Enrolments for 2019 have closed.
Climate Policy
Postgraduate | CUR-SCP547 | 2019
Course information for 2019 intake View information for 2024 course intake
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.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
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
- 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 the key features of carbon pricing legislation
- interpret and reflect upon the complexity of the international climate change mitigation process and the commitments of various countries
- evaluate the effectiveness of global end user policies compared to front-end policies.
- Introduction to climate science
- Australia's contribution to climate change, sectoral analysis
- The policy setting: key policies for addressing carbon emissions in Australia
- International climate governance
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.
- Role play (20%)
- Essay 1 (40%)
- Report (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
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.