Bachelor of Environmental Science

If you have genuine concern for the environment and a commitment to sustainability, a degree in Environmental Science can help to launch 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 best, and how we can better influence positive attitudes.

You will do hands-on field work in the natural environment as you learn biology, soil science, ecology, conservation, chemistry and geology.

Field work can range from exploring the campus to visiting Hallett Cove, Robe, the Flinders Ranges or even Fiji.

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.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

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 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

Assumed Knowledge

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.

Your learning will cover ecology, geography, earth science, soil science, environmental quality, ecotourism and social sciences. To develop strong skills in an area that interests you, you will study a major in Ecology and Conservation or Environmental Quality and Earth Sciences. All students will also obtain minors in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Community Engagement.

Through Project LIVE, we’ll provide you with access to cutting-edge digital imagery from your own local environments and further afield, along with tools to process and evaluate this data to critically assess its meaning. From aerial imagery of erosion patterns along the South Australian coastline and ancient landforms in central Australia, to infra-red surveys of vegetation health in Barossa Valley vineyards and 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 spatial analysis techniques.

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 and 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.

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:

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 employee master classes and employment expos, and 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.

Your career

Employment prospects for environmental scientists is expected to increase by 11.3 percent by May 2023.1

Careers to consider:

• 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
• environmental adviser (construction): offering environmental support to construction sites; ensuring compliance with environmental regulations; helping to achieve environmental targets (e.g. sending zero waste to landfill); liaising with site teams, the client, stakeholders and other environmental teams
• land management officer: engaging with land managers to continuously improve management of their land and water through a whole of landscape approach to natural resources management; contributing to the operational management of parks and reserves; delivering on-ground works, community events, activities and minor projects
• 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

1 Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business, Occupational Employment Projections 2018

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

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas 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 has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect 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.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

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

You will have access to our multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub at the Mawson Lakes campus. The $50 million facility supports our world-class research in minerals and materials science. It’s a place that blends teaching and research environments, making you part of a vibrant learning community.

You'll 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.