Bachelor of Science (Environment)
Undergraduate
SCU-EES-DEG 2026Course information for 2026 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Study the environment to protect and manage it
Start with earth science fundamentals, then dig deeper into ecology, ecosystem regeneration, biogeochemistry, modelling and resource management. Think about conservation and protection. Strive for a career in parks, environment, or research.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Science (Environment)
About this degree
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
Course Learning Outcomes
GA1: Intellectual rigour
Apply holistic approaches and scientific methods to find solutions to complex and interdependent environmental and societal challenges.
Select and apply appropriate scientific methods, techniques and tools to systematically collect and accurately record data.
Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence.
GA2: Creativity
Select and apply appropriate scientific methods, techniques and tools to systematically collect and accurately record data.
Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence.
GA3: Ethical practice
Develop reflective practice in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science.
Demonstrate professional judgement, ethical behaviour, academic and research integrity, and an understanding of relevant professional standards and regulatory frameworks.
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence.
Demonstrate broad and well-developed knowledge of the theory and application of scientific principles and techniques.
GA5: Lifelong learning
Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence.
Develop reflective practice in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science.
Demonstrate collaborative skills and cultural competencies, including Indigenous perspectives.
GA6: Communication and social skills
Apply holistic approaches and scientific methods to find solutions to complex and interdependent environmental and societal challenges.
Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence.
Effectively communicate scientific knowledge, arguments and conclusions clearly and coherently to a range of audiences using well-developed oral and written communication skills and a variety of media.
GA7: Cultural competence
Demonstrate collaborative skills and cultural competencies, including Indigenous perspectives.
The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is an industry-orientated degree with career-focused science specialisations. Graduates are equipped with both scientific knowledge and practical skills to address critical global issues.
The three specialisations in Environment, Agriculture and Marine offer focused expertise aligned with real-world applications, allowing students to tackle environmental challenges, sustainable agricultural practices, and marine conservation.
Graduates from the Bachelor of Science will have diverse employment opportunities across environmental, marine, and agricultural sectors, each offering local and international prospects.
Environment
This specialisation focuses on understanding and managing the natural environment. Students learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change and sustainability. The program equips graduates with skills in environmental analysis, resource management and conservation, preparing them for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies and non-profit organisations.
Award requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
- 9 core units (108 credit points), and
- 1 specialisation in Environment or Marine or Agriculture (132 credit points), and
- 4 equivalent option units (48 credit points).
Choose your subjects
Majors
This specialisation focuses on understanding and managing the natural environment. Students learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change and sustainability. The program equips graduates with skills in environmental analysis, resource management and conservation, preparing them for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies and non-profit organisations.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$9,314
Indicative total fee $27,942
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.
Learn more about SCU.
Explore SCU courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 30
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 35
How to apply
Southern Cross University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Southern Cross University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
ATAR: 65 or equivalent.
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:
Overall: 6.0
- Listening: minimum 5.5
- Reading: minimum 5.5
- Speaking: minimum 5.5
- Writing: minimum 5.5.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
Study method requirements
Students may choose to undertake an optional internship placement at career-relevant workplaces.
Online students will be required to attend compulsory residential workshops at our Lismore campus over the duration of the degree. For more information on these residential workshops, please refer to the course page on the Southern Cross University website.
Career opportunities
A Bachelor of Science degree opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, depending on the area of specialisation. Graduates can pursue roles in research, industry, government and non-profit organisations, where scientific knowledge is applied to solve practical challenges.
Environment
Graduates may pursue roles such as Environmental Scientist, Natural Resource Manager, Conservation Officer, or GIS Analyst. Demand for environmental expertise is high, with opportunities in government, consulting and NGOs focusing on sustainability, conservation and resource management.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Conservation Officers | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Environmental Consultants | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Environmental Managers | Over $120K | N/A^ |
Environmental Research Scientists | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Environmental Scientists | $93K to $120K | Up 22.4% |
Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals | $93K to $120K | Up 31.7% |
Park Rangers | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |