Staff Portal Student Portal Apply Now
School of Environment & Climate Change

Bachelor in Environment & Climate Change

Build knowledge and practical capability in climate science, adaptation, mitigation, sustainability, environmental governance, and development planning for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.

Climate science foundations Sustainability and adaptation Environment, health and development
4 YearsDegree duration
Field BasedApplied learning
Research ReadyMethods and ethics
PNG FocusLocal and regional relevance

Programme Overview

The programme introduces students to the science and human dimensions of climate change, while building practical skills in sustainability, policy, environmental assessment, and development.

About the Degree

Climate-compatible development for a changing world

The Bachelor in Environment & Climate Change provides students with foundations in climate change, including astrophysical, atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial processes that drive natural climate variability and anthropogenic climate change.

The programme explores communication, denialism, ethics, and the role of academia and scientific research. It also gives students essential grounding in climate physical sciences, climate impacts, adaptation, mitigation approaches, risk, business communication, ecological economics, sustainability, and critical perspectives in natural resource management.

Learning Focus

  • Understand the science behind environmental and climate systems.
  • Examine impacts, adaptation, mitigation, and sustainability pathways.
  • Develop research, ethics, and risk communication skills.
  • Apply climate knowledge to development, governance, and community practice.

Career Pathways

Graduates are prepared for roles in environmental science, climate action, sustainability, public policy, health and safety, and education.

Career Option

Ecologist

Work on ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation planning, and environmental monitoring.

Career Option

Environment Specialist

Support environmental management, compliance, sustainability planning, and project assessment.

Career Option

Health & Safety Officer

Contribute to workplace safety, environmental health, and risk management in organisations and communities.

Career Option

Climate Change Officer

Help design and implement adaptation, mitigation, policy, and resilience initiatives.

Career Option

Environmental Scientist

Undertake field studies, research, impact analysis, and data-based environmental decision support.

Career Option

Teacher or Tutor

Build future capacity through teaching, training, and public education in environmental science and climate change.

Course Structure

The degree progresses from foundation science into climate science, impacts, adaptation, governance, sustainability, and an applied research project.

Year 1

Foundation Courses

Semester 1

  • STA 114 Communication Skills
  • STA 112 Applied Biology
  • SIT 114 Information & Communication Technology
  • ECH 111 Introduction to Climate Change
  • ECH 112 Environmental Health

Semester 2

  • SLP 121 Natural Resource Conservation & Utilization
  • STA 112 Applied Maths
  • STA 121 Applied Physics
  • ECH 121 Introduction to Renewable Energy
Year 2

Climate Change Core Courses

Semester 1

  • ECC 212 Climate Change: Physical Science Basis
  • ECC 213 Climate Change: Impacts & Adaptation
  • ECC 214 Climate Change: Mitigation
  • ECC 215 Environmental & Social Impacts Assessment 1

Semester 2

  • ECC 221 Risk Perception & Risk Communication
  • ECC 222 Business, Environment & Sustainability 1
  • ECC 224 Introduction to Ecological Economics
  • ECC 225 Environment & Social Impact Assessment 2
Year 3

Sustainability, Development and Planning

Semester 1

  • ECC 312 Sustainability & Development under a Changing Climate
  • ECC 313 Critical Perspective in Environment & Development
  • ECC 314 Business, Environment & Sustainability 2
  • ECC 316 Strategic Planning for Climate Change Planning, Adaptation & Mitigation

Semester 2

  • ECC 321 Research Methods & Ethics
  • ECC 315 Ecological Economics
  • ECC 323 Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System
  • SFM 325 Climate Change Impacts to Fisheries & Aquaculture
Year 4

Policy, Governance and Research

Semester 1

  • ECC 412 Climate Change Policy & Literacy
  • ECC 413 Policy Response & Options
  • ECC 415 Water & Environmental Governance
  • ECC 416 Food Security, Policy & Governance

Semester 2

  • ECC 421 Environment & Climate Change Research Project (Field Project)

Prepare for work in climate action, sustainability and environmental governance

This programme equips students with scientific, ethical, and professional capability to respond to climate and environmental challenges through research, policy, planning, and community practice.

Contact Details

For admissions and programme enquiries, contact the department through the School of Environment & Climate Change.

Mailing Address

Department of Climate Change, Health & Development

School of Environment & Climate Change
Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources & Environment
Private Mail Bag, Kokopo
East New Britain Province

Phone: 983 9144

Admissions: studentadmin@unre.ac.pg

General Enquiries: publicrelations@unre.ac.pg

Website: www.unre.ac.pg