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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Bachelor of Environmental Science

If you have genuine concern for the environment and a commitment to sustainability, a degree in Environmental Science can help to launch your career.

In this degree you will address today’s scientific issues and explore how humans interact with the environment, how we can manage it best, and how we can better influence positive attitudes.

You will do hands-on field work in the natural environment as you learn biology, soil science, ecology, conservation, chemistry and geology. Field work can range from exploring the campus to visiting Hallett Cove, Robe, the Flinders Ranges or even Fiji.

Your learning will cover ecology, geography, earth science, soil science, environmental quality, ecotourism and social sciences. To develop strong skills in an area that interests you, you will study a major in Ecology and Conservation or Environmental Quality and Earth Sciences. All students will also obtain minors in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Community Engagement.

Through Project LIVE, we’ll provide you with access to cutting-edge digital imagery from your own local environments and further afield, along with tools to process and evaluate this data to critically assess its meaning. From aerial imagery of erosion patterns along the South Australian coastline and ancient landforms in central Australia, to infra-red surveys of vegetation health in Barossa Valley vineyards and satellite monitoring of ice sheet stability in Antarctica, this imagery will give you hands on experience in data creation and manipulation and help you become familiar with the latest digital imaging, mapping and spatial analysis techniques.

Campus Information

Mawson Lakes

In the progressive area of Mawson Lakes just 12km north of the city, you can study civil aviation, education, engineering, environmental studies, information technology, science, and sport and recreation management.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Careers to consider:

  • coastal or land management officer: engaging with natural resource managers to continuously improve management of their land and water through a whole of landscape approach; contributing to the operational management of parks and reserves; delivering on-ground works, community events, activities and minor projects
  • environmental adviser (construction or mining): offering environmental support onsite or from the office; ensuring compliance with environmental regulations; helping to achieve environmental targets (e.g. sending zero waste to landfill, minimising impacts on the local environment); liaising with site operations, management, community stakeholders and other environmental groups
  • ranger: managing natural values (making sure the natural environment and cultural sites are protected); managing visitor services (helping visitors to enjoy and understand parks and reserves); extensive planning, researching, strategic thinking and people management to effectively balance conservation and recreational values of parks and reserves
  • sustainability officer: setting sustainability policies, goals and objectives; reducing a company's carbon footprint in compliance with government environmental regulations; developing partnerships (e.g. with government agencies and the community) to deliver environmental sustainability projects; inhouse auditing against environmental quality standards and for external reporting.

PSW Opportunity

Bachelor Degree or Masters by Coursework Degree - 2 years - 3 years (Adelaide)

Masters by Research - 3 years - 4 years (Adelaide)

PhD qualification - 4 years - 5 years (Adelaide)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education

  • Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
    AND
  • Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
  • Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE,
    or
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

  • Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
  • Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
    OR

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above
    OR

Work and life experience

  • Qualify for Special Entry, or
  • Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
  • Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.