Subjects overview
This program can be completed in 2 years (6 semesters)
This program can be completed in 2 years (6 semesters)
Students must complete three (3) subjects plus the Beyond Bond Program.
In this subject, students will be introduced to critical thinking and clear expression. They will evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, judge patterns of inference, and recognise and apply various methods of reasoning. Students will learn how to clarify and visually represent their thinking to make better decisions, evaluate and use evidence, and communicate more effectively in their writing and speaking. Using these skills, students will structure and write an academic essay and deliver an oral presentation.
Read moreIntegrity, and the courage and capability to act on one’s sense of responsibility, are key components of a thriving life. Responsibility, Integrity and Civic Discourse fosters students’ lifelong commitment to responsible discourse and action in all spheres of human interaction, recognising the global aspect to contemporary citizenship. Students explore the complex relationship between character, responsible action, and creative critical thinking, learning how to reflect on and articulate their unique sense of global citizenship and responsibility. By accentuating the importance of justification and articulation of the reasons for our actions, students exercise their critical, communicative, and cooperative capabilities so that they can thrive with integrity in the multiple contexts of action they will face as private, civic, professional, and global citizens.
Read moreIn today's work and study environments, individuals often encounter complex, open-ended problems that necessitate collaboration in both physical and virtual realms and across sectors and specialisations. In Collaboration for Global Change, students engage collaboratively to craft genuine solutions for global issues. In this context, students link their endeavours to specific sustainable development goals, thus positioning their actions as contributions to global citizenship. As they learn to defend their ideas and perspectives, students apply critical thinking, design thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills within a problem-based learning environment. This comprehensive approach equips them with the necessary skills and mindset to excel in future work, academic pursuits, and global initiatives.
Read moreTo keep up with the ever-changing work landscape, we aim to help our students future-proof their careers by developing broader employability skills that are actively sought out by employers. Unique to our University, Beyond Bond is a compulsory professional development program with a practical, activity-based approach that is integrated into all undergraduate degrees.
Students must complete the following one hundred and twenty credit points (120CP) of subjects.
Do you want to learn how to campaign for issues that benefit individuals, communities, and society? This subject introduces you to the principles of social marketing and how they are used by governments, non-governmental organisations and private actors to promote positive behaviour change. It explores a range of social marketing strategies and techniques for changing attitudes and behaviours, as well as the use of promotional communication and innovation to deliver goods, ideas, and service products for positive social outcomes. In addition to learning and applying social marketing skills, this subject also encourages you to develop a realistic and – at times – critical perspective on the increasing entanglement of commercial interests and the social good by critically evaluating concepts like Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), brand activism and related private-sector approaches to changing peoples’ behaviour ‘for the better’.
Read moreThis subject examines sustainable futures through a Country-centred approach to caring for the health and well-being of our environment. Students will develop an understanding of Australian Aboriginal people's history, culture, practice and knowledge in caring for our environments. Through a decolonised lens, we will explore our contemporary place and position amongst a complex web of ecological systems through the First Nation worldview. Building on this worldview, students will be introduced to mapping analysis techniques using graphic software to produce diagrams and maps to synthesise and extract connections with Country. The subject will introduce design strategies and environmental practices based on circular design thinking at an urban and neighbourhood scale to explore the co-existing relationships between the natural and built environment. A particular area of focus is on the analysis of environmental practice and how we can address Climate Change by understanding how to care for the health and well-being of Country.
Read moreConsidering the increasingly complex environmental, social and governance challenges facing today's business organisations, it is essential to develop an integrated understanding of business and its role in society. In this subject, students will be challenged to explore a multinational business from multiple perspectives to develop a systems view of the organisation and its global business environment. Through readings, discussions, case studies, projects and other learning activities, students will develop a more nuanced view of the purpose and functioning of business, the expectations of stakeholders, and the challenges and opportunities inherent in addressing those expectations. This exploration will include understanding the functional areas of business as well as how each can work together in an overall design to enable an integrative and innovative approach to responsible and sustainable business.
Read moreUnderstanding how the planet works has never been more crucial in tertiary education. A practical understanding of this and its impact on humanity is vital. This knowledge is essential across all career structures to combat climate change. Understanding climate change is now as important as understanding the economy, the legal system, and our national and international societies, as it will affect all these areas in the future. This subject introduces you to climate change through Earth and Global Systems, climate mechanisms, ocean and atmospheric interactions, and future world changes. The complexity of climate change is explained within the realm of general undergraduate knowledge. We will discuss current and future outcomes of climate change, its impacts on biodiversity, oceans and human activity, and we will study best practice climate adaptation and mitigation efforts of communities, cities and governments. Major climate adaptation issues include drought, desertification, rising heat, natural disasters, and the loss of habitats and agricultural areas. Increasing sea levels and severe weather events will impact human habitation, cause forced migration, affect food production, and lead to the loss of animals, fish, and their habitats. These issues will challenge the world’s economic systems, political boundaries, global communities, international law, geopolitical boundaries, and our philosophy towards others and the natural world. Forced population movements and migrations caused by sea level rise, as well as changes in disease patterns, will compound these problems, particularly with a growing world population. This subject will equip you with the ability to filter out misinformation about the causes and consequences of climate change and help you face the future with a greater understanding of how to tackle a changing world.
