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New degree to train next generation of social and environmental justice champions

Australian Catholic University has launched a new degree in Social and Environmental Sustainability aimed at addressing global issues such as climate change and environmental degradation, economic and social inequity, consumerism, and related geopolitical challenges.

The new three-year degree, or four-year double-degree, will offer students a unique perspective on sustainability drawing on social sciences, humanities, economics, and geopolitics.

It is ACU’s first course dedicated to training students in the fundamental challenges of sustainability, and the impact humanity is having on society and the environment.

Students have the option to study a Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability or pair it as a Double Degree with a Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Global Studies.

ACU’s Dean of Arts Professor Joy Damousi said the new three-year program was ideal for students with a strong commitment to the environment and social justice values but seeking a degree with foundations in social sciences and humanities.

“This new degree aligns with ACU’s 10-year strategic plan, Vision 2033, in forging ethical futures by looking critically at the effects of global progress and change on individuals, communities and the environment,” Professor Damousi said.

“The National School of Arts and Humanities is proud to launch a degree that offers students a social sciences and humanities-led approach to understanding sustainability.”

ACU’s program will feature leading ACU scholars and scientists including geoscientist Associate Professor Duncan Cook who is investigating the long-term impacts of urbanisation and climate change; dress and material culture expert Dr Sarah Bendall who currently teaches the global history of consumption; Dr Haydn Aarons whose expertise is in the social and cultural contexts of sustainability, and ocean historian Dr Killian Quigley who is part of the growing blue humanities academic movement.

Students will also gain hands-on experience in becoming sustainability professionals, through Work-Integrated-Learning and community engagement placement opportunities built into the degree.

Course coordinator Dr Haydn Aarons said ACU’s newest degree was for students with a passion for the environment.

“Many courses in sustainability are aimed at training scientists, however ACU’s degree is for students who are passionate about the environment and want to contribute to sustainability through the Humanities and Social Sciences, law, and business, as sustainability officers, policy analysts, environmental lawyers, and ethical business leaders,” Dr Aarons said.

ACU’s new Social and Environmental Sustainability course builds upon the university’s sustainability framework inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The course will be offered at ACU’s Strathfield and Melbourne campuses for Semester 1, 2026.

For more information or to apply visit the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability course page.