Bachelor of Environmental Science
Program code
1547
Available at
Nathan
Gold Coast
Mount Gravatt
Logan
South Bank
Online
Offshore
Other
Duration
3 years full-time
Credit points
240
Indicative fee
$41,000.00* per year (more)
* 2025 indicative annual fee
About this program
Whether you want to better understand the environment or protect it, our Bachelor of Environmental Science will equip you with the practical skills, scientific rigour and environmental management decision-making expertise to make a meaningful impact in the field. You will gain knowledge and skills from across the broad environmental science spectrum, exploring environmental issues from social, physical and biological perspectives to be well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in conservation, sustainability, and environmental policy. Your first year of study will focus on core science courses, followed by studies in environmental data analytics, geographical information systems, environmental management and environmental anthropology in your second year. You'll also choose a major that suits your interests and career plans. The final year includes a capstone experience where you can undertake research, engage in an extended fieldwork program, and/or complete an industry placement, so you'll graduate career-ready.
Majors
Choose to specialise in up to two of:
- Ecology and Conservation (Gold Coast and Nathan)
- Environmental Chemistry (Gold Coast and Nathan)
- Soil and Water Science (Nathan)
- Urban Environments (Gold Coast and Nathan).
If you study a double major, you can still graduate in three years.
Honours
From the end of your third year, if you're eligible, you'll have the option to transfer to an Honours program and complete an independent research project to further enhance your knowledge and skills.
You will gain knowledge and skills from across the broad environmental science spectrum, exploring environmental issues from social, physical and biological perspectives. On completion of core science courses in your first year of study, you will choose a major that suits your interests and career plans. The final year includes a "capstone" experience where you have the option to undertake a research project or participate in industry internships to gain employment-relevant experience. Combining a discipline specific major with a major in Environmental Management will equip you with the broad set of knowledge and skills needed to be an environmental science professional.
Attendance information
The Bachelor of Environmental Science is offered full-time and part-time on-campus at the Nathan and Gold Coast campuses. As a full-time student you will generally attend 15-25 hours of scheduled classes per week throughout the trimester. Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week.
If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
My career opportunities
Graduates may find employment in a variety of sectors related to their program, as well as major choices. These include positions such as environmental officer, environmental consultant, wildlife biologist, conservation ecologist, environmental chemist and environmental scientist or consultant with industry, state and local government as well as commercial enterprises in the following areas:
Environmental consulting, Wildlife biology, Conservation science, Environmental science, Environmental management, Environmental chemistry, Soil science, Catchment restoration and management, Urban planning, Landscape ecology, Restoration ecology, Habitat assessment and management, Pest management, Urban ecology, Research science, Bush regeneration and Wildlife management.
Program accreditation
Students and graduates of this accredited program are able to apply for Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) membership. This degree is the first in Australia and only one in Queensland to be accredited by the EIANZ. There are different categories of membership available and current students can apply for Student membership, while graduates can apply for Full membership. Membership of the EIANZ enables students and graduates to network with industry professionals and attend a range of events.
Professional recognition
Depending on your major, you will be eligible to join the following professional bodies:
- Australian Society of Plant Scientists
- Ecological Society of Australia
- Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand
- River Basin Management Society
- Royal Australian Chemical Institute
- Soil Science Australia
- Australian Freshwater Sciences Society
International students
An International student is one who is not:
- an Australian or New Zealand citizen or
- a Pacific Engagement visa holder or
- a person who has Australian permanent resident status.
Indicative annual tuition fee
The indicative annual tuition fee is calculated based on a standard full-time study load which is usually 80 credit points (two full-time trimesters).
The indicative annual tuition fee is based on current conditions and available data and should only be used as a guide. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
Tuition fees
- An International student pays tuition fees.
- Students are liable for tuition fees for the courses they are enrolled in as at the census date.
- The tuition fee is charged according to the approved program fee for the trimester in which the student is enrolled.
Program fees for the Bachelor of Environmental Science (1547)
If the fee rate for your program is not displayed above, please contact Student Connect for assistance.
Changing programs
If an International student changes to a different program they will be subject to the approved program fee for the trimester in which they are enrolled.
Permanent resident status
If an undergraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will be provided with a domestic fee-paying place.
The student may then apply for a Commonwealth supported place at the next admission period provided that the student satisfies the conditions for transfer from a domestic fee-paying place to a Commonwealth supported place as set out in the Fees and Charges Procedure.
If a postgraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth supported place (subject to availability) or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.
If a research student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.
Further information
- Fees and Charges Procedure
- 3.6 - Fees for International Students
- 3.9 - Administrative and Miscellaneous Charges
- Cost of studying in Australia
Additional fee information
Additional costs
Throughout your program you may be required to pay for the following items:
- expenses associated with laboratory activities including lab coats, eye protection
- expenses associated with field trips and placements