Start Date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
LBVT

SATAC Code
434921 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 64.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 64.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Graduate prepared to pursue a rewarding career in environmental sustainability.
  • No.1 in SA for quality education1, graduate skills2 and teaching quality3 in Environmental Science.
  • Broad program to develop multidisciplinary graduates who can help address critical global challenges such as climate change and the biodiversity crisis.
  • Develop your awareness of Aboriginal Australian approaches to Environmental Management and the cultural value of landscapes.
  • Learn about biology, ecology, earth and soil science, conservation, environmental chemistry, and human dimensions research.
  • Gain practical experience through field trips and real-world projects.
  • Master the knowledge and technologies behind digital/web-based mapping.
  • Develop skills in science communication and community engagement.
  • Learn first-hand from our leading researchers and industry experts.
  • Learn using virtual and augmented reality experiences created by Project LIVE (Learning through Immersive Virtual Environments).
  • SA's no. 1 university for research in Environmental Sciences4.

1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Agriculture and Environmental Studies – Overall Quality of Educational Experience Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Agriculture and Environmental Studies – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

3ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Agriculture and Environmental Studies – Teaching Quality Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

4The only university in SA to have all its assessed Environmental Sciences research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Snapshot

Snapshot

If you have genuine concern for the environment and a commitment to sustainability, a degree in Environmental Science is the first step toward launching your career.

In this degree you will address today’s scientific issues and explore how humans interact with the environment, how we can manage it sustainably, and how we can better influence positive attitudes to bring about a better future for all.

With a focus on hands-on field work in the natural environment, you will develop a solid foundation across environmental science including biology, ecology, earth and soil science, conservation, environmental chemistry, and human dimensions research. Field work ranges from exploring the campus and sites around Adelaide, to Kangaroo Island, the Coorong, the Flinders Ranges or even Fiji.

On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

Your learning will cover biology, ecology, geography, earth and soil science, water and coasts, pollution monitoring, conservation, ecotourism and sustainability. To develop strong skills in an area that interests you, you can select from a range of environmental electives in second and third year to tailor your degree, whilst still maintaining a broad, comprehensive training in environmental sciences.

Across our courses we provide you with cutting-edge techniques and technology to help you learn how to monitor and manage environments, along with tools to process and evaluate this data to critically assess its meaning. For example, through Project LIVE (Learning through Integrated Virtual Environments) you might examine aerial imagery of erosion patterns along the South Australian coastline and ancient landforms in central Australia, or infra-red surveys of vegetation health in Barossa Valley vineyards or perhaps satellite monitoring of ice sheet stability in Antarctica. This imagery will give you hands on experience in data creation and manipulation and help you become familiar with the latest digital imaging, mapping and virtual reality techniques. In other courses you’ll learn how to plan for and monitor mine site contamination or pollution in waterways, or survey plant and animal biodiversity on land or in the sea, as well as many other environmental monitoring scenarios.  You’ll learn how to statistically analyse, map and communicate your findings, and to engage and work with communities to bring about necessary change.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Biodiversity for the Environment BIOL 1014 4.5
Earth and Climate Systems EART 1010 4.5
Environment, Society and Climate ENVT 1013 4.5
Introduction to Surveying and Spatial Sciences GEOE 1018 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Environmental Analytical Methods ENVT 1016 4.5
Soils in the Australian Landscape EART 1011 4.5
Spatial Data Acquisition and Analysis GEOE 2026 4.5
Sustainable Ecosystems BIOL 1015 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Ecology BIOL 2023 4.5
Engineering and Environmental Geology EART 3012 4.5
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement ENVT 3016 4.5
Environmental Remote Sensing GEOE 2022 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Environmental Chemistry ENVT 1019 4.5
Web Cartography GEOE 3019 4.5
Environmental Elective 1 4.5 Note(s): 2 Rule(s): 1
Environmental Elective 2 4.5 Note(s): 2 Rule(s): 1
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Undergraduate Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Environmental Elective 3 4.5 Note(s): 2 Rule(s): 1
Environmental Elective 4 4.5 Note(s): 2 Rule(s): 1
Environmental Elective 5 4.5 Note(s): 2 Rule(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Environmental and Geospatial Field Project ENVT 3030 9
Ecosystem Monitoring ENVT 3031 4.5
Environmental Elective 6 4.5 Note(s): 2 Rule(s): 1

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • reports and project documentation
  • research projects and group projects
  • essays and assignments
  • examinations
  • field studies

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Environmental Science

Why this Degree

Bringing about real change in the way society interacts with the environment requires a good understanding of the science behind the environmental challenges we face, but also the ability to encourage community participation and coordinate community activities to help meet those challenges.

Your studies will develop in-depth knowledge of biological, ecological, earth and soil sciences. You will master the fundamental skills of web-based mapping, and develop your problem-solving skills on the many field trips offered throughout the degree. Just as importantly, you will study human dimensions research (how people interact with the environment) and develop skills in science communication and community engagement. We actively encourage our students to do work experience during their studies and in your third year you will complete a 9 unit capstone course working with industry or a government management agency to apply what you have learned across your degree. Throughout your studies you will have opportunities to develop professional connections and participate in field studies interstate and internationally.

