Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability

Course summary for international students

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Length	3 years full-time
Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026	$42,400 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Level	Undergraduate
CRICOS code	116267J Burwood (Melbourne)
VTAC codes	1400516463 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin course code	S398
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Throughout the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability, you will explore ways to manage the interaction between people and the environment, ready for a career that makes a positive impact on our world. Combining the latest research with extensive application of skills in professional, community, lab and field settings, you will devise and implement innovative solutions to protect natural resources in local and global contexts.

Develop the confidence to address some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges by exploring the role of science and society in achieving global sustainability. Fieldwork is a rewarding part of this course, and you will get plenty of opportunities to apply your skills in beautiful outdoor and community settings. Industry placements provide even more practical experience, along with the opportunity to work alongside experienced environmental scientists and build valuable professional networks.

Want to play a key role in tackling the world’s most pressing environmental problems?

Graduate with a world-class degree from a university ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide for sustainability*. With Deakin also ranked the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, you will be equipped with the experience and skills to thrive in your field.

Throughout this degree, you will learn about environmental processes within a range of environments, how societies use and value these environments, and the tools available to prevent and manage environmental impacts. You will consider sustainability from all angles – from environmental processes to environmental policy – and workshop innovative ways to satisfy society’s needs for clean water, fresh air and healthy soil through the sustainable use of natural resources.

With an emphasis on fieldwork and work integrated learning, everything you learn in the classroom will be tried, tested and challenged in real life. Our passionate, industry-connected teachers break down leading-edge research into easy-to-understand concepts, so you can confidently apply your knowledge in the field and professional settings.

Fieldwork opportunities take you to a diverse range of sites and environments – from coastal and national parks to sustainability centres, businesses and industry settings. During these trips, you will get the chance to practise advanced field skills such as:

animal and plant identification
water quality analysis
use of global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.

You will have the opportunity to steer your studies towards your interests and career aspirations by choosing elective units in areas such as coastal and marine management, pollution, waste, climate change, wildlife conservation, sustainable city planning, ecotourism and environmental health.

Throughout the professional practice unit, you will undertake professional work experience at a relevant host organisation. You will be able to apply your technical expertise to real-world problems, develop valuable professional networks, and acquire skills in leadership, critical thinking and communication – ensuring you graduate job ready.

* QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability is professionally accredited by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). As a student of this course, you are encouraged to apply for EIANZ student membership and connect with the professional network that can support your future career as an environmental professional.

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

Your deep understanding of sustainability and extensive fieldwork experience will set you up for career success in a variety of areas, including:

climate change adaptation and mitigation
catchment management
coastal and park management
conservation
environmental education
environmental management
environmental protection
land rehabilitation
planning and policy
pollution control
sustainability reporting
waste management and resource efficiency
water resource management.

EIANZ membership is open to environmental practitioners at all stages of their career – from those still completing their studies to established experts. The EIANZ (Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand) is a leading professional body in Australia and New Zealand supporting environmental practitioners and promoting independent and interdisciplinary discussion on environmental issues. For full membership details, visit the EIANZ website.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the environmental sciences (natural and social sciences) and a depth of knowledge in environmental management and sustainability. Integrate and apply knowledge and skills, safely, ethically and objectively, within a range of diverse contexts – professional, community, lab and field settings.
Communication	Communicate information, conclusions and arguments clearly and coherently to specialist and non-specialist audiences for a range of purposes and in a variety of modes.
Digital literacy	Identify and use appropriate digital technologies to locate and evaluate information and communicate with a range of stakeholders in environmental management and sustainability.
Critical thinking	Critically analyse and evaluate information from an interdisciplinary range of sources in order to define and provide solutions to real-world environmental problems integrating the principles of the triple-bottom line.
Problem solving	Apply traditional and emerging information, technologies and methods to collect, record, collate, investigate and solve real world and ill-defined problems in environmental management and sustainability.
Self-management	Demonstrate an ability to work and learn independently and take responsibility for personal actions by: a) undertaking self-directed learning; b) working responsibly, safely and ethically in evolving contexts within the field of environmental management and sustainability.
Teamwork	Demonstrate responsibility and accountability when undertaking different roles to work effectively, ethically and safely in diverse team contexts.
Global citizenship	Articulate the diverse array of professional, academic and community contexts in which environmental management and sustainability graduates may work. Explain ethical practices and recognise the social, political, economic and environmental contexts relevant to professional conduct within which environmental management and sustainability are practiced globally.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability, you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
18 credit points of core units
6 credit points which may comprise of:
- 1 minor (4 credit points) and 2 credit points of open elective units
- 6 credit points of open elective units
a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
a minimum of 14 credit points over levels 2 and 3
a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3.

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Minors

Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.

Course structure

Core units

Level 1 - Trimester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

SLE010

Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

STP010

Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SLE101

Environmental Techniques and Monitoring

SLE103

Ecology and the Environment

SLE109

Foundation for Environmental Science

plus one open elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)

Level 1 - Trimester 2

SLE102

Physical Geography

SLE121

Environmental Sustainability

plus two open elective units (two credit points) or two minor units (two credit points)

Level 2 - Trimester 1

SLE201

Society and Environment

SLE231

Hydrology and Water Resources Management

SLE218

Indigenous Engagement: Natural Resource Management

SLE215

Ecotourism and Environmental Interpretation

Level 2 - Trimester 2

SLE207

Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment

SLE226

Environmental Team Based Research

SLE202

Landscapes and Their Management

plus one open elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)

Level 3 - Trimester 1

SLE301

Professional Practice #

SLE308

Policy Instruments for Sustainability

SLE305

Integrating Marine, Coastal and Catchment Management

SLE332

Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Scientists

Level 3 - Trimester 2

SLE303

Managing Environmental Projects

SLE342

Risks to Healthy Environments

plus two open elective units (two credit points) or two minor units (two credit point)

# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)

Electives

Select from the range of open elective units offered across many courses, including, in some cases, the option to choose elective units from a completely different field (subject to meeting unit requirements).

It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.

Course expenses

In addition to student contribution fees, students should be aware that they may be required to meet their own expenses in connection with food and accommodation while on fieldwork.

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 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.

If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.

Academic requirements

Academic requirements - Higher education study

If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

Year 12 prerequisite subjects

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL

ATAR

Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

Academic requirements - Higher education study

If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

Academic requirements - VET study

If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline

Academic requirements - Work and life experience

If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.

Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.

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: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score 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. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

Credit for prior learning - general

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Articulated courses

Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (S494)

Other course information

This course was previously titled Bachelor of Environmental Science (Management and Sustainability).

Workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Work experience

This course includes a compulsory professional practice unit that requires you to undertake at least 80 hours of work experience in a course-related host organisation. Explore the SEBE WIL program.

Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Participation requirements

Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Selection adjustment

Subject adjustment

A study score of 30 in Environmental Science, any English, any Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 points.

Access and equity

Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.