Group of bachelor of environmental science honours students performing field research.

International

Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)

Top 100 worldwide for sustainability

I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
English requirements 6.5 IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent) View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
English requirements 6.5 IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent) View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
English requirements 6.5 IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent) View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
Campus
  • Burwood
  • Waurn Ponds
  • Warrnambool
Duration 1 year full-time
Intakes Semesters 1, 2 View how to apply
Fees $44,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD View fees and scholarships

Deakin sets the standard for employability

#1 Melbourne university for science facilities

Top 100 worldwide for sustainability

Why choose environmental science at Deakin

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.

  • Proven employability in environment

    Build advanced analytical and research skills for careers in environmental science.

  • Degrees shaped by employers

    Undertake research aligned with current environmental challenges and informed by industry practice.

  • Field and laboratory research access

    Conduct research using fieldwork and laboratory methods relevant to environmental investigation.

  • Independent research expertise

    Complete a major research project that builds critical thinking and professional capability.

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 international students walk through Burwood Campus.

Proven employability

Deakin graduates are highly valued by employers. Gain a degree you will value as much as your future career. #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment.

Deakin puts employability first

Career outcomes

Graduate with advanced research capabilities and transferable skills in data analysis, critical thinking and digital literacy, giving you a competitive edge in the job market and a strong foundation for further study.

Park ranger

Preserve and manage natural environments and cultural sites. Protect wildlife and threatened species, manage natural assets and provide visitor services across parks and nature reserves.

  • $83k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

  • 4.7/5

    Job satisfaction

Ecologist

Study relationships between living things and their environments, analyse environmental impacts and use field and laboratory research to inform conservation, restoration and land management.

  • $95k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

  • 8.9%

    Projected job growth in 5 years

Other jobs

  • Coastal project officer
  • Climate change campaigner
  • Fisheries officer
  • Laboratory scientist
  • Marine biologist
  • Sustainability consultant

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about this course.

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 (Honours)?

The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) is a one-year degree. You will develop research skills and gain deeper insight into environmental systems and sustainability, preparing you to investigate and address real-world challenges.

Advanced environmental research

Undertake an independent research project

Design and complete an in-depth investigation under supervision, culminating in a formal research thesis.

Apply advanced environmental methods

Use analytical, field-based or laboratory approaches to address complex environmental problems.

Build research and professional capability

Strengthen critical thinking, communication and project management skills for research or industry pathways.

This learning journey is intended as a guide only. Individual study journeys may vary.

Course structure

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

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per semester and usually undertake two semesters per year.

Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.

6
Research units
+
2
Coursework units
=
8
Total

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements

Units

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
Deakin student smiling and holding a bag, dressed in business wear.

What to expect while studying

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.

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

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.

Explore important dates

Campus
Semester 1
Semester 2
BurwoodMelbourne
Waurn PondsGeelong
Warrnambool

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

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.

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

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

Entry 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

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

  • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
  • IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent)
  • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Get credit for your experience

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.

Admissions information

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

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.

Learn more about tuition fees for international students.

Two Deakin students walking outside.

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.

Browse scholarships

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

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.