Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
Deakin course code	S494
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool
Online	No
Duration	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Semester 1 2025 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS course code	047023E Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool
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

The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) allows you to enhance 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 combine 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, and to develop 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, you will explore research of national and global significance in areas including:

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 allows you to graduate with specialised knowledge and experience that puts you ahead of the pack.

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) students must pass 8 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
6 credit points of research units
2 credit points of coursework units

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Course structure

Core

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

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

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

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Research and research-related study

The research project provides the practical skills necessary to deliver a strong foundation in research. Thesis preparation will include an introduction to research methodologies appropriate to the discipline including associated methods, processes and practice. You will work with a member of staff who is experienced in research and who can assist you to gain insight into research and independent investigation. Staff use their research experience and industry skills to ensure that the research projects and course delivery methods are current.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.