Environmental Sciences in Australia
Australia offers 17 Environmental Sciences programmes across 9 universities, providing study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in ecology, environmental management, conservation biology, and climate science. Institutions offering these programmes include La Trobe University, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), the University of Wollongong, and Charles Darwin University.
Tuition costs vary and are not listed uniformly across programmes, so students should review individual listings for current fees. Australia's unique biodiversity and significant environmental policy challenges make it a strong destination for students aiming to work in conservation, environmental consulting, or sustainability research.
2035 Emissions Reduction Targets Report
The Climate Change Authority's 2035 Targets Advice report recommends an emissions reduction target of 62-70% from 2005 levels for Australia. This target is considered the most ambitious achievable and is in the nation's economic interest, aligned with its commitments under the Paris Agreement. The advice is the result of a comprehensive methodology including climate science, economic modelling, sector-specific analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
Bachelor of Arts (Community, Culture and Environment)
The Bachelor of Arts degree equips you with the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills needed to understand the complexities of the modern world. It fosters a fresh perspective on human culture and societal issues, enhancing your ability to contribute meaningfully to your community and beyond. This program allows you to explore diverse academic disciplines, building both specialized knowledge and versatile transferable skills.
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental) Honours
This honours degree program focuses on civil engineering with a significant emphasis on environmental management. You will gain knowledge and skills essential for professional engineering practice, combining a strong theoretical foundation with practical problem-solving, teamwork, and project development. The curriculum is designed to equip you with analytical skills needed to lead complex projects. Areas of study include fundamental physical and engineering sciences, computer-aided design, engineering materials, and surveying. You will then delve into specialist civil and environmental engineering topics such as structural analysis, hydrology, hydraulics, construction management, and project management. Advanced studies cover environmental risk assessment, water and wastewater treatment, waste management, air pollution control, and sustainable engineering design principles. The first year offers common units across all engineering honours courses, providing flexibility to switch disciplines if desired.
Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Environmental Engineering)
Bachelor of Environmental Science
The Bachelor of Environmental Science program integrates academic learning with practical experience, preparing you to actively contribute to environmental protection and conservation efforts. You will build a strong foundation in subjects like biology, ecology, and spatial analysis to address complex environmental challenges. The course explores human impacts, social and cultural factors, and develops your ability to identify effective solutions and communicate them clearly for positive environmental outcomes. Through training in critical and systems thinking, you will be equipped to tackle contemporary environmental issues.
Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Natural Resource Management
The world faces significant environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and the sustainable use of resources. The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Natural Resource Management at UNE is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to address these issues effectively. This integrated program allows you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in four years, giving you a competitive advantage in the job market. You will gain advanced expertise, positioning you for a wide range of roles, including leadership, policy development, consultancy, and specialized positions. The curriculum is delivered by leading experts and integrates scientific, policy, and practical perspectives, preparing you for impactful careers in environmental science and natural resource management.
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)
This program explores ecosystems and addresses environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary approach. You will gain knowledge and skills in areas such as biodiversity conservation, landscape rehabilitation, and sustainability, with a strong focus on the Australian environment. The course involves practical experiences, including fieldwork in diverse natural settings, preparing you for in-demand roles in industry and government.
Bachelor of Secondary Education (Earth and Environmental Science)
This four-year degree equips you to become a high school teacher, specializing in Earth and Environmental Science. The program focuses on developing both deep subject knowledge and effective teaching strategies, preparing you for the complexities of modern classrooms within a global context. You will study core Earth and Environmental Science subjects alongside essential professional knowledge, including adolescent psychology, classroom management, inclusive education, and the use of technology in teaching.
Environment and Sustainability
Gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability with this program, exploring the science and social aspects of climate change. You'll learn how to measure environmental impact and discover strategies from business, economics, and urban planning to address climate challenges and build a more sustainable future. This degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change and respond effectively to the global climate crisis.
Environmental Humanities
This program explores the complex relationship between human society and the natural world. You will gain an understanding of how culture, history, politics, and social sciences shape our environment, and how environmental issues, in turn, affect society. The course focuses on developing ethical approaches to address environmental challenges and contribute to the protection of the planet.
Environmental Management
This program focuses on sustainable environmental management, exploring the connections between the environment, economy, and community. You will gain knowledge of environmental protection laws and regulations, and examine current and emerging sustainability challenges. The curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills and understanding needed to address critical environmental issues and drive positive change. La Trobe University offers unique opportunities for environmental studies, including access to the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, an outdoor laboratory for hands-on learning. The university is also home to leading research centres such as the Centre for Freshwater Ecosystems and the Research Centre for Future Landscapes, providing opportunities to engage with cutting-edge environmental research. The Business School's commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its signatory status to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).
Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science
The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science is a flexible, half-year program designed to equip you with the skills to address complex environmental issues by integrating knowledge from various disciplines. It's an ideal pathway for recent graduates looking to start their careers or professionals seeking to enhance their expertise or obtain formal qualifications in environmental science. The course focuses on connecting your foundational knowledge in environmental sciences, such as ecology, climate change, and chemistry, with essential areas like politics, law, project evaluation, and decision-making. This interdisciplinary approach will enable you to understand diverse environmental problems and develop effective solutions. You will also have the opportunity to explore specific interests through a range of elective units, including marine science, international development, and environmental law.
Graduate Certificate in Sustainability
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainability is designed to provide a foundational understanding of complex global sustainability challenges. It equips students with the tools needed to measure, report on, and identify solutions for these issues, preparing them for careers across various sectors. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing expertise from fields such as business, economics, law, health, environmental science, engineering, and design.
Greening Government Microcredentials
RMIT Online, in partnership with the Department of Finance, offers two microcredentials focused on 'Greening Government'. These online courses are designed for Australian Public Service (APS) staff working in sustainability, infrastructure, planning, or operational roles. They aim to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to translate climate targets into actionable strategies and reduce emissions within government operations. The courses provide practical learning on climate science, policy, and emissions reduction techniques, applicable to real-world workplace challenges.
Master of Environmental Law
The Master of Environmental Law is a unique program designed for individuals interested in the intersection of science and law, focusing on environmental protection, pollution prevention, and urban development. It's suitable for those already working in environmental fields or aspiring to do so, welcoming applicants from both legal and non-legal backgrounds. The program offers deep insights into the rapidly expanding areas of climate and environmental law, providing a comprehensive understanding of legal issues related to natural resource management and sustainable practices.
Master of Environmental Management
The Master of Environmental Management at Charles Darwin University offers postgraduate education focused on the principles and practices of environmental management, with a particular emphasis on tropical and arid ecosystems. The program equips professionals with knowledge and skills applicable to managing natural resources within their social context. Core units explore the social dimensions of environmental management, while specialist electives allow for tailored learning. Students can choose to study online, on campus, or a combination of both, benefiting from small class sizes and direct access to academic staff. The curriculum is designed to be responsive to the evolving needs of employers and stakeholders, incorporating current research outcomes. Graduates will be prepared to apply academic theories to real-world environmental challenges, developing critical thinking for future-focused solutions. The course provides opportunities to develop practical, technical, and research skills, including fieldwork and potential work-integrated learning projects.
Sustainability and Development
This program allows you to explore the complex social, economic, political, and environmental challenges faced by societies globally. You will investigate how development can address these issues without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It offers a chance to engage with critical global issues and develop skills to contribute to sustainable solutions.
Frequently asked questions
How many Environmental Sciences programmes are available in Australia?
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There are 17 Environmental Sciences programmes offered across 9 Australian universities.
Which universities offer Environmental Sciences in Australia?
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Institutions include La Trobe University, RMIT, the University of Wollongong, Charles Darwin University, the University of New England, and Murdoch University.
How much does it cost to study Environmental Sciences in Australia?
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Tuition varies by programme — check each listing for current fees.
Can international students apply for Environmental Sciences programmes in Australia?
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Yes, Australian universities welcome international students; entry requirements typically include a relevant secondary or undergraduate qualification and English language proficiency.
How do I apply to an Environmental Sciences programme in Australia?
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Apply directly through each university's admissions portal, submitting academic transcripts, personal statement, and an English language certificate such as IELTS.