Major Undergraduate

Environment, Conflict and Security


Study mode
Full Time Part Time
Study mode
Full Time
Murdoch code
MJ-ECS
What is a Major?
A major is your primary area of focus within a degree. It determines the core subjects you'll study and the skills you'll master.

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.
Students chatting together on campus

3 reasons to study environmental security at Murdoch University

  1. Study a unique major that focuses on analysing and responding to some of the most pressing challenges shaping our world. 
  2. Learn from world-leading scholars who bring deep research expertise and real-world insight into contemporary global issues. 
  3. 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

Murdoch University HASS student sat on beach
HASS students talking on campus

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

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes Yes Yes
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes Yes Yes

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

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.

Unit code Unit name Credit points

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

Bachelor of Global Security

Study a security studies degree at Murdoch University. Explore terrorism, intelligence and international affairs for a career in global security. Apply now.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Laws


Bachelor of Global Security

Study Australia’s only law and global security double degree. Build legal expertise and specialise in global security and international affairs. Apply now. 

Honours Course

Bachelor of Laws Honours


Bachelor of Global Security

Learn how to address some of the world’s biggest security challenges. In this combined degree, you’ll explore the role of the law and how it overlaps with terrorism and counterterrorism.

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1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

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