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.

Flexible study options

CSU is well-known for its innovative approach to education, offering practical, hands-on courses, supported online to provide students with accessible, world-class education. CSU has an excellent reputation for providing quality education delivered by dedicated academics with relevant industry experience.

At CSU, you can:

  • study at your own pace. While we regard two subjects as a normal part-time load, you are able to balance your work, life and study commitments by taking between one and four subjects each session
  • study throughout the year. CSU offers a limited range of subjects in Session 3 (November to February) so you can speed your progress through the course
  • choose when to study. Almost all subjects in the School of Environmental Sciences are offered on campus and by distance education, allowing you to combine study modes or vary your choice of subjects to meet commitments during the week
  • vary your study pattern to suit your career aspirations. We understand you come to us because you want an interesting job. You can vary (with permission) from the recommended pattern to meet your career aspirations. With hundreds of subjects on offer you can gain in-depth understanding of a range of topics - everything from advanced GIS to zoo curatorship
  • take specialised subjects at other universities. Our international program, CSU Global, allows you to spend a session at a university overseas. You may also be able to undertake subjects in areas of study outside CSU's curriculum, such as marine studies, at other universities
  • gain recognition for your prior study. Recognised academic courses at other universities or TAFE can be credited towards your course. CSU also offers credit based on work experience, as long as you can provide evidence that you already have the skills and knowledge contained within the subject. More information about credit and pathways.
  • 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.


    Career opportunities

    CSU’s focus is on education programs that prepare graduates for work. Courses are designed with input from industry, professions and government to develop practical, hands-on qualifications to help you gain valuable skills for new employment opportunities. You will graduate with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, habits and professional networks needed for a successful career.

    Catchment Management specialisation

    This specialisation is for students passionate about the sustainable management of catchment communities and environments. With an understanding of Australia's unique agricultural systems and the environments that support them, graduates find jobs in Landcare, sustainable agricultural enterprises, catchment management agencies and agricultural departments and a range of community development programs.

    Conservation and Management specialisation

    Students in this specialisation will gain knowledge and skills in the conservation and management of biodiversity. Ecological studies of plants and wildlife are a core focus of this specialisation. Graduates enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities, especially in conservation biology, wildlife management and ecosystem restoration.

    Land and Water specialisation

    This specialisation prepares students for careers in the conservation and management of biophysical resources. Land and water management are the biggest issues facing Australia as a whole. With a focus on biophysical resource use, graduates find work in river restoration and management, water resource management, soil analysis and geographic information systems (GIS).

    Landscape Analysis specialisation

    This specialisation has a focus on the spatial analysis and sustainable management of landscapes. With a growing appreciation of the natural environment and increasing awareness of the possible harmful effects activities such as mining activities can cause, industry and government have responded with a number of initiatives and regulations to protect and manage the environment. Graduates of this specialisation enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities where environmental impact assessment and land management is essential, especially in the mining industry, water resource use and ecosystem restoration.

    The course is of 192 points duration, comprising 88 points of core subjects, a specialisation sequence of 104 points.

    Core subjects (88 points)

    BIO112 Principles of Ecology
    BIO262 Vegetation Ecology
    BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
    ENM101 People and the Environment
    ENM109 Introduction to Professional Practice
    ENM163 Natural Resource Management
    ENM309 Managing Resources and Projects
    GEO164 Earth System Processes
    GEO360 Community Engagement & Capacity Building
    SCI103 Communicating Environmental Data
    SPA215 Principles of GIS

    Specialisation subjects (104 points)

    Ecological Conservation Specialisation
    Provides knowledge and skills in conservation of the environment

    BIO203 Animal Diversity
    BIO216 Conservation Biology
    BIO263 Methods of Ecosystem Analysis
    BIO312 Landscape Ecology
    BIO326 Vegetation and Disturbance Management (16 points)
    BIO327 Wildlife Ecology and Management (16 points)
    BIO328 Restoration Ecology
    ENM422 nvironmental Impact Assessment and Auditing
    GEO204 Soils and Landscapes
    GEO303 Climatology
    SPA406 GIS Applications