Read moreIn this subject, you'll learn about the history, theory, and practical aspects of public policy. You'll explore international and domestic issues, gaining insights into contemporary political landscapes and honing critical skills for policy evaluation. A particular focus lies in analysing the actors and institutions integral to policy development. You'll engage with key aspects of public policy, from its definitions and theoretical frameworks to its implementation, evaluation, and the role of media and ethics. The subject examines Australia's diplomatic machinery, national security, human rights protections, and environmental policies, providing a well-rounded understanding of the diverse factors shaping modern policy landscapes.
Read moreThis subject introduces you to the history, structure, development, and worldview of the United Nations (UN). The subject analyses the UN as the centre of world diplomacy and as a supranational human rights and welfare agency. Engaging in this subject’s unique activities will expand your understanding of an organisation's intricate makeup and limitations designed to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” You will explore various topics, including the embrace of international organisations, the structure of the United Nations, international peacekeeping, human rights, and international development.
Read moreClimate Law in Context is an elective subject in undergraduate programs offered by the Faculty of Law. This introductory level law subject investigates the scientific, regulatory, philosophical and cultural contexts of the law applying to climate change and its implications. This subject prepares students for more advanced examinations of climate change and climate law in other subjects.
Read moreThis subject introduces students to research and theory in the study of motivation and emotion. The focus is on internal and generic mechanisms underlying behaviour patterns, including drives and instincts, consciousness and purposeful behaviour, self-control and self-regulation, the structure and function of emotions, relationships between emotion and cognition, and emotion regulation. The subject also aims to develop critical thinking skills for empirical research and theory.
Read moreIn this subject patterns and processes in marine and coastal environments are described. Past, present and future environmental risks to the marine and coastal zones are articulated. Approaches to monitoring and mitigating impacts are discussed through real-world examples.
Read moreThis subject involves ecological assessment in the field, including empirical data collection, data analysis, and communication of results. The focus is on coastal and marine environments. Ecological assessments undertaken reflect contemporary practices with applicability to practical challenges. Through direct engagement with traditional owners, the subject introduces students to traditional ecological knowledge and compares it with Western science knowledge. The subject is taught as a one-week intensive class on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
Read moreThis subject introduces students to the principles, theory and practice of sustainable development and its role in our society. It provides an insight into the key underpinning fundamentals of ecology, natural environment and the built environment before illustrating how they can be put into practice in areas such as the environment, cities and urban development, construction, architecture, property and urban planning.
Read moreThis subject provides basic knowledge and skills required to manage a project or to be an effective member of a project team. It covers the nine functions of project management (cost, time, quality, scope, risk, communication, human resource, procurement and integration) as defined by the Australian Institute of Project Management, tracking a project through its various lifecycles from inception through to completion by the use of a case study.
Read moreStudents must choose one (1) of the following complementary majors, each focused on professional fields dedicated to actively promoting sustainable actions.
The Sustainable Architectural Design Major presents a comprehensive curriculum focusing on two major studios: Creative Design(Atmosphere) and Design Futures (Global Cities). Alongside, students explore Designing for Climate, World Architecture and Urbanism, Digital Design and Prototyping, Graphic Design, and BIM and Documentation. This equips them with an in-depth understanding of architectural history, urban design, and sustainable practices. Students develop proficiency in digital design tools and graphic communication for effective architectural expression. The major strongly emphasises environmentally conscious design to tackle climate challenges. Real-world projects and collaboration with industry professionals enhance students' creative problem-solving capabilities.
In the Business Context and Environment major, you'll study foundational areas in business and develop a nuanced understanding of its purpose and operations. Core subjects focus on corporate responsibility, organisational function, economics, international business, and essential marketing principles. The elective choices, including Digital Transformation, Ethical Leadership, Enterprise Law, and Consumer and Buyer Behaviour, provide opportunities to tailor your studies to gain diverse perspectives. This major combines theory with practical skills, equipping you to make meaningful contributions to the global business landscape.
The Climate and Environmental Law major provides a mechanism for climate law and practice to be taught to students from a non-law background seeking the knowledge, skills and professional qualification to be maximally effective in understanding and addressing climate change and consequences.
Communication skills are in high demand in all fields and most professional roles. The Communication Major develops core skills in writing, speaking, creativity, ideation, storytelling and strategic communication for professional and creative environments. You will explore how communication shapes culture, organisations and public understanding, and learn to create purposeful messages across a range of media or communication contexts. The flexible major also offers you the chance to develop deeper knowledge and skills in key communication areas of interest.
