Get work-ready
Gain experience through our innovative practical programs, spending time in an organisation related to your specialisation. Apply and consolidate knowledge from your course while experiencing workplace culture and practices. This lets you explore career options, develop a professional network and prepare for real-life settings in which today's science graduates work.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate (your first degree)
An undergraduate degree is generally completed between two to four years, depending on the pattern of study and any recognition of prior learning you may have. Associate degrees, bachelor and bachelor with honours are all undergraduate degrees.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Research
Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)
Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.
Career opportunities
You'll have the opportunity to be employed in a wide range of areas, including:
- animal health
- environmental consulting
- emerging biotechnology industries
- herbaria
- museums
- primary industries
- wildlife biology
- quarantine services
- the general health and medical industry.
Study with the best
Deakin is ranked in the top 1% globally for life sciences and medicine.* This rating highlights Deakin’s world-class facilities, academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.
Study science at Deakin
Find out why our students love studying science, the diverse study opportunities and the benefits of the hands-on, practical approach at Deakin.
Life and environmental science facilities
Explore Deakin's life and environmental science facilities at our Melbourne Burwood Campus, featuring modern labs and equipment, and the ability to conduct practical work in the natural reserve and creek right by campus.
More than a degree
Our science course offers an experience, not just a classroom degree. Cultivate a deep understanding of biology through developments in informatics and technology, and learn what's needed to reduce our impact on living resources and ecosystems.
Through Deakin, I have developed a passion for wildlife research, the environment and sustainability.
Darcy Watchorn
Biological science student
Learn more about Darcy's experiences
'Initially, I chose Deakin because I thought it had a very good selection of classes, and I had heard positive feedback about them, along with the approachability of the teaching staff within that faculty. I had moved to Melbourne knowing nobody, and since made many wonderful, like minded friends who are just as passionate as I am. In this sense, I love the atmosphere which Deakin sustains.
I found the teaching staff at Deakin University to be extremely approachable, helpful and friendly. They encourage you to contact them if you need help during the unit, which is something I know to be not so freely available at other universities.
Studying at Deakin allowed me to travel internationally on an exchange program, and to discover exciting potential careers that I wouldn't have even considered as an option. I completed an exchange at the University of Waterloo in Canada. It was undeniably one of the best experiences of my life, enabling me to meet a bunch of great new people, immerse myself in different cultures and societies, and to travel across Canada and Central America.'
Industry connections
The School of Life and Environmental Sciences runs an annual careers evening for current students every April, in conjunction with student-led societies and guest industry speakers (who are often past students).
The popular and successful Life and Environmental Sciences Careers Evening is held at our Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool campuses. These events give our students and staff the opportunity to network with industry.
To become work-ready graduates, students also complete an 80-hour work placement within industry or a relevant company as part of our professional practice units. Students have the option of completing placements locally or internationally, in addition to the study abroad and international study tour options.
Research that matters
What does the future of science hold for us? If you've got a great idea that you'd like to develop, we’ll help take it to the next level with a higher degree by research.
Footnotes
*2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject.