Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time

Locations

Course overview

This course allows you to deepen 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 build on 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, while developing invaluable research and life skills that will stay with you throughout your entire career. Be the catalyst for a wonderful, sustainable future.

Current Deakin students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Award granted
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
Year

2027 course information

Deakin code
S494
CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
047023E Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

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Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:

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.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

6
Research units
+
2
Coursework units
=
8
Total

You are required to complete six core units (these are essential units for this degree)

In your first trimester you must also complete a 0-credit point unit which is compulsory for all Deakin University degrees. 

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
Honours Environmental Science Research 1A
Honours Environmental Science Research 1B
Honours Environmental Science Research 2 (2 credit points)
Honours Environmental Science Research 3 (2 credit points)
Science Professionalism
Research Design and Data Analysis

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

  • Start date: February
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
    • Warrnambool

    Application closing date: Refer to Key dates section

  • Start date: July
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
    • Warrnambool

    Application closing date: Refer to Key dates section

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Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

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

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • completion of a bachelor degree or higher or major in a related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of at least 65 in third year units, or where relevant, final year units

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

$44,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

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.

Learn more about tuition fees for international students.

Scholarship options

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.

Find a scholarship that can support you

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 STUDYLINK CONNECT

Pathways

Further study options

Graduates may wish to apply for further study in Higher Degrees by Research.

Career outcomes

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:

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.

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduates will have advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in environmental science.

Communicate effectively the design and outcomes of research using a range of verbal, graphical and written forms customised for diverse audiences.

Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, critique, and disseminate outcomes from the research project.

Use critical and analytical thinking to identify problems and the design of solutions using established theories, models, constructs and practice.

Apply theoretical constructs, advanced skills and critical analysis to demonstrate well developed judgement adaptability and evaluation of solutions to research problems.

Develop and apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to demonstrate advanced levels of autonomy, initiative and ethical and professional behaviour in research.

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.

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.

Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.

*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.

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