    Land and Water Specialisation
    Provides knowledge and skills in managing our biophysical resources

    BIO216 Conservation Biology
    BIO263 Methods of Ecosystem Analysis
    BIO312 Landscape Ecology
    BIO402 River Restoration and Protection
    GEO204 Soils and Landscapes
    GEO303 Climatology
    GEO305 Groundwater Hydrology and Mgt
    GEO314 River Geomorphology
    PSC420 Water Policy and Management
    ENM308 The Challenge of Sustain Development
    SPA217 Principles of Remote Sensing
    SPA313 Advanced GIS Modelling
    SPA406 GIS Applications

    Catchment Management Specialisation
    Provides knowledge and skills in managing our natural resources in rural environments

    AGB165 Agribusiness Systems
    AGR237 Property Planning
    BIO326 Vegetation and Disturbance Management (16 points)
    GEO303 Climatology
    GEO305 Groundwater Hydrology and Management
    GEO314 River Hydrology and Geomorphology
    PSC104 Soil Science
    PSC420 Water Policy and Management
    ENM308 The Challenge of Sustainable Development
    SOC226 Rural Sociology
    SOC308 Community Analysis
    SPA217 Principles of Remote sensing

    Landscape Analysis and Management Specialisation
    Provides knowledge and skills in managing landscapes and the impact of extractive industries

    BIO263 Methods of Ecosystem Analysis
    BIO3I2 Landscape Ecology
    ENM415 Environmental Management of Mine Sites and Contaminated Lands
    ENM422 Enviromental Impact Assessment and Auditing
    GEO204 Soils and Landscapes
    GEO303 Climatology
    GEO305 Groundwater Hydrology and Management
    GEO314 River Hydrology and Geomorphology
    SPA217 Principles of Remote Sensing
    SPA405 Image Analysis
    SPA406 GIS Applications
    SPA412 Integrated GIS/Remote Sensing
    SPA414 Critical Review of GIS

    Enrolment pattern

    Normally six years by Part-time Distance Education. Note students may be able to decrease the length of time it takes to do the degree by taking some of the limited number of subjects that are available in Session 3 (90) or increasing their load.

    Common Part-time Distance Pattern For First Year - by Part-time Distance Education Study
    Year 1
    Session 1 (30)

    SCI103 Communicating Environmental Data
    ENM109 Introduction to Professional Practice

    Session 2 (60)
    BIO112 Principles of Ecology
    GEO164 Earth System Processes

    Remaining Pattern for Ecological Conservation Specialisation

    Year 2
    Session 1 (30)

    ENM101 People and the Environment
    BIO263 Methods of Ecosystem Analysis

    Session 2 (60)
    ENM163 Natural Resource Management
    BIO262 Vegetation Ecology

    Session 3 (90)- It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 3
    Session 1 (30)

    SPA215 Principles of GIS
    BIO203 Animal Diversity

    Session 2 (60)
    SPA406 GIS Applications
    GEO360 Community Engagement & Capacity Building

    Session 3 (90)-It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 4
    Session 1 (30)

    GEO204 Soils and Landscapes
    BIO216 Conservation Biology

    Session 2 (60)
    BIO327 Wildlife Ecology and Management (16 Points)

    Session 3 (90)- It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 5
    Session 1 (30)

    BIO326 Vegetation and Disturbance Management (16 points)

    Session 2 (60)
    BIO328 Restoration Ecology
    GEO303 Climatology

    Session 3 (90) - It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 6
    Session 1 (30)

    BIO323 RIver and Floodplain Ecology
    BIO312 Landscape Ecology

    Session 2 (60)
    ENM309 Managing Resources & Projects
    ENM422 Enviromental Impact Assessment and Auditing


    Remaining Pattern for Land and Water Specialisation

    Year 2
    Session 1 (30)

    ENM101 People and the Environment
    BIO263 Methods of Ecosystem Analysis

    Session 2 (60)
    ENM163 Natural Resource Management
    BIO262 Vegetation Ecology

