Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability |
| Course credit points | 24 |
| Deakin course code | S398 |
| Course version | 4 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2025 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS code | 116267J 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
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Articulated courses
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Minors
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of minor sequences
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
In this course 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. Join one of only two universities in Victoria with Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) accreditation for undergraduate environment and sustainability courses.
Indicative student 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.
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.
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.
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
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Identify and use appropriate digital technologies to locate and evaluate information and communicate with a range of stakeholders in environmental management and sustainability. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Demonstrate responsibility and accountability when undertaking different roles to work effectively, ethically and safely in diverse team contexts. |
| 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. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
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.
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
You are required to complete 18 core units (these are essential units for this degree)
In your first trimester you must also complete three 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
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)
Open electives
You have the option to choose up to six open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting unit prerequisites).
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
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.
Details of minor sequences
Applied data analytics
Campuses
Burwood
Unit set code
MN-S000023
Overview
Data skills are now essential in every industry, not just in big tech companies. Businesses are looking for skilled professionals who can understand, analyse, and interpret data to help inform decisions. This minor sequence provides a solid introduction to data and information management, data science concepts, statistics, and data analysis. You will also explore geographic information systems and their application in the field of environmental science.
Units
| SIT103 | Database Fundamentals |
| SIT112 | Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis |
| SLE245 | Marine Geographic Information Systems |
Global Engagement
Campuses
Online
Unit set code
MN-S000022
Overview
The global engagement minor prepares students to become highly effective environmental practitioners, equipped to work professionally in both international and domestic contexts. With a focus on building strong intercultural competencies and offering authentic international experiences, the minor follows a scaffolded learning approach. Students first explore intercultural communication and indigenous concepts – crucial to working within many global environmental systems – then apply these skills and their course knowledge in an international context .
Please note that the placement component of SLE301 must be completed in an international setting to satisfy the requirements of this minor.
Units
| AIS101 | Intercultural Communication |
| IND101 | Introduction to Aboriginal Studies |
| SLE225 | Global Environmental Placement |
| SLE301 | Professional Practice |
Indigenous Studies
Campuses
Online
Unit set code
MN-A000074
Overview
The indigenous studies minor will build understanding, recognition and validity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' ways of Valuing, Being, Knowing and Doing. Completing this minor will facilitate a deeper understanding of ourselves and Australia's multiple histories to foster productive and meaningful relationships in culturally diverse communities, especially with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Units
1 unit from:
| IND101 | Introduction to Aboriginal Studies |
| IND102 | Aboriginal Australian Stories and Songlines |
Plus 2 units from:
| IND203 | Caring for Country |
| IND204 | Australian Aboriginal Holistic Health and Healing |
| IND205 | Global Indigenous Knowledges and Philosophies |
| IND206 | Indigeneity and the Media |
Plus 1 unit from:
| IND301 | Politics of Resistance in Indigenous Australia |
| IND302 | Working Alongside Aboriginal Communities |
Other course information
This course was previously titled Bachelor of Environmental Science (Management and Sustainability).
Other learning experiences
To broaden your experience of the world, you may 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.