The Communication & Society Major equips students to understand, and strategically shape, the ways messages influence people, institutions and social change. Designed for future climate leaders, this major offers a foundation in how communication works across cultures, identities and media systems and how it can be leveraged to shift public attitudes, build community engagement and support evidence-based action.
The Digital Media major equips learners with a holistic approach to critically reflect and analyse new innovations and solutions as they relate to emerging digital media design methods and the changing job market due to disruptive technological change. Students will accumulate a diverse and coherent body of knowledge focused on the understanding and application of digital design methods, standards and industry best practices to develop a collaborative problem-solving strategy. Using an integrated approach (combining theory with workplace practice), students will be enabled to skilfully communicate design solutions outcomes to complex problems; through effective oral, written and visual communication techniques.
Major in Global Studies (Sustainability) is a unique interdisciplinary major which equips you with a capacity to formulate solutions to the challenges of globalisation and the development of sustainable communities. The structure of the major follows world megatrends, reflected in the interconnectivity and interplay within diverse fields of study: climate change, sustainable development, global health and disease, international relations and transnational business. Major in Global Studies (Sustainability) develops an active global citizen with knowledge and skills enabling you to contribute to the development of sustainable societies of the future.
The Health and Sustainability Major offers students the tools and knowledge to champion health and well-being in diverse communities and individuals. The core curriculum delves into the relationship between nutrition and health, sports nutrition, behaviour change theories, and the enduring advantages of regular exercise. Equipped with evidence-based practices and a multidisciplinary approach, graduates are well-prepared to positively influence sustainability initiatives and the development of healthier societies with a particular focus on the benefits of exercise.
The major in International Relations provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex and rapidly changing world of international politics. The Major covers vital areas of study such as geopolitics, political economy, and the dynamics of peace and war. It equips students with the analytical tools necessary to understand and influence the world around them, preparing them for various careers in diplomacy, government, international organisations, non-profits, and the private sector.
The Journalism Major empowers you to report with clarity, curiosity and integrity in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Grounded in the core values of truth, fairness and accuracy, you will develop the skills to research, produce and publish original stories across digital, audio and visual platforms. You will learn to work with emerging technologies, respond to industry trends and build a portfolio that reflects the role of journalism in shaping culture and public understanding.
The Project Management Major equips students with essential skills in project management. They gain expertise in applying industry-recognised practices and standards, fostering ethical leadership and effective communication. Students learn techniques for project scheduling, cost management, and resource optimisation to ensure timely and budget-conscious project delivery. Additionally, they explore change management, stakeholder engagement, and scope control to drive project success. Through this program, students develop the capabilities to lead diverse teams, navigate complexities, and achieve successful outcomes in various professional settings.
Students must choose twenty credit points (20CP) of the following capstone subjects.
Internship A provides high-achieving students with an immersive, situated learning experience in a professional workplace relevant to their major. Across the semester, students complete approximately 96 hours of supervised placement, integrated with fortnightly academic supervision and a structured program of assessment. The placement develops practical knowledge of professional environments, workplace conventions, and discipline-specific skills. Fortnightly meetings with the academic supervisor support students to interpret their experiences, link practice to theory, and navigate practical, ethical, or legal challenges as they arise. Through reflective journaling, an industry analysis, and a curated portfolio of work, students consolidate their learning, develop professional self-awareness, and produce evidence of their emerging capability. Together, these elements prepare students for the transition from study to professional practice.
Read moreInternship B provides high-achieving students with an immersive, situated learning experience in a professional workplace relevant to their major. Across the semester, students complete approximately 96 hours of supervised placement, integrated with fortnightly academic supervision and a structured program of assessment. The placement develops practical knowledge of professional environments, workplace conventions, and discipline-specific skills. Fortnightly meetings with the academic supervisor support students to interpret their experiences, link practice to theory, and navigate practical, ethical, or legal challenges as they arise. Through reflective journaling, an industry analysis, and a curated portfolio of work, students consolidate their learning, develop professional self-awareness, and produce evidence of their emerging capability. Together, these elements prepare students for the transition from study to professional practice.
Read moreThis practical and transformative capstone empowers students to apply interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to real-world sustainability challenges. Students will design, execute, and communicate sustainable solutions, showcasing their capacity to drive positive change and become effective sustainability leaders and advocates.
Read moreThis extended practical and transformative capstone empowers students to apply their interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to real-world sustainability challenges in a detailed, in-depth project. Students will design, execute, and communicate sustainable solutions, showcasing their capacity to drive positive change and become effective sustainability leaders and advocates. Students will work with government or industry peers to establish the utility and feasibility of solutions.
Read moreStudents must choose ten credit points (10 CP) of general electives.
Students may choose from all Undergraduate subjects across the University that are available as general electives.
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Take the guess work out of planning your study schedule. Your program's study plan has been carefully curated to provide a clear guide on the sequential subjects to be studied in each semester of your program. Your study plan is designed around connected subject themes to equip you with the fundamental knowledge required as you progress through your course.