Bachelor of Climate Change
Climate change is the most pressing environmental issue facing humanity, affecting every facet of the world around us. We urgently need graduates who can lead future climate change solutions in all sectors of society.
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Bachelor of Climate Change?
The Bachelor of Climate Change degree allows students to become an expert in one of a wide range of different major subjects that are needed to develop effective climate change solutions.
Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of climate change through the compulsory papers of the degree, including its scientific, social, cultural and economic dimensions. Mātauranga Māori is interwoven through the degree and students are taught the importance of valuing different worldviews when trying to develop authentic solutions to the challenges of climate change.
The degree culminates with a multidisciplinary group project, where students will work with an external organisation to develop an effective low-carbon strategy. Students will graduate with skills and experiences that are in-demand, as we work towards a target of net zero emissions in Aotearoa by 2050.
Career Opportunities
- Sustainability advisor
- Anthropologist
- Biodiversity Management
- Climate action specialist
- Community educator
- Data analyst
- Ecologist
- Economist
- Environmental Scientist
- Foreign Affairs Advisor
- Media advisor
- Policy Analyst
- Political Scientist
- Politician
- Public relations expert
- Planner
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
Select a tile for more information. 
There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
Estimated fees
$8,132 - $8,290 per year
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costsScholarships
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Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Climate Change will lead future climate change solutions through an ability to think critically across Science, Arts, Law, Management and Social Sciences disciplines, and do so with cultural competency. Graduates will have developed skills and
attributes including:
- a firm understanding of the scientific basis of climate change
- multidisciplinary understanding of the impacts of climate change on the natural environment and the economic, political and societal consequences of these impacts
- an understanding and critical appreciation for the role of the arts in communicating environmental and social activism
- an understanding of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous philosophies and experiences
- an awareness of the value of traditional knowledge of environment and society, and how this knowledge can contribute to climate change solutions
- applied knowledge of how to effectively manage the environmental and societal and cultural impacts of climate change through mitigation and adaptation
- an understanding of Mātauranga Māori and Te Ao Māori
- an ability to apply Kaupapa Māori theory in climate change responses
- an understanding of the responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- demonstrated mastery of subject area of their major; specific knowledge/concepts/content that they can apply in a range of contexts including climate change and sustainability
- ability to communicate clearly and to express sophisticated and subtle concepts in an articulate manner and in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences, with advanced skills in the communication of climate change impacts, adaptations and mitigations
- intellectual judgement, flexibility and adaptability developed by exposure to a range of perspectives ability to assess and integrate knowledge across disciplines ability to engage critically with information presented in a range of media and styles, in order to formulate reasoned arguments leading to rational conclusions
- a familiarity with the appropriate conventions for formal academic communication in the Science, Arts, and Social Sciences disciplines
- the training, knowledge and insights to contribute to the achievement of environmental sustainability in Aotearoa-New Zealand through climate change adaptation and mitigation
- experience and ability to work both independently and as effective team members in a multidisciplinary team environment
- ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project and to adjust the project in the light of unforeseen problems
- the capacity for cross-cultural and multidisciplinary communication
- an international, bicultural and multicultural perspective and understanding fostering tolerance and respect
- data analytical competency relevant to their major subject
What our students are saying
I have learned so much, the social science and policy side to climate change had a big impact on how I think about climate change, especially when combined with the Indigenous Studies paper.Lillian BalfourBachelor of Climate Change
