The January semester for this program will be delivered in a multi-modal format, with classes designed to support and engage all learners. Whether they’re on campus or abroad, all students will be able to access Bond’s exceptional and personalised learning experience through dynamic and interactive lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and lab sessions.
Notice: This program has been discontinued, with May 2019 being the final intake of students. The following information is being retained for students currently enrolled in the program.
Create a globally sustainable future
Environmental management has become increasingly important in the development and planning of our cities. Employers seek graduates who have acquire knowledge to solve problems and reshape the quality and performance of cities around the world.
By studying a Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning in Australia, graduates become knowledgeable in environmental science and management, and urban design and planning. This combination of knowledge and skill development allows graduates to pursue many career paths in the natural built environment. Students can learn first-hand the importance of environmental management, right here on the Gold Coast.
Gain professional accreditation
The Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning is professionally recognised by some of Australia’s leading professional bodies. This allows graduates to differentiate themselves within the industry when entering the workforce.
By learning in the University’s Sustainable Development Building, students will also be encouraged to expand their horizons and redefine the sustainability and planning industry of tomorrow, promoting sustainable practices. Students will experience Bond’s small class sizes and learn from nationally and internationally recognised academics in a collaborative environment. This allows students the opportunity to refine their skill set and apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings.

Grace Ferraz
Bondy Grace Ferraz outside the United Nations ESCAP in Bangkok! The Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning student is currently undertaking an internship with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Grace Ferraz
Bondy Grace Ferraz outside the United Nations ESCAP in Bangkok! The Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning student is currently undertaking an internship with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Key features
- Learn in the University’s Sustainable Development Building Precinct promoting sustainable practices of tomorrow
- Graduate with a professionally recognised qualification
- Apply theoretical knowledge learnt in two specialist majors to practical settings
About the program
The Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning provides a foundation in city planning, urban design and environmental management equipping the students with the theoretical and practical skills required to undertake the planning, design and management of cities and regions in a sustainable manner. Show more
The Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning provides a foundation in city planning, urban design and environmental management equipping the students with the theoretical and practical skills required to undertake the planning, design and management of cities and regions in a sustainable manner. The program further provides flexibility and choice of collaborative learning with related disciplines such as property, architectural studies, global studies and interactive media and design. Show less
Mode | On Campus and Remote Due to current travel restrictions, this program will temporarily be delivered using a mixture of on-campus, remote and multi-modal classes to support and engage all students, from all parts of the world. |
Duration | 6 semesters (2 years) |
Starting semesters |
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Program type | Bachelors Degree |
Study area | Architecture and Built Environment |
Program code | SD-90004 |
CRICOS code | 079536D |
Credit for prior study | For more details on applying for credit, please contact the Student Business Centre: [email protected] |
View the Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning - Program Structure and Sequencing
The structure of the Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning is based on theoretical and practical subjects. This program is designed in close consultation with prominent industry professional boards to ensure the integrity and contemporary relevance of the degree.
University core subjects (3)
- CORE11-001 Critical Thinking and Communication (CORE 1)
- CORE11-002 Collaboration, Teams and Leadership (CORE 2)
- CORE11-003 Responsibility, Integrity and Civic Discourse (CORE 3)
Plus: Beyond Bond: Professional Development and Community Engagement
Foundation subjects (12)
- Principles of Urban Design (SSUD12-220)
- Planning Process (SSUD11-300)
- Sustainable Development and Society (SSUD11-102)
- Strategic Land Use Planning (SDUP12-201)
- Spatial Information Systems (SSUD12-200)
- Economic and Social Foundations of Planning (SSUD12-208)
- Introduction to Research Methods (COMN12-213)
- Development Assessment (SSUD13-221)
- Managing Projects (SSUD12-103)
- Urban Design & Site Analysis Studio (SSUD13-105)
- Sustainable Transport Planning (SSUD13-223)
- Capstone Project (Final Semester) (SSUD13-300)
Environmental Management Minor (4)
- Environmental Field Analysis of Rainforest and Coastal Regions (SDEM12-204)
- Marine and Coastal Environments (SDES11-109)
- Urban Wildlife Management (SDES11-117)
- Environmental and Economic Impact Assessment (SSUD12-212)
Electives (5)
Students are required to take four (4) Faculty electives. Students may choose to undertake a specialist minor in either of the following:
In addition, students can choose one (1) general undergraduate subject. The Faculty recommends students of this program take either LAWS13-549 Environmental Law or LAWS13-566 Planning and Development Law.
Academic requirements
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)
Applicants must meet the University's general minimum admission criteria.
International Secondary School students
For more information for International Students, including the International Baccalaureate, please go to the International Secondary School equivalency page.