    Session 3 (90)- It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 3
    Session 1 (30)

    SPA215 Principles of GIS
    BIO216 Conservation Biology

    Session 2 (60)
    SPA406 GIS Applications
    GEO360 Community Engagement & Capacity Building

    Session 3 (90) It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 4
    Session 1 (30)

    GEO204 Soils and Landscapes
    SPA217 Principles of Remote Sensing

    Session 2 (60)
    SPA313 Advanced GIS modelling
    GEO303 Climatology

    Session 3 (90)- It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 5
    Session 1 (30)

    GEO314 River Hydrology & Geomorphology
    BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology

    Session 2 (60)
    PSC420 Water Policy and Mganagement
    GEO305 Groundwater Hydrology and Management

    Session 3 (90)- It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 6
    Session 1 (30)

    BIO312 Landscape Ecology
    ENM308 The Challenge of Sustainable Development

    Session 2 (60)
    ENM309 Managing Resources & Projects
    BIO402 River Restoration and Protection

    Remaining Pattern for Catchment Management Specialisation

    Year 2
    Session 1 (30)

    ENM101 People and the Environment
    AGB165 Agribusiness Systems

    Session 2 (60)
    ENM163 Natural Resource Management
    PSC104 Soil Science

    Session 3 (90) It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 3
    Session 1 (30)

    SPA215 Principles of GIS
    SPA217 Principles of Remote Sensing

    Session 2 (60)
    BIO262 Vegetation Ecology
    SOC226 Rural Sociology

    Session 3 (90)- It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 4
    Session 1 (30)

    AGR237 Property Planning
    GEO314 River Hydrology and Geomorphology

    Session 2 (60)
    GEO360 Community Engagement & Capacity Building
    GEO305 Groundwater Hydrology and Management

    Session 3 (90) It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 5
    Session 1 (30)

    BIO326 Vegetation and Disturbance Management (16 points)

    Session 2 (60)
    GEO303 Climatology
    SOC308 Community Analysis

    Session 3 (90) It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 6
    Session 1 (30)

    BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
    ENM308 The Challenge of Sustainable Development

    Session 2 (60)
    ENM309 Managing Resources & Projects
    PSC420 Water Policy and Management

    Remaining Pattern for Landscape Analysis and Management Specialisation - by Part-time Distance Education

    Year 2
    Session 1 (30)

    ENM101 People and the Environment
    BIO263 Methods of Ecosystem Analysis

    Session 2 (60)
    ENM163 Natural Resource Management
    BIO262 Vegetation Ecology

    Session 3 (90) It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 3
    Session 1 (30)

    SPA215 Principles of GIS
    GEO204 Soils and Landscapes

    Session 2 (60)
    SPA406 GIS Applications
    GEO303 Climatology

    Session 3 (90)- It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 4
    Session 1 (30)

    SPA217 Principles of Remote Sensing
    GEO314 River Hydrology & Geomorphology

    Session 2 (60)
    SPA405 Image Analysis
    GEO305 Groundwater Hydrology and Management

    Session 3 (90) It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 5
    Session 1 (30)

    SPA414 Critical Review of GIS
    BIO312 Landscape Ecology

    Session 2 (60)
    GEO360 Community Engagement and Capcity building
    SPA412 Integrated GIS/Remote Sensing

    Session 3 (90) It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

    Year 6
    Session 1 (30)

    BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
    ENM415 Environmental Management of Mine Sites and Contaminated Lands

    Session 2 (60)
    ENM309 Management of Resources & Projects
    ENM422 Environmental Impact Assessment & Auditing

    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.

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      Apply now

      This course is available to commence study in

      Session 1; Session 2

      Australian and New Zealand students

      Apply online

      Admission code: ESES

      International Students

      Apply online

      Admission code: JSES

      Recruitment agent

      Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help with the student visa application process.

      Video | Environmental Science students in Nepal

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      Watch some highlights from the annual four week field experience program in Nepal.

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