Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management develops the scientific and industry skills to prepare graduates for employment in the wide variety of disciplines within the area of environmental science.

This course focuses strongly on field instruction and includes an industry internship in the final year. Extended field opportunities, global perspectives and international field expeditions develop graduates who have the skills to tackle national and international environmental issues.

What will I learn?

Studies in ecology, wildlife management, vegetation management, aquatic science, geographic information systems, environmental assessment and the earth sciences are complemented by studies of the human dimension, including Indigenous land management, environmental policy and natural resource management.

Best practice procedures in environmental management are rapidly becoming international rather than national. As the course incorporates an international study tour in the final year, a world of possibilities are available for graduates in terms of employment, while also presenting challenges such as interacting in different languages and with people of different cultures. Learning about these differences first-hand is one of the most rewarding experiences a student can have. As the global economy grows, so does the need for graduates who are competent in the international arena. While few Australian students do study abroad, those who choose an international experience are rewarded with tremendous professional opportunities. An international experience is life-changing.

This course includes practical experience through workplace learning.

After satisfactorily completing 24 specified subjects (after a minimum of three years study), students may elect to leave the course and graduate with the Bachelor of Environmental Science.

Learning facilities

To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:

• a range of field-based equipment and software relevant to undertaking field study exercises
• fully equipped laboratory facilities
• a library that covers a broad range of natural and cultural management literature.

Your course is recognised by industry

The course has been developed in close conjunction with industry and through involvement with the internship program that students undertake in their final year.

Industry partners include the Murray Darling Basin Authority, the NSW Conservation Trust and the Murray Catchment Management Authority.

Honours stream

Meritorious students will be invited to undertake the integrated Honours option, which involves an intensive year of field based study in a specialist area of environmental science. Projects examining environmental issues nationally or internationally, often working with industry partners, provide advanced level research and problem solving skills relevant to industry, and also to a career in environmental science and/or research.

This course includes 150 hours of field instruction and a supported international study tour to develop graduates with the professional skills in the science and management of the environment for conservation and sustainability.

In the final year, students undertake a one-session internship with an industry partner to develop the skills required for successful transition into the workplace.

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

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

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