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Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability/Bachelor of Global Studies
Course information for - 2026 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 2 locations
- Melbourne
- Strathfield
- Melbourne
- Strathfield
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- VTAC code
- 1200210931
- ATAR
- New
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2026
Applications open August 2025
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2026
Applications open April 2026
Overview
Become a force for change with this double degree, designed for those driven to tackle today’s global challenges. Dive into critical contemporary social issues like globalisation, social justice, international relations and environmental sustainability while exploring social and cultural perspectives. With hands-on learning at its core, this program offers a unique study abroad internship, where you’ll experience global contexts first-hand and build a powerful foundation for impactful work. Whether you're passionate about creating a sustainable future or addressing social inequalities, this degree offers the tools, experiences, and flexibility to shape your career as an agent for change.
Work placement
You will have the unique opportunity to gain valuable international work experience tailored to your interests and career goals via one of our overseas internship partner organisations. You will also have the chance to study abroad at one of ACU’s 60 partner institutions around the world.
Community engagement
In this course, students will study the Community Engagement unit HUMA330 Community Engagement Placement.
Careers
Graduates will be equipped for impactful careers in non-profit, governmental, and global organisations, fostering sustainable and socially just solutions for communities worldwide.
Course details
Course structure
To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 320 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, consisting of:
Available Minor(s)
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Economics
The economics minor sequence at ACU promotes the knowledge and understanding of local business operations, consumer behaviour, economic policy, and national and global economic issues. The sequence encourages you to develop your interest in contemporary economic events and helps you to understand important issues such as unemployment, foreign debt, changes in the value of the dollar and the implication of these issues for consumers, businesses and the nation. You will also consider the policy options that are available to deal with these important issues in Australia and globally. The study of economics provides you with the knowledge and skills for a variety of careers in both the private and public sectors, as well as providing a pathway for further study.
History
The history minor sequence brings the past to life by introducing you to a diverse range of societies and cultures that have shaped the modern world. History at ACU has an exciting and innovative global focus. You will have the opportunity to study European, American, Australian, Indigenous, Asian and Ancient history, and to engage with key themes such as war and peace, race and class, gender and sexuality, violence and terrorism, and film and popular culture. In exploring the people, ideas and events that have defined the past and given meaning to the present, you will develop critical skills that will equip you for a rich and rewarding professional career.
International Development Studies
The international development studies minor sequence focuses on contemporary understandings of the causes and consequences of poverty, conflict, refugees and migration, and develops work-ready skills in project management, research and policy development. You’ll be prepared for a career, either domestically or abroad, in a diverse range of government and non-government organisations tasked with supporting the alleviation of poverty in the developing world.
Politics and International Relations
Politics is the study of power, violence and justice in our world. The questions of who gets what, why and how much, are persistent concerns plaguing all societies. In a world increasingly short of resources, individuals and nations now frequently do battle with each other to secure their own prosperity and peace. By looking at how these battles are won and lost, the discipline of politics gives you insight into the workings of diplomacy, warfare, elections, the global economy, the nature of political parties, and the rise and fall of great powers. From everyday politics at the local level to the politics among nations, the politics and international relations minor sequence at ACU will offer you the conceptual tools to think critically and act decisively in a world that is ever changing.
Sociology
Sociology is one of the most relevant disciplines for understanding complex social, cultural, and political phenomena today. Often cited as the "Queen of Disciplines" due to it producing a number of key ideas used by many subjects that study society and culture, sociology offers students a range of exciting theoretical, methodological, and conceptual tools for an understanding of human action, social and systemic change, institutions, and the deeper meanings of life. With subject matter such as globalisation, religion, health, work and economy, social movements, gender, and culture, sociologists are often crucially involved in a number of key debates around the ideas and events that impact on real people and their communities. All of these areas are a part of the sociology sequence at the ACU. Operating in both government and private industry, sociologists are employed in a variety of roles that centre on people and their environments including community project officers, policy planners and researchers, marketers and social media publicists. Sociology at the ACU helps students acquire high-order transferrable skills in reasoning, theorising, communicating, and research to do with a broader and deeper perspective of events, all of which are highly sought after by employers.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7Exit Points
Students who have met the requirements of the non-award course Certificate in Liberal Studies, Diploma in Liberal Arts OR Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability can exit with that award.
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.
International students must also meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Assumed knowledge: 2 units of English (any) (Band 3). |
| Victoria | Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English. |
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission.
Applicants with recent secondary education
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.
International students must also meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:
NSW: Assumed knowledge: 2 units of English (any) (Band 3). Mathematics (other than Mathematics General 2) for study in Mathematics (Band 3)
VIC: Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
Assumed knowledge: Units 3 and 4 - Mathematical Methods or equivalent for study in Mathematics.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A minimum of 7.0 in Reading and Writing and a minimum of 7.5 in listening and speaking
Pearson Test of English (PTE): A minimum of 65 in reading and writing and a minimum of 73 in listening and speaking
Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL): Internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iTB) with a minimum of 27 in reading, 29 in writing, 27 in listening and 24 in speaking
ACU English Language Test: A+ (80 -84)
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): A minimum of 185 in reading and writing and a minimum of 191 in listening and speaking.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Fees
Course costs
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
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