Bachelor of Environmental Science
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2024
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 64.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 64.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above, or
- Complete the Associate Degree in Engineering at the University of South Australia
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
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 ecology, conservation, geography, earth and soil science, water and coasts, pollution monitoring, ecotourism and sustainability.
- 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
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
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. Depending on elective choices, all students will gain a minor in Community Engagement and majors in Ecology and Conservation or Environmental Quality and Earth 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. On 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.
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
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.
Why Bachelor of Environmental Science
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.
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.
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
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:
- UniSA College Diploma in STEM (Science and the Environment)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (STEM)
- SAIBT Diploma of Engineering
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- SAIBT Diploma of Engineering
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
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
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.
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 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.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
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
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
