Major overview
Tackle climate-driven security challenges with our unique Environment, Conflict and Security major
Climate change, environmental degradation and resource scarcity are increasingly linked to conflict, instability and forced migration. The Environment, Conflict and Security major within our Bachelor of Global Security is an Australian-first program that brings these connections together, equipping you to understand and respond to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Our interdisciplinary major combines ecological security, peace studies and political economy to explore how environmental change affects global security. You’ll learn how climate, conflict and governance are connected across local and international contexts.
Throughout your environment, conflict and security studies, you’ll explore how environmental pressures contribute to resource conflict, displacement and political instability, while building practical, solutions-focused skills to analyse risk, inform policy and design real-world responses.
You’ll learn from world-leading scholars in politics, development and environmental policy, and engage in applied research and industry-relevant projects that connect your studies to real-world decision making.
You can tailor your global security degree by combining this major with Cyberspace, Policy and Security, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies or Politics and International Studies, aligning your studies with your interests and preparing for an environmental security career across government, non-governmental and private sector organisations.
3 reasons to study environmental security at Murdoch University
- Study a unique major that focuses on analysing and responding to some of the most pressing challenges shaping our world.
- Learn from world-leading scholars who bring deep research expertise and real-world insight into contemporary global issues.
- Gain expertise in a high-demand field, preparing you for employment across government, non-governmental and private sector organisations.
What you’ll learn
- Explore the foundations of environmental and human security, including key concepts and global challenges.
- Analyse the relationships between climate change, resource scarcity, conflict and insecurity.
- Examine the political, social and economic drivers of environmental conflict and vulnerability.
- Understand the role of policy, governance and international cooperation in addressing environmental security challenges.
- Assess the impacts of environmental change on communities, migration and global stability.
- Develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills to design practical and sustainable responses.
Having completed three semesters and my honours research in Indonesia, I was able to get a much better idea of development on the ground. I found that when I graduated, I had a more realistic idea of what to expect in the workplace.
Karis Erceg, Bachelor of Arts
Your future career in environmental security
As environmental and climate pressures increasingly intersect with security, there is growing demand for graduates who can analyse risk and inform policy. This environmental security major prepares you for roles across government, international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector. Whether you’re pursuing a career in environmental security or further specialisation, you’ll graduate ready to assess complex challenges and contribute to practical, forward-looking solutions.
Potential roles include:
- Climate risk analyst
- Policy adviser
- Foreign affairs specialist
- Sustainability consultant
- Development worker
- Peacebuilder
For more details about our Environment, Conflict and Security major, download our information pack.
Start dates
There are no offerings available at the moment. Please contact us to be informed when offerings are available.
Major Structure
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
How to Apply
Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.
Undergraduate
Course
Build a career in criminology, intelligence or security with Murdoch University’s combined criminology and global security degree. Apply today.