This degree has a highly supportive learning environment, with dedicated, internationally experienced staff. Our world-class facilities at Mawson Lakes offer an exciting environment for collaborative learning, innovation, sustainability and excellence – using cutting edge science and technology in both our teaching and research. Our friendly staff are committed to the environment and to helping you become an environmental scientist who can make a difference.

With two more years of full time study (or 1.5 years with accelerated mode), you could use this degree to become a secondary school science teacher. Or you could consider an additional, research-focused (Honours) year to get a head start on your research career.

Real-world connections

UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide – we offer our students plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience and make industry connections. We host regular university-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA - 2018) rated our research as well above world-class in environmental science and management. You will benefit from links to our Future Industries Institute. which brings together our world-class strengths in advanced manufacturing, nanomedicine, minerals and resource engineering and environmental science. It encourages researchers to blur the boundaries and build new relationships between industry and academia.

Hear from Kiara Sparks, Environmental Science student

Kiara Sparks talks about her experience studying UniSA's Bachelor of Environmental Science which allowed her to explore the world, both on field trips and using immersive on-campus facilities.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

Employment prospects for environmental scientists are expected to increase by 7.7% percent by November 20251.

Careers to consider:

  • coastal or land management officer: engaging with natural resource managers to continuously improve management of their land and water through a whole of landscape approach; contributing to the operational management of parks and reserves; delivering on-ground works, community events, activities and minor projects
  • environmental adviser (construction or mining): offering environmental support onsite or from the office; ensuring compliance with environmental regulations; helping to achieve environmental targets (e.g. sending zero waste to landfill, minimising impacts on the local environment); liaising with site operations, management, community stakeholders and other environmental groups
  • ranger: managing natural values (making sure the natural environment and cultural sites are protected); managing visitor services (helping visitors to enjoy and understand parks and reserves); extensive planning, researching, strategic thinking and people management to effectively balance conservation and recreational values of parks and reserves
  • sustainability officer: setting sustainability policies, goals and objectives; reducing a company's carbon footprint in compliance with government environmental regulations; developing partnerships (e.g. with government agencies and the community) to deliver environmental sustainability projects; inhouse auditing against environmental quality standards and for external reporting.

1 Australian Government Occupation Projections 2020 

Industry facts

money-trees

Contributing to the existing National Landcare Program worth $1 billion, the Australian Government is investing an additional $100 million into the Environmental Restoration Fund to ensure Australia's biodiversity and land are protected for future generations

(Australia's Nature Hub 2022)

data-presentation

Employment prospects for environmental scientists are expected to increase by 7.7 per cent percent by November 2025

(Australian Gov Occupation Projections 2020)

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • career services and mentoring
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

You will be both indoors and outdoors as you study Environmental Science at UniSA. Indoors, you’ll have laboratory classes, workshops, tutorials and computing sessions in our dedicated facilities on Mawson Lakes campus. Outdoors, the campus itself is a living laboratory with waterways and wetlands, which you’ll learn how to monitor and map. Across your degree you’ll get out into the field in many of your courses - around Adelaide, across the state and further afield.

You will also be exposed to virtual environments through Project LIVE: a purpose built facility that will help you immerse yourself in different environments without leaving the campus. From this facility you’ll have access to 3D drone photogrammetry, gigapixel photography, 360-degree panoramic photos and videos, and virtual reality headsets to analyse imagery and data relevant to your studies in environmental and/or geospatial sciences.

Your study spaces

Your program director

Craig is based in UniSA STEM, at the Mawson Lakes Campus. Craig’s research is focussed on the monitoring and managing the environmental impacts of energy and resources developments, but he also has an interest in the social aspects of developments and “Social Licence to Operate". Prior to joining UniSA in 2020, Craig was based in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences at University College London (UCL), where he remains an adjunct Reader. Before that, Craig worked for about five years in industry in Western Australia, designing and running large scale environmental monitoring programs for port developments such as the Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG projects. Previous to this, Craig was a lecturer and taught marine ecology and statistics at Deakin University and before that was a U2000 Fellow at the University of Sydney (where he also taught marine ecology and experimental design/statistics). He also held an Australian Research Council funded post-doctoral research position at the University of Melbourne and while finishing his PhD worked as a senior fisheries biologist at the South Australian Research and Development Institute.

AsPr Craig Styan

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for AsPr Craig Styan
Portrait image for AsPr Craig Styan

AsPr Craig Styan

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

You will be surprised by how much fun you will have studying at UniSA; you meet new people and learn exciting things. You can really tailor your degree to suit your needs and there is plenty of support to help you make the right decision about what area you specialise in.

Angus Droogan

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Angus Droogan

Angus Droogan

Bachelor of Environmental Science

I love the atmosphere at UniSA. The lecturers and staff provide so much support, ensuring that my learning is the best it can possibly be. I have also loved the social side associated with the club, and it has been a privilege to join the UniSA sports team. The practical work and field trips have given me invaluable skills that will help me in the future. These experiences have opened my eyes to the wider environment, given me awareness on a wide range of species and provided me with memories that will stick forever.

Kiara Sparks

Bachelor of Environmental Science
Environmentalist | Laing O’Rourke

Kiara Sparks.jpg

Kiara Sparks

Bachelor of Environmental Science
Environmentalist | Laing O’Rourke