2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Hobart, Online
The unit is taught as an intensive 5-day block of seminars which will be held during the Semester 2 mid-semester break (i.e. late August/early September). Students will participate in these seminars either in person or online; depending on their mode of enrolment. Following these seminars; students will write a research paper on a relevant topic of interest; as approved by the unit Coordinator; for submission at the end of the semester.
Introduction
The unit explores environmental governance in the context of areas of global concern and shared international management – focusing on the polar regions, the oceans and the global climate. The concepts of sustainable development and the global commons are crucial ideas governance in these areas. This unit discusses the historical development and contested nature of governance in specific controversies including the management of ocean fisheries, protection of marine biodiversity, whaling, conservation of Antarctica, and addressing the threat of climate change. Major issues and concepts covered in the unit include: "good governance" and international development; the theory of the tragedy of the commons and other hypotheses of collective action problems; shared governance of contested spaces and transboundary resources; and the geo-political context of global environmental governance. These issues are explored through case studies from around the world, and will include some consideration of Australia's role in the selected examples.
Summary
| Unit name | Global Environmental Governance |
| Unit code | KSM703 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies |
| Discipline | Oceans Ice and Climate |
| Coordinator | Doctor Hanne Nielsen |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Hobart | Semester 2 |
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| Online | Semester 2 |
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- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 5/7/2026 | 27/7/2026 | 30/8/2026 | 24/10/2026 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain principal debates relating to the issues and practices of global environmental governance.
- Analyse an environmental issue or problem by applying key theories of global environmental governance.
- Evaluate governments’ and other organisations’ policies and practices relating to the environment.
- Analyse and manage environmental governance problems using problem solving, advocacy and teamwork skills.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 090999 | $2,174.00 | $1,703.00 | not applicable | $2,249.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | This unit is taught over a five day intensive period of seminars during the Semester 2 mid-semester break. This unit can also accommodate online students who are unable to attend Hobart during the 5-day intensive. |
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| Assessment | Written research proposal (10%)|International Environmental Negotiation (20%)|Oral presentation (20%)|Research Paper (50%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
There is no single textbook for this unit, however, the following book (available electronically through the library) is very useful as background reading and for several topics during the unit:
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| Recommended | An extensive list of recommended readings is provided in the unit outline at the start of Semester 2 |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.