Big environmental challenges can feel overwhelming, but meaningful change often starts with people who take the time to understand an issue, ask good questions, and share evidence-based ideas.

In six, self-paced online modules, you'll investigate a water-related issue that matters to you. You'll learn how to plan and carry out a foundation-level research project, collect and analyse data, communicate your findings, and reflect on what you've learned. Along the way, you'll explore topics including sustainability, environmental psychology, research methods, data analysis, and effective communication for changing environmental behaviour. You'll consider how personal values and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals influence decision-making about environmental challenges.

This is a challenging project that requires curiosity, organisation, and independent thinking. You'll be expected to make decisions about your research, work through setbacks, and engage critically with evidence. The result is a project you can be proud of and a set of transferable skills that are valuable in further study, employment, and community leadership. This unit is not about finding the perfect solution to complex environmental issues. It is about developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence to investigate real-world questions and contribute thoughtfully to positive change.

Upon successful completion of this micro-credential, you'll receive:

• Two PD Points
• A Certificate of Achievement
• A UWA Plus Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials

Delivery mode

Online

Course dates

11 October 2027 - 16 December 2027

Duration

10 weeks

Registrations will re-open in November 2026

Total effort

5 hours per week for 10 weeks. 

Academic lead

Catherine Simmonds

Cost

UWA Starter fees for 2026 –

Broadway Schools

$82.50 (inc GST) per micro-credential for students from participating partner schools (register via your school)

$165 (inc GST) per micro-credential for individual students from non-partner schools

Non-Broadway Schools

$247.50 (inc GST) per micro-credential for students from participating partner schools (register via your school)

$495 (inc GST) per micro-credential for individual students from non-partner schools

Critical information summary

GEOGM103 The Agency Project [PDF 245KB]

Why study this course?

This micro-credential helps you explore how people in a wide range of careers contribute to more sustainable futures while developing valuable transferable skills for study, work, and everyday life.

Who should this course?

This course is suited to students who are curious about real-world challenges and want to build practical, transferable skills that can be applied in further study, employment, and community settings. If you are keen to contribute to more sustainable futures but don't know which career path will take you there, this is an opportunity to explore some areas of study and work that you might not have considered.

How does it work?

 10 weeks:
 Online Activities, Personal Study and Assessments 5 hours per week for 10 weeks. 

What's next after this course?

• Receive a UWA Professional Development Transcript at the end of your studies, listing all completed UWA micro-credentials – great for uni entry and your resume!
• Earn 2  stackable  PD Points -  complete two more UWA Starter micro-credentials to earn 6 PD Points and gain credit for one unit towards selected UWA bachelor degrees.
• Gain points that can contribute towards admission to UWA via Experience-based entry.

Enrol in an undergraduate minor or major in Public Health to pursue study or a future career in this field.