Question 1

What is an environmental science degree?

Accepted Answer

An environmental science degree will give you the knowledge you need to understand, protect, restore, and rehabilitate our natural world. It will set you up for a rewarding career within the environmental sciences—whether as a scientist or researcher, policy officer, or in a role within environmental management, such as a parks ranger or landcare officer.

There are a range of different environmental science degrees you can choose from, depending on your exact area of interest and career goals. Some may focus more on hard sciences, such as chemistry or biology, and others more on areas such as policy or planning. Make sure you check the course outline to see what interests you and suits your aspirations.

Another interesting, related niche you might like to consider is Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which is a technology used by organisations and local councils to map and manage assets in a given area. In a GIS-specific course, you’ll learn relevant computer skills and software, and how to manage projects that need this kind of geographical tech.

Question 2

What do you learn in an environmental science degree?

Accepted Answer

In your environmental science degree, you’ll likely cover fundamental knowledge in areas such as biology, statistics, chemistry, and earth sciences—though keep in mind the exact topics will vary from course to course. You’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and the practical skillset you need to get started within the industry. You might spend some time out in the field collecting samples, before taking them back to the lab to analyse them.

Depending on the course, you can specialise in an area that most interests you, such as climate change, ecology, river basin and catchment protection, or marine science. You might also have the chance to complete a work placement as part of your studies, so you can gain vital industry experience at an environmental organisation or agency.

Question 3

What ATAR do you need for environmental science?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need an ATAR of about 70.00 to be accepted into an environmental science degree, but this will depend on the exact course. Keep in mind that if you study through Open Universities Australia, you can access some environmental science courses without an ATAR. Get in touch with us to chat about your options.

Question 4

Why should I study environmental science?

Accepted Answer

There’s never been a better—or more important—time to study environmental science. As the world races to address the impacts of climate change, we need many more skilled environmental workers with the expertise to help us make crucial changes.

Environmental science is a very rewarding discipline and industry to be a part of. Whether you’re researching ecological systems, revegetating a crucial habitat, or helping manage a river or coastal system, you’ll know you’re making a difference for future generations.

Question 5

Why should I study environmental science online?

Accepted Answer

Studying an environmental science degree online means that you can work from wherever suits you best. You’ll be able to build your skills at a pace that suits you, and more easily fit your study around your existing work or home life.

Question 6

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We’ll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

Question 7

What jobs can you get with an environmental science degree in Australia?

Accepted Answer

An environmental science degree opens up a huge range of career possibilities. You can become an environmental scientist or researcher and pursue fieldwork in an area such as ecology, to help us learn more about habitats and crucial environmental issues.

You could also find work in a government agency, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or at an environmental consultancy, