Deakin sets the standard for employability
#1 Victorian university for science facilities
#1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
Why choose Deakin
The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) gets you out of the classroom and into nature. Learn how to capture and handle native animals, measure the health of ecosystems, survey wildlife populations and develop conservation strategies. You will even have the opportunity to participate in our thriving Global Experience Program. Join one of only two universities in Victoria with Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) accreditation for undergraduate environment and sustainability courses.
You will gain theoretical and practical experience in wildlife ecology, biodiversity, fire ecology, GIS and more. Develop practical skills through regular fieldwork and a yearly remote field studies camp. Plus, industry placements and work integrated learning opportunities will help prepare you for your future career. Turn your love for animals and nature into a career that matters.
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Degrees shaped by employers
Study a course informed by conservation practice and aligned with current environmental and wildlife challenges.
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Work-integrated learning
Apply your learning through practical experiences in real conservation and environmental contexts.
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Field-based ecological learning
Build hands-on skills through fieldwork that reflects wildlife monitoring and conservation practice.
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Specialised conservation focus
Develop expertise in wildlife biology and conservation while building strong scientific 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 puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build a career protecting wildlife and natural environments. Graduate with practical skills in wildlife ecology, conservation and environmental management, ready to work across private, government and not-for-profit sectors.
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
Research scientist
Design and conduct research to investigate environmental challenges. Collect and analyse data, interpret findings and communicate results that contribute to scientific knowledge and environmental management.
- $118k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 10%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.5/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Wildlife officer
- Conservation officer
- Park ranger
- Zookeeper
- Vegetation manager
- GIS specialist
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Download a course guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*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 (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)?
The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) is a three-year degree. You will study ecological systems and conservation science while building practical skills to protect and manage wildlife.
Foundations in environmental and wildlife science
Explore environmental and ecological systems
Learn how ecosystems function and how species interact within natural environments.
Understand conservation challenges
Examine threats to biodiversity and the scientific approaches used to protect wildlife.
Develop core scientific skills
Build capabilities in data analysis, observation and communication for environmental study.
Develop wildlife and conservation expertise
Progress in conservation biology studies
Develop more specialised understanding of wildlife ecology and conservation science.
Apply skills through field and lab work
Undertake practical activities that reflect wildlife monitoring and environmental assessment.
Broaden your learning with electives:
Complement your studies with subjects that support your interests and career goals.
Advanced application and career preparation
Undertake advanced ecological analysis
Engage with complex conservation issues using scientific and analytical approaches.
Apply learning through real-world projects
Complete projects that reflect contemporary wildlife and conservation challenges.
Strengthen professional capabilities
Build communication, teamwork and ethical awareness for environmental careers.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology), 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 or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 1 - Trimester 2
plus one open elective unit or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus two open elective units or two minor unit (two credit points)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
plus one open elective unit or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 3 - Trimester 2
plus one open elective unit or one minor unit (one 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 (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) 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 may be required to meet their own expenses in connection with food and accommodation while on fieldwork.
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.
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.
Students selecting SLE301 Professional Practice as part of their global engagement minor, please note that the placement component of this unit must be completed in an international setting.
Students commencing in Trimester 3 will be required to complete units in Trimester 3.
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 |
|---|
| Demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical, applied and technical knowledge of wildlife and conservation biology, with particular knowledge of its relevance and application to biodiversity conservation. Use a broad set of field techniques and approaches to contribute to research and/or monitoring programs in field locations. |
| Clearly and coherently communicate information, conclusions and arguments regarding wildlife conservation and ecosystem management to a range of audiences for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes. |
| Demonstrate and apply technologies to find, use, critically evaluate and, where appropriate, share scientifically valid information pertaining to wildlife and conservation biology. |
| Identify and evaluate the importance of topical issues, problems and questions in wildlife and conservation biology. Evaluate, select and integrate established knowledge to formulate potential solutions to issues regarding biodiversity conservation. |
| Apply traditional and contemporary information technologies and methods to scope and solve real world (authentic) problems in discipline-specific and professional contexts. Develop appropriate hypotheses, collect relevant data and apply contemporary analytical tools and approaches, to solve environmental issues and interpret the findings. |
| Take personal, professional and social responsibility for their own learning, including the capacity to engage in life-long learning by reflecting on learning, working responsibly and safely, understanding and demonstrating appropriate ethical conduct and behaviour. Demonstrated ability to document and show evidence of skills, attributes and experiences relevant to making the transition into the professional sphere. |
| Engage in, and contribute to, effective teams to deliver high quality, coherent outcomes. |
| Recognise the social, cultural, ethical and economic drivers of environmental change, both locally and globally. Apply cultural awareness and professionalism in the workplace and/or academic settings. Integrate cultural and social considerations into possible wildlife conservation and management through appreciation of, and effective consultation with, key stakeholders. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400514171 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
- Deakin code
- S393
- 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
$10,899
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Indigenous Access Scheme
If you’re an Indigenous student, you can apply for this course through the Indigenous Access Scheme. We recognise achievements beyond your ATAR and academic results, considering your skills, experience and community work as preparation for university study.
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.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.