156 weeks
Full-time or part-time equivalent
Trimester 1 - March | Trimester 2 - July
Course Overview
About This Course
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.
Where You Can Study
Available Locations
Melbourne
1 Gheringhap St, GEELONG, VIC 3220
Eligibility
Entry Requirements
- Current or recent secondary education: Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the last two years
- 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
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
- Higher education: Successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
- Vocational education: Completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline; OR completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline; OR at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
- 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 based on 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.
- English language proficiency: VCE English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in EAL or 20 in any other English; OR IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- Deakin Guaranteed ATAR: 51
- Lowest selection rank (ATAR): 60.55
Career & Study Pathways
Where this takes you
Quality & Recognition
Accreditation & Migration
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCourse Content
Units of Competency
Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
0 credit point compulsory unit required in first study period
Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program
0 credit point compulsory unit
Career Tools for Employability
0 credit point compulsory unit
Environmental Techniques and Monitoring
Level 1 - Trimester 1 core unit
Ecology and the Environment
Level 1 - Trimester 1 core unit
Foundation for Environmental Science
Level 1 - Trimester 1 core unit
Physical Geography
Level 1 - Trimester 2 core unit
Environmental Sustainability
Level 1 - Trimester 2 core unit
Society and Environment
Level 2 - Trimester 1 core unit
Hydrology and Water Resources Management
Level 2 - Trimester 1 core unit
Indigenous Engagement: Natural Resource Management
Level 2 - Trimester 1 core unit
Ecotourism and Environmental Interpretation
Level 2 - Trimester 1 core unit
Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment
Level 2 - Trimester 2 core unit
Environmental Team Based Research
Level 2 - Trimester 2 core unit
Landscapes and Their Management
Level 2 - Trimester 2 core unit
Professional Practice
Level 3 - Trimester 1 core unit; must have successfully completed STP010
Policy Instruments for Sustainability
Level 3 - Trimester 1 core unit
Integrating Marine, Coastal and Catchment Management
Level 3 - Trimester 1 core unit
Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Scientists
Level 3 - Trimester 1 core unit
Managing Environmental Projects
Level 3 - Trimester 2 core unit
Risks to Healthy Environments
Level 3 - Trimester 2 core unit
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What fieldwork opportunities are available in this course?
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, and use of global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
Is work experience compulsory in the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability?
Yes, this course includes a compulsory professional practice unit (SLE301) that requires you to undertake at least 80 hours of work experience in a course-related 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. Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
What elective or minor options can I choose in this degree?
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. Minor sequences available include Applied data analytics, Global engagement, and Indigenous studies.
What are the ATAR and academic entry requirements for this course?
For current or recent secondary education applicants, you need a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent, plus Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL or at least 20 in English other than EAL. The lowest selection rank is 60.55 (based on 2026 early and first round VTAC offers including adjustment factors), and the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR is 51 for eligible students.
How many credit points do I need to complete the degree, and how is it structured?
To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability, you must pass 24 credit points. This includes 18 credit points of core units and 6 credit points which may comprise of 1 minor (4 credit points) and 2 credit points of open elective units, or 6 credit points of open elective units. There is also a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1, a minimum of 14 credit points over levels 2 and 3, and a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Application
How to Apply
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Step 01
Enquire
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Step 02
Submit Documents
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Step 03
Get Enrolled
Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!
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