Undergraduate
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
Make a positive impact on society and the environment with UWA’s Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability.
Majors available
Social and Environmental Sustainability (Extended Major)
Drawing on a wide range of disciplines, the Social and Environmental Sustainability Extended Major provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges of working with organisations, communities and governments in seeking to address and solve social and environmental challenges.
The learning experience
Five reasons to study at UWA
Find out what inspires people to pursue their goals with us.
Vibrant student experience
Vibrant student experience
Adjacent to the Swan River, our Perth campus is among the most picturesque in Australia with iconic sandstone buildings sitting among heritage-listed gardens. We’re just 10 minutes from Perth’s main shopping and business district and close to many of the city’s stunning beaches.
On campus, you’ll have an array of essential amenities to enjoy, including cafés, libraries, bookshops, a vibrant cultural precinct and tonnes of clubs and societies to join and experience student life to its fullest. Our supportive Student Guild means you can try your hand at volunteering, get independent advice on a range of matters or attend one of the many varied events on and off campus.
Innovative course structure
Innovative course structure
Whatever goals you may have, a UWA degree creates a world of possibilities. About 40 per cent of today’s jobs won’t exist in 20 years’ time (CEDA, 2015), so we believe in better preparation for the careers of the future.
Our innovative course structure is the only one of its kind in WA and is based on a global model. It means you can pursue your interests and maximise your career opportunities at the same time. This flexibility sets you apart from the crowd and is key to future-proofing your career.
Rankings and ratings
Rankings and ratings
We received five-star rankings in student demand and student:staff ratio in the Good Universities Guide 2018. UWA ranks first in Western Australia and is recognised internationally as a Top 100 university. Seven of our subject areas are ranked in the world’s Top 50, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018.
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Anatomy and Physiology (13th)
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Earth and Marine Sciences
- Mineral and Mining Engineering (11th)
- Performing Arts
- Sports-Related Subjects
Graduate outcomes
Graduate outcomes
Your UWA degree is an investment in your future. Our graduates consistently exceed the national average starting salaries and State graduate employment rates. We celebrate strong industry partnerships, offering you practical, real-world experiences in addition to valuable professional networking opportunities. This hands-on learning approach is highly valued by employers and ensures you’re career-ready. Our alumni continue to inspire and bring about positive impact on society.
Changing the world through research
Changing the world through research
As a research-intensive university, we’re part of the Group of Eight (a coalition of top research universities in the country) and one of only two Australian members of the Worldwide Universities Network. We’re also a foundation member of the Matariki Network of high-quality, research-intensive universities with a particular focus on student experience.
Over the years, we’ve continued to attract high-calibre, globally recognised staff, researchers and students, including our Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall, and we receive about 80 per cent of all research funding to WA universities annually.
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
International Student Fees
Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.
Fees are subject to annual indexation.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Careers and further study
Career Pathways
With a Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability you'll have the knowledge and skills to work in government agencies, community groups, mining companies, indigenous corporations, consultancy firms and small businesses.
Potential career paths include:
- Communication Officers
- Consultants
- Planners
- Policy Officers
- Researchers
- Sustainability Officers
Further Study
Further study will allow you to gain a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). It will open up opportunities in academia and research to help you pursue your goals in a wide range of careers, depending on your area of research.
You may also be interested in:
Entry requirements
Admission requirements
To be considered for this course you need to:
- achieve a minimum ATAR of 75
- demonstrate English language competence - applicants presenting with IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 6.5 and no band less than 6.0
- satisfy any prerequisites for your preferred majors (refer to individual major descriptions for prerequisite details)
You can view the prerequisites and recommended subjects for your chosen course here.
View our admission requirements for specific information, depending on your education history.
Assured Pathway information
If you have a professional career in mind, take advantage of one of our Assured Pathways. An Assured Pathway gives you an assured place in one of our postgraduate professional courses (such as Law, Engineering or Medicine) from the start of your studies with us. The pathways combine a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, providing you with a clearer direction to your career of choice.
Admission entry to UWA
We offer a number of other pathways for you to gain entry into our undergraduate degrees if you do not meet the standard admission requirements. Learn more about our admission entry pathways.
About the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on society and the environment and creating a sustainable future? Consider a degree in social and environmental sustainability.
Our program provides a unique blend of social sciences, humanities, environmental studies, and policy. You'll study the latest research and best practices in sustainability, hear from community and industry leaders and gain hands on experience in tackling complex social and environmental challenges. Through this program you can take one of 10 interdisciplinary science minors to extend your knowledge in a field of interest to you.
Join us in creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Quick details
- 75
- February and July
- 3 years full time
- BP062
- 114460B
Why study Social and Environmental Sustainability at UWA?
- Learn from WA’s leading social science and humanities teams
- Engage with UWA’s extensive community and industry network to gain real-world experience
- Learn from world leading and world class researchers
- Take one of 10 sciences minors to extend your learning
Put theory into practice
Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.
Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.
You'll learn to
- integrate knowledge through drawing on the social sciences and sciences to understand sustainability
- apply the tools of the various disciplines you study to complex social and environmental sustainability problems
- apply critical thinking and quantitative and qualitative analytical skills to complex interdisciplinary issues
- develop skills to work and communicate with diverse stakeholders
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
Social and Environmental Sustainability (Extended Major)
Drawing on a wide range of disciplines, the Social and Environmental Sustainability Extended Major provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges of working with organisations, communities and governments in seeking to address and solve social and environmental challenges.
This course is available for Experience-based entry
Together with this course, you can also apply for a select number of our undergraduate bachelor's degrees.
Through our Experience-based entry, we will assess all your academic achievements, qualifications and life experiences using a point system, where points will be awarded for each item submitted, and the total number of points will determine your eligibility.
Graduate with two degrees
The combined degree option allows you to pair your Bachelor of Human Rights degree with another passion, broadening your career options and giving you an edge in a rapidly changing workforce.
You can combine the Bachelor of Human Rights with:
You’ll graduate with two Bachelor degrees in just four years, opening up a world of possible career paths while broadening your knowledge, networks and horizons.
Duration: 4 years
ATAR: 75
Passionate about creating a sustainable future?
Ever wondered how you could make our planet a better place and create a more sustainable future for us all?
Sounds like a big task, right?
Firstly, the right education is fundamental.