Deakin sets the standard for employability
#1 Melbourne university for science facilities
Top 100 worldwide for sustainability
Why choose Deakin
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.
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Degrees shaped by employers
Study a program informed by industry and environmental practice, aligned with current sustainability challenges.
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Practical learning for every student
Apply your learning through practical experiences connected to real environmental contexts.
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Field and laboratory experience
Build practical skills through field and laboratory work that supports environmental investigation and monitoring.
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Flexible sustainability pathways
Tailor your degree through minors and electives that align with your environmental interests and career goals.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Apply your skills to environmental and sustainability challenges. Graduate with practical fieldwork experience and a deep understanding of sustainability, ready to pursue opportunities across a variety of professional areas.
Environmental consultant
Assess environmental impacts and provide advice to help organisations manage environmental risks and meet regulatory requirements. Develop practical solutions that support more sustainable projects and operations.
- $90k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 8.9%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.7/5
Job satisfaction
Sustainability officer
Develop and implement sustainability initiatives that improve environmental and social outcomes. Engage with stakeholders, promote sustainable practices and monitor the progress of sustainability programs.
- $100k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 24%
Projected job growth by 2030
Professional areas
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Environmental management
- Planning and policy
- Sustainability reporting
- Water resource management
- Conservation
FAQs
Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.
Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.
There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability?
The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability is a three-year degree. You will explore environmental systems and sustainability challenges while building practical skills to analyse and respond to real-world issues.
Foundations in environmental science
Explore environmental science fundamentals
Learn how natural systems function and how human activity impacts ecosystems and resources.
Understand sustainability challenges
Examine global and local environmental issues and the role of science in addressing them.
Develop core scientific skills
Build capabilities in data analysis, critical thinking and scientific communication.
Develop discipline knowledge and skills
Progress in environmental studies
Develop more specialised knowledge in environmental science and sustainability concepts.
Apply learning in practical settings
Undertake field and laboratory activities that supports environmental monitoring and assessment.
Broaden your perspective with electives
Complement your studies with subjects that support your interests and career direction.
Advanced application and career readiness
Undertake advanced environmental analysis
Engage with complex sustainability issues using scientific and analytical approaches.
Apply knowledge through industry tasks
Complete projects that reflect contemporary environmental and sustainability challenges.
Strengthen professional capabilities
Develop communication, teamwork and ethical awareness for environmental careers.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability, you must pass 24 credit points.
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.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
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
plus one open elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 1 - Trimester 2
plus two open elective units (two credit points) or two minor units (two credit points)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus one open elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
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)
You have the option to complete one minor sequence (four units) to complement your degree and broaden your skills (this will use your open electives).
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
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.
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.
What to expect while studying
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.
This course was previously titled Bachelor of Environmental Science (Management and Sustainability).
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.
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.
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.
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.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| 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. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400516463 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- S398
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 116267J Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$44,800
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.