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.

Ask UniSA

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

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

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

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

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

    You may be eligible to receive credit 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 credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

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

    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.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

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*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings