’t need to commit to majors or minors until after your first year. Using electives can help to keep your options open.
To choose courses for majors and minors, view the Science majors and minors available on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage that interest you and enrol in the first year courses (1000 level).
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability – single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units |
| 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
| 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
Visit the Fenner School of Environment & Society webpage here, or
Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact Science Enquiries at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
Single degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of International Relations consists of 144 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load.
A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one list such as in a major or minor or designated list. For example, you are not permitted to count POLS1005 towards the International Relations Major and the Human Rights Major.
For the Bachelor of International Relations you will need to complete:
- Six compulsory courses (36 units)
- A minimum of one theory course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one methods course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of two areas studies courses from the designated list (12 units)
- A minimum of one security course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one global politics course from the designated list (6 units)
- Up to 12 units from the internships and Vice Chancellors courses from the designated list
- Up to four courses from the designated Language minors list (24 units)
- Eight electives from across the ANU (48 units)
Please note that you are only permitted to count ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your program.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of International Relations. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Double degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of International Relations Double Degree program consists of 96 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load. During each semester you are likely to take two courses from your Bachelor of International Relations degree and another two courses from the other half of your double degree – making up a total of four courses per semester.
You will need to complete:
- Six compulsory courses (36 units)
- A minimum of one theory course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one methods course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of two areas studies courses from the designated list (12 units)
- A minimum of one security course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one global politics course from the designated list (6 units)
- Up to 12 units from the internships and Vice Chancellors courses from the designated list
- Up to four courses from the designated Language minors list (24 units)
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of International Relations. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Enrolment Status
While it is possible for domestic students to enrol in fewer than four courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
First year students are not permitted to study more than four courses (24 units) per semester.
If you are beginning your program in Semester 1, you should enrol for all your courses for both Semester 1 and Semester 2 (8 courses for full time), so that you can plan your study year.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as ARTS1234. Whilst it is important to take 1000-level courses in your first year (so that you can meet the pre-requisites for later year courses) they also can be taken later in your program.
You can only count a maximum of ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Bachelor of International Relations half of the double degree.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- The following compulsory courses:
- POLS1005 - Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
- POLS1006 - Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
- Depending on your interests and in keeping with the program requirements, courses from the area studies, security, and language minor lists:
- ASIA1035 - Introduction to Asian Politics
- ASIA1999 - The Origins of Political Order in Asia
- EURO1004 - Europe in the Modern Era
- MEAS1001 - Introduction to the Modern Middle East
- STST1001 - Introduction to International Security Studies
- Language courses at the appropriate level
- Elective courses for students undertaking the single degree.
Electives
For students in the single degree, your electives (48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU) can be additional courses from your discipline (including the option of a major or minor) or courses from another ANU College. If you have an interest in another discipline such as management, psychology or mathematics, then you should explore first year courses in these areas. In particular look at the majors and minors in these areas. These will give you an idea of the first year courses you can study.
If you are interested in undertaking a language and have prior knowledge/experience with that language you may need to undertake a placement test – you should check with the relevant language area for further details by searching ‘language placement test’ on ANU website.
Study Options
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
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Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |