University of South Australia

Environmental Science

Interested in Environmental Science?

Give your passion purpose and join our leading environmental science researchers – your educators – in their efforts to find solutions to humanity’s environmental challenges.

UniSA is SA’s number one university for research in environmental sciences¹.

Connect with students, professionals, educators and researchers united in their commitment to be agents of change in this vitally important area with our environmental science degrees.

Whether you’re passionate about biodiversity loss, global warming, waste, pollution or connecting people with nature to foster renewed engagement in its protection, our programs offer you the opportunity to pursue a career where you can make a meaningful contribution to a healthier environment for people, plants and wildlife, and empower others to do the same.

Our Bachelor of Environmental Science offers a contemporary approach to today’s environmental challenges. Not only does our research inform the curriculum, you will be taught by some of our leading researchers, as well as industry professionals, benefiting first-hand from their knowledge, skills and experience. You’ll also enjoy a highly supportive, vibrant and inspiring learning environment. You will study current theory, practice and technology, as well as its application in the real-world, with fieldwork and practical learning a significant component of this degree.

If you’re fascinated by multiple scientific disciplines, you may be interested in the Bachelor of Science, where you will have the choice of two major subject areas, including environmental disciplines – biology, ecosystem sciences, and applied earth science, that can be paired with a major in other science areas such as physics, chemistry or mathematics.

If you want to apply your passion for the environment and sustainability into experiential outdoor environments, the Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership is for you. This unique offering will equip you with the skills to lead and educate others with a unique curriculum of environmental science, outdoor leadership, management and cultural studies, alongside 400 hours of fieldwork placements.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Key features

  • Number one in SA for quality education1, graduate skills2 and teaching quality3 in environmental science.
  • Learn from some of our leading researchers as well as industry professionals.
  • Gain in-depth knowledge through hands-on field trips and real-world projects.
  • Learn in an immersive virtual environment using Project LIVE visualisation technology that transforms traditional classroom activities into flexible, interactive and engaging learning experiences.
  • Develop your skills in the latest digital imaging, mapping and spatial analysis techniques. 
  • SA's no. 1 University in 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).

Why UniSA?

Our environmental science degrees have been developed with extensive input and support from industry experts. They’ve been purposefully designed to reflect the current state of play in environmental management and sustainability in Australia, and overseas, to ensure you graduate with the contemporary professional practice skills sought by employers.

Experiential learning is a major part of these degrees with workshops, practicals and field trips embedded in the programs.

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. Surrounded by wetlands and green open spaces, the campus provides an ideal natural laboratory for teaching Environmental Science.

UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities*, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

*UNSTOPPABLE ® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. *Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

UniSA offers the following Environmental Science degrees

Choose your level of study

World-class partners for a world-class university

We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

Your career

Qualifications in this field can lead to a huge variety of roles in sectors such as:

  • environmental sector
  • government departments and agencies
  • environmental consultancies
  • engineering sector
  • mining and resources
  • manufacturing
  • construction sector
Your Career

Global networks

We are a globally connected university; our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement. UniSA also has extensive research strengths and partnerships that provide a strong foundation for all our degree programs.

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Study at UniSA

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

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

Why study at UniSA?

As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:

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Accessible, helpful and flexible

We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.

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Graduate success

UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2022 QS Stars Ratings