Alternative entry pathways
For those applicants who do not currently have the required academic qualifications, there are a number of alternative entry pathways:
- Bond University Tertiary Preparation programs
- Bond University Diploma programs
- Other institutional Tertiary Preparation Programs
- Vocational education and training qualifications (Certificate IV and above)
- Prior higher education experience (at this university or another)
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
- Professional or para-professional qualifications/experience
- Employment experience verified by a statement of service from the employer stating the position title and length of service and a very brief statement on the tasks undertaken.
For more information on what is required please visit our how to apply page.
English language proficiency requirements
As tuition is delivered in English, all students will be required to provide documented evidence of the required level of proficiency in the English language. Read more detailed information on English language proficiency requirements for university study.
Credit for prior study
Subject credits may be awarded for previous studies. To apply for credits, you will need to submit academic transcripts including detailed subject outlines/course descriptions for each relevant subject and/or certified copies of testamurs to the Office of Future Students. Please refer to how to apply for credit for more information
Key dates
How to apply
In order to apply for study at Bond University, you will need to complete the online application form. To find out more about the application process please refer to how to apply.
Future outcomes
With the majority of the world’s population now living in urban areas, there is considerable demand for graduates with expertise in sustainable living environments. Climate change, urban management and environmental impact are prominent concerns for both industry and government, creating high demand for environmental and urban professionals.
The Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning will provide you with access to a wide range of career pathways in the natural and built environments. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and practical experience required to be sustainability and planning professionals in business, industry, government and consulting firms. Graduates can progress into a wide range of careers in city and regional planning, community infrastructure, development assessment, fisheries and agriculture, mining and energy, property, strategic or social planning, tourism, transportation or urban design. Graduates of this program will be equipped with a comprehensive knowledge of sustainable environments, and will be able to seek work anywhere in Australia or around the world.
Professional accreditation
Students graduating with the Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning are internationally recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Students who complete the Bachelor of Sustainable Environments and Planning or a cognate degree followed by the Graduate Diploma of Sustainable Environments and Planning are eligible to apply for professional recognition/accreditation with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
What initially helped with my decision to study at Bond was that I would be part of the first courses in Australia to study sustainability as a degree. Studying in a sustainable education centre also intrigued me. Additionally, I liked that Bond offered a diversity that other universities did not. Having met so many international students, and networking with a diverse range of students in class also helped me develop a better understanding of what I wanted to do after university. Having met so many people from different walks of life helped open my eyes to different possibilities. Show more
What initially helped with my decision to study at Bond was that I would be part of the first courses in Australia to study sustainability as a degree. Studying in a sustainable education centre also intrigued me. Additionally, I liked that Bond offered a diversity that other universities did not. Having met so many international students, and networking with a diverse range of students in class also helped me develop a better understanding of what I wanted to do after university. Having met so many people from different walks of life helped open my eyes to different possibilities.
The curriculum at Bond helped build a foundation for the work that I’m doing now. I understood how budgets worked, the background to how we estimate a project and how to schedule a project. The lecturers made the effort to help facilitate me in any work I was doing. I had lecturers review drafts of assignments and I had classmates that I did study sessions with.
I currently work as a client representative at CBRE in New York as a Cost Consultant (Quantity Surveyor/Client Representative) regarding finances on construction projects. My main responsibilities are managing the finances of a construction project from inception to close out. I work closely with the Project Manager, design team and client on choosing the correct team for the job, I work on budgets and estimates to determine if the project can be completed within budget. During construction, I work closely with the General Contractor to manage all the finances coming in and out of the project.
The Bond experience was unlike any other university. It felt like a community being at Bond. We had social activities, groups and there were so many areas at Bond where friends would gather together and hang out. There was always somebody around to do something with. At Bond, it is really easy to find your community and it essentially feels like a home away from home, especially those of us who were from interstate or different countries. The main differences I noticed at Bond were: smaller class sizes, being able to finish my degree in two years, and the networking opportunities through Bond’s push to have internships during study.
I secured a placement through as student in my class. He was doing a Masters whilst working full time at Johnstaff (a managing consulting firm). I went for an interview, met the Director of Johnstaff at a Bond networking event, and was offered a placement shortly after. As an intern, I was essentially working as a Graduate Project Manager. I was assisting/shadowing the Project Manager in day to day activities, and learning more about what it meant to be in the role. I also learnt about the business as a whole. It was the best possible scenario as it helped me understand the intricacies not only of the Project Manager role, but how a business operates. I was offered a full-time position at Johnstaff after graduation!
I would definitely recommend studying at Bond. Having lecturers and so many resources available to you makes a huge difference in your university experience. There were so many industry connections and studying with people who were coming from such diverse backgrounds helped you double your resources. Through internships, you are able to have a more hands-on experience and it helps you understand what your future industry entails. The social aspect of studying at Bond is also very enticing. Your network expands overnight and no matter where you are in the world you’ll gave a fellow Bondie to help connect you with the right people in your industry. Show less