Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability)
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability) |
| Deakin course code | S398 |
| Course Credit Points | 24 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2012 to 2022 |
| Final Intake | Offered to continuing students only. The final intake to this course was in teaching period 2, 2022. Students should contact Student Central for course, course map and enrolment information. |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS code | 075361K Burwood (Melbourne) |
| 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
- Indicative student workload
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Articulated courses
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Throughout the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability) you will explore ways to manage the interaction between people and the environment. 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 global natural resources.
Develop the confidence to address some of the biggest environmental issues we face on a global scale by exploring the role science and society play 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 of 60 to 80 hours provide even more practical experience and the opportunity to work alongside experienced environmental scientists.
Want to play a key role in tackling the world’s most pressing environmental problems?
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 resource efficiency and management to environmental policy – and workshop innovative ways to satisfy society’s needs for clean water, fresh air and healthy soil through 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 carry the theory you learn in the class into the field and into professional settings.
Fieldwork opportunities take you to a diverse range of sites and environments, from coastal and national parks, to sustainability centres, business and industry. 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
- environmental impact assessment.
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.
Through the professional practice unit, you will undertake 60 to 80 hours of 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 skills in leadership, critical thinking and communication – ensuring you graduate job ready.
This unique experience and skill set prepares you for careers in a variety of areas, including:
- environmental management and protection
- pollution control
- land rehabilitation
- water resources management
- nature conservation
- ecotourism
- environmental education
- environmental and sustainability science.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, 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.
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.
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.
Articulated courses
| Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (S494) |
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 undertaking self-directed learning, 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. |
Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability) you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit);
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit);
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit);
- 17 credit points of core units;
- 7 credit points of elective units;
- a maximum of 10 credit points at Level 1;
- a minimum of 14 credit points over levels 2 and 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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
STP050 Academic Integrity (0 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit DAI001]
| STP010 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SLE101 | Environmental Techniques and Monitoring |
| SLE103 | Ecology and the Environment |
| SLE109 | Foundation for Environmental Science |
plus one elective unit (one credit point)
Level 1 - Trimester 2
| SLE102 | Physical Geography |
| SLE121 | Environmental Sustainability |
plus two elective units (two credit points)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
| SLE201 | Society and Environment |
| SLE231 | Hydrology and Water Resources Management |
| SLE218 | Indigenous Engagement: Natural Resource Management |
plus
| SLE215 | Ecotourism and Environmental Interpretation or |
SLE216 Bushfire Management [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SLE366 Bushfire Management]
Level 2 - Trimester 2
| SLE207 | Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment |
| SLE226 | Environmental Team Based Research |
SLE239 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SLE245]
plus one elective unit (one credit point)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
| SLE301 | Professional Practice # |
| SLE303 | Managing Environmental Projects |
| SLE305 | Integrating Marine, Coastal and Catchment Management |
plus one elective unit (one credit point)
Level 3 - Trimester 2
| SLE308 | Policy Instruments for Sustainability |
plus
| SLE342 | Risks to Healthy Environments or |
| SLE320 | Resource Efficiency and Waste Management (Tri-3) |
plus two elective units (two credit points)
# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
Electives
Select from the range of 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.
Work experience
The course includes a compulsory professional practice unit that requires you to undertake at least 80 - 160 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.
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.
Other learning experiences
To broaden your experience of the world, you will have an opportunity to participate in overseas placements and study tours as an elective option in your course.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.