Environmental science courses

Environmental science is the study of how people and nature interact. It focuses on protecting and restoring the environment. You’ll learn how to tackle the biggest environmental issues of today. Climate change, conservation, and sustainable resources are all key areas of focus. You can also choose to specialise in areas like ecology or environmental policy.

An environmental science course teaches you about biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and statistics. You’ll learn to collect data, study ecosystems, and find solutions to environmental problems.

Many courses let you specialise in areas like climate change, ecology, or marine science.

If you study an environmental science degree online, you may have the chance to do practical placements or fieldwork—it depends on the course and university you choose. Some degrees, like the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, include workplace learning. Some courses may also have intensive schools or lab activities for hands-on learning.

Check the course requirements on each course page to learn more about placements and fieldwork options. Better yet, book a consultation for unbiased advice on the courses you’re looking at.

Yes, you can transition into environmental science from another field. Many people study a broader science discipline first before deciding to focus on sustainability and the environment.

Before moving into environmental science, you may need to complete some basic science subjects. Open Universities Australia offers flexible options such as single subjects with no entry requirements so that you can get started building the knowledge you need.

Our expert student advisors are here to help you understand any prerequisite course requirements, particularly when moving from another field of study.

Entry requirements for an environmental science degree vary depending on the university and the course itself. Some degrees require an ATAR of around 70.00, but through Open Universities Australia you can get started on single subjects without an ATAR. Then, you can use the successful completion of these subjects to gain entry into your desired course. Chat with us to explore your options.

An environmental science course helps you solve important environmental problems. Your career could focus on reducing pollution, protecting habitats, or resource management. By using your skills, you’ll help make the planet healthier for current and future generations.

An environmental science degree opens up various career paths, including:

• Environmental scientist

• Researcher

• Government roles

• Environmental consultancy

• GIS specialist

Environmental science is a growing field in Australia, driven by concerns like climate change and sustainability. As a result, demand is increasing across industries such as agriculture, construction, and energy.

Government agencies, non-profits, consultancy firms, and local councils all need skilled professionals to address environmental challenges. Graduates with expertise in areas like climate change, ecology, environmental policy, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are especially sought after. This means there are excellent career prospects in the field.

If environmental science isn’t quite the right fit, there are several related fields you can explore. Some options include:

• Geography Study the Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationship between people and the planet.

• Engineering Focus on using technology and design to solve environmental challenges.

• Sustainability Learn how to promote sustainable practices across industries and communities.

• Agriculture Explore how to manage natural resources for farming and food production.

These fields offer opportunities to work on environmental issues from different angles, so you can still make a positive impact on the planet.

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.