Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment

RMIT University (RMIT)

CRICOS Institution Code 00122A

Duration

156 weeks

Delivery

On campus. RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches, including lectures, seminars, workshops, field trips, presentations and group work. Many subjects use online materials and activities to supplement class-based work.

Study Load

Full-time or part-time equivalent (domestic); Full-time (international)

Intakes

February | July (domestic); February (international)

Course Overview

About This Course

Overview This degree empowers you to create change by driving future solutions for biodiversity, climate resilience, sustainable resource management and corporate social responsibility. Throughout this unique degree you will develop a deep understanding of climate change, environmental management, Indigenous perspectives, place-based analysis, and pathways to social and ecological justice. This degree highlights the social elements of environmental issues, providing you with operational knowledge and essential skills in communication and critical thinking, making you highly desirable to future employers. To ensure you're work-ready, you will undertake a minimum 20-day work placement in your final semester. Engagement with the environmental sector is also embedded in a number of subjects and assessments, and your final-year project offers a chance to explore your passions in a supported environment. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in global study tours and take advantage of RMIT's expansive network of industry contacts in leading environmental agencies and organisations. When you graduate, you will understand how to evaluate environmental policies and management strategies at local and global levels. You'll join a community of passionate peers, all learning how to develop new methods of consumption and production, working towards a more sustainable future. Degree name change This degree (previously known as the Bachelor of Environment and Society) has been re-named to Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment in order to better reflect the updated course structure.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent qualification.
VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or a study score of at least 27 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or equivalent studies.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points.
Applicants with VET study: You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification: Advanced Diploma: 81 | Diploma: 72 | Certificate IV: 54.
Applicants with Higher Education study: Must have successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent. You will be assigned a selection rank based on your GPA.
Subject adjustments (Year 12 applicants): A study score of 30 in Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Health And Human Development or Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 6 points.
Personal statement (VET and HE applicants encouraged): 300–500 words outlining reasons for wanting to study this program, intended career path, personal strengths and attributes, and details of any related work or voluntary experience.
STAT: Applicants may satisfy academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Results are valid for 2 years prior to commencement of study.
Equity access schemes, Elite Athlete and Performer Program, and Indigenous Access Program are also available as adjustment pathways.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Career As a graduate of the Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment, you will be equipped with a unique combination of sustainability-focused knowledge and practical skills in communication, research, systems thinking, and problem-solving. Grounded in the social sciences and informed by the latest environmental and policy challenges, this degree prepares you to be an effective change agent in both local and global contexts. The skills, competencies, and strengths you have developed through the minor streams in areas such as global development, social justice, public policy, digital communication or fashion and textiles also open up more possible career and employment opportunities. You may pursue careers across a wide range of sectors, including: Commonwealth, state, and local governments Environmental and sustainability consulting firms Non-governmental organisations, including aid and development agencies in Australia and internationally Environment and community and advocacy organisations Emerging roles in corporate sustainability Graduates typically work in roles such as sustainability consultants or managers, environmental policy officers, climate adaptation or resilience planners, ESG analysts, environmental educators, and community engagement specialists. Your work may involve sustainability planning, environmental impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, land and resource management, or reporting on environmental and social performance. Career outcomes Sustainability Officer Provide guidance and information to address environmental issues within a community. The average salary for a sustainability officer in Australia is $90,000*. Environmental Officer Ensure organisations comply with environmental laws and regulations. The average salary for an environmental officer in Australia is $110,000*. Environmental Manager Manage the development and implementation of environmental management systems within organisations. The average salary for an environmental manager in Australia is $180,000*. Professional recognition and accreditation Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) Students and graduates of this degree are able to apply for Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) membership. EIANZ is a not-for-profit, professional association for environmental practitioners from across Australia and New Zealand. There are different categories of membership available – current students can apply for Student membership, while graduates can apply for Full membership. Membership of the EIANZ enables students and graduates to network with industry professionals and attend a range of events.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What work placement opportunities are available in this degree?

In your final semester, you will participate in a minimum 20-day work placement within an environmental or related organisation. RMIT can help you find your placement at organisations including the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Bush Heritage, Melbourne Water, Environment Victoria, The Bicycle Network, Sustainability Victoria, Friends of the Earth, municipal councils and local government, non-government organisations, and international aid and development agencies. Graduates have used their work placement to gain employment after completing their studies.

What minors or specialisations can I choose in this degree?

You will have the opportunity to undertake minor streams in the following areas: Global Development Challenges, Public Policy and Social Justice, Sustainable Urban Change, Geospatial Science, Social Impact, Digital Communication, Circular and Sustainable Built Environment, and Regenerative Futures. You choose your specialisation in Year 2 and continue it through Year 3.

Are there international study opportunities available?

Yes. Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world projects in international contexts. Students can undertake study tours in Asia and Europe to focus on critical sustainability issues, or undertake semester-long study overseas at partner universities in Hong Kong, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, or the Philippines. Past students have participated in teams working in countries such as Vietnam, Nepal and Mexico. RMIT also offers overseas work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

Is this degree professionally recognised?

Yes. Students and graduates of this program are able to apply for Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) membership. EIANZ is a not-for-profit, professional association for environmental practitioners from across Australia and New Zealand. Current students can apply for Student membership, while graduates can apply for Full membership, enabling them to network with industry professionals and attend a range of events.

What is the minimum ATAR required to enter this degree, and what adjustment factors are available?

The minimum ATAR for this program is 60.80 (indicated by the entry score). Entry is competitive, and eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit. You may be eligible for adjustment factors up to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points, including subject adjustments (e.g., a study score of 30 in Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Health And Human Development or Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study, up to 6 points total), regional adjustments, equity access schemes, the Elite Athlete and Performer Program, and the Indigenous Access Program.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

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Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$60,000 – $75,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$75,000 – $95,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$95,000 – $130,000/yr

Career Paths

Environmental Consultant
Sustainability Officer
Environmental Scientist
Natural Resource Manager
Conservation Officer

Key Skills

Environmental impact assessment and auditing
Ecological field survey and data collection techniques
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis
Climate change analysis and adaptation planning
Environmental policy research and analysis

Full course overview

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