Climate Policy
PostgraduateCUR-SCP5472025
Inspect the science of climate change and address what you can do to adapt to and mitigate its effects.Evaluate policies like carbon taxes and rebates for energy efficiency. Look into different countries' commitments to battling climate change.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 24 Aug 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 1 Sept 2025
- Price from
- $2,735
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Climate Policy
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- analyse the fundamentals of the science behind climate change as well as the arguments against it
evaluate the effectiveness of global front-end policies compared to end-user policies
interpret and reflect upon the complexity of the international climate change mitigation process and the commitments of various countries
determine the emissions contribution of the various sectors of the economy and what this means for climate change mitigation policies in Australia
compare the differences between emissions trading and a carbon tax and other key carbon pricing mechanisms.
- Topic 1: Climate Policy & Science - Overview and Trends
- Topic 2: Climate Policy, Systems and Sectors
- Topic 3: Nation Level: Climate Policy and Action
- Topic 4: Climate Policy and Action – Local Level
- Topic 5: Energy
- Topic 6: Buildings
- Topic 7: Land
- Topic 8: Transport
- Topic 9: Adaptation
This subject introduces students to the basic science of climate change and discusses the importance of both mitigation and adaptation. Various approaches, policies and mechanisms currently used to target emissions at the global level are examined with a focus on Australia’s contribution. The economy is discussed (defined in terms of the Front-End and the End-User) with each examined for their ability to reduce emissions. An analysis of Front-End policies including carbon taxes and emission trading schemes is provided, as well as the examination of End-User approach which includes policies and initiatives such as rebates for energy efficiency, small-scale renewable energy and building regulations. Climate change governance is explored through a workshop, which demonstrates the complexity of the international negotiations process. With a focus on the Front-End of the economy, this subject provides practical information on latest policy developments with much of the content delivered by industry professionals working in the field.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Ministerial Brief on Net Zero (20%)
- UN Adviser Role Play (40%)
- Public Consultation Report (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Audio/Visual equipment
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Master of Environment and Climate Emergency
PostgraduateCUR-SCP-MAS
Graduate Diploma in Environment and Climate Emergency
PostgraduateCUR-SCP-GDI
Master of Urban and Regional Planning
PostgraduateCUR-URP-MAS
PostgraduateCUR-MAA-MAS
Fast track your Curtin on campus study (Postgraduate)
PostgraduateCUR-FAST-MAS
PostgraduateOUA-PSU-GCE
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