Bachelor of Environmental Science

What is this course about?

CSU’s Bachelor of Environmental Science provides you with the ability to address a range of complex environmental problems including those associated with land degradation, loss of biodiversity, climate change and poor water management.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Environmental Science are employed by government departments, environmental consulting companies, and a range of other organisations as environmental scientists and managers, Landcare officers, catchment management officers, land and water officers or ecologists.

Graduates use their skills and knowledge to plan and manage environmental restoration and rehabilitation projects, undertake river and stream management programs, encourage sustainable agricultural enterprises, and conserve natural ecosystems. They use their expertise in the physical, biological and social sciences to restore damaged environments and create healthy and resilient ecosystems.

What will I learn?

The course focuses strongly on field instruction and real-world situations. Studies in physical, biological and social sciences are complemented by specialisations that allow students to focus on areas of particular interest after their first year of study. The following specialisations are available:

Catchment Management

This specialisation is for students seeking in-depth cognitive and technical skills in the sustainable management of catchment communities and environments.

Conservation and Management

In this specialisation you will gain in-depth cognitive and technical skills in the conservation and management of biodiversity.

Land and Water

The Land and Water specialisation offers in-depth cognitive and technical skills in the conservation and management of biophysical resources.

Landscape Analysis

If you are seeking in-depth knowledge and skills in spatial analysis and sustainable management of landscapes, this specialisation is for you.

Note: CSU's Bachelor of Environmental Science is only available by distance education.
For on campus study at CSU's internationally recognised sustainable Albury-Wodonga Campus, applicants should refer to the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management.

Why study this degree?

CSU’s Bachelor of Environmental Science is recognised by every environmental management agency in Australia. CSU works in close association with industry, professionals and government to ensure courses meet and support their needs.

More about career opportunities

CSU is well-known for its innovative approach to education, offering practical, hands-on courses, supported online to provide our students with accessible, world-class education.

CSU graduates are holistic, far-sighted people who help their communities grow and flourish. CSU gives students the ability to influence the world for the better. At CSU, you will:

• be taught by dedicated professionals with many years of collective experience in the field
• have the opportunity to gain practical experience during residential schools using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities that emphasise sustainable design
• have access to a library and world-class learning platforms that provide a broad range of literature and learning materials.

Residential schools

Some subjects in this course, particularly those teaching technical skills, have compulsory residential schools. If you choose these subjects you will be required to travel to Albury-Wodonga Campus for between two to four days to learn these skills during that session. Residential schools also provide you with the opportunity to meet other students, your lecturers, and learn from real life experiences in the environment.

CRICOS code

075526E

Graduation requirements

To graduate, students must successfully complete 192 points (24 subjects).

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.