Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
Course summary for international students
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool |
| Online | No |
| Length | 1 year full-time |
| Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026 | $42,400 for 1 yr full-time AUD |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| CRICOS code | 047023E Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool |
| Deakin course code | S494 |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Fees and charges
- Career opportunities
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Admission criteria
- Academic requirements
- English language proficiency requirements
- Admissions information
- Further study
Course overview
The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) allows you to deepen your understanding of a chosen environmental science discipline, while building key research and transferable skills that enhance your employment options and prepare you for further study.
Honours is an optional year of specialised study that allows you to build on the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate studies. It is an opportunity to showcase your expertise in a discipline you are passionate about, while developing invaluable research and life skills that will stay with you throughout your entire career.
You’ve worked hard for your undergraduate degree. Why not take the next step with an honours degree that launches your career forward?
With the support and supervision of experienced teachers who are leaders in their respective fields,
- behaviour, ecology, evolution and ecophysiology
- ecological risk assessment
- environmental management and sustainability
- fisheries and aquaculture
- marine and freshwater biology
- wildlife and conservation biology.
The coursework component of this honours program equips you with the essential knowledge that underpins research – experimental design, quantitative analysis, scientific communication and ethics. The research project component enables you to develop the research skills necessary to investigate your area of interest.
In addition to being an ideal pathway to further study and research training (including masters and PhD programs), the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) broadens your career options and provides you with specialised knowledge and experience that puts you ahead of the pack.
Fees and charges
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Career opportunities
Graduate with transferable skills that give you a competitive edge in the job market, including data analysis, critical thinking and digital literacy. Your understanding of your chosen discipline, in addition to your highly advanced research skills, will set you up to succeed in further study and open up employment opportunities in roles such as:
- coastal project officer
- climate change campaigner
- ecologist
- fisheries officer
- laboratory scientist
- park ranger or manager
- marine biologist
- museum curator
- sustainability consultant
- zoo biologist.
Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) membership is open to environmental practitioners at all stages of their career – from those still completing their studies to established experts. EIANZ is a leading professional body in Australia and New Zealand supporting environmental practitioners and promoting independent and interdisciplinary discussion on environmental issues. Membership details are available on the EIANZ website.
Course learning outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Graduates will have advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in environmental science. |
| Communication | Communicate effectively the design and outcomes of research using a range of verbal, graphical and written forms customised for diverse audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, critique, and disseminate outcomes from the research project. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical and analytical thinking to identify problems and the design of solutions using established theories, models, constructs and practice. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical constructs, advanced skills and critical analysis to demonstrate well developed judgement adaptability and evaluation of solutions to research problems. |
| Self-management | Develop and apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to demonstrate advanced levels of autonomy, initiative and ethical and professional behaviour in research. |
| Teamwork | Work independently and/or collaboratively within a research team, receiving advice and guidance from supervisor/s that contributes to achieving the outcomes of the Honours project. |
| Global citizenship | Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with stakeholders to articulate the place and importance of scientific inquiry in the local and global context. |
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their your study period
- 6 credit points of research units
- 2 credit points of coursework units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per semester and usually undertake two semesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SLE440 | Honours Environmental Science Research 1A |
| SLE441 | Honours Environmental Science Research 1B |
| SLE442 | Honours Environmental Science Research 2 (2 credit points) |
| SLE443 | Honours Environmental Science Research 3 (2 credit points) |
| SLE451 | Science Professionalism |
| SLE452 | Research Design and Data Analysis |
Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher or major in a related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of at least 65 in third year units, or where relevant, final year units
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent)
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Further study
Graduates may wish to apply for further study in Higher Degrees by Research.
Course duration
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Projects and Supervision - additional information
As part of your application for this course, you will be required to first contact potential supervisors and discuss projects. Once you have met with a supervisor and agreed on a project, you will need to complete an application form and submit this via the Deakin applicant portal.
See Honours in Life and Environmental Sciences page