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.

Workplace learning

CSU works in close association with industry, professions and government to ensure our courses meet and support industry needs. We contextualise learning in a way which empowers and motivates students, while assisting them to develop key skills and knowledge required for employment, further education and active participation in their communities. At CSU, you will:

• learn through practical and/or field experience. This gives relevance to what you are learning and enables you to construct your own understanding of the course material. We provide this through practical, real world assessment tasks as well as through field trips so you can learn the skills that environmental managers need
• have opportunities to undertake a range of field experiences.There are many opportunities to participate in voluntary and paid field expeditions to areas such as the Australian alps, Mungo National Park and North Head, Sydney
• be supported in doing professional practice. Students are supported in taking at least six weeks of full-time work placement in Australia or overseas. This ensures all students receive first-hand experience of what it is like to work in their profession. Placement opportunities in Australia range from the Tasmanian wilderness to Australia's far north
• travel to places around the world. Each year the School hosts a number of international field trips to locations such as East Timor, Cambodia and Nepal. International experience is also encouraged through CSU's Student Exchange Program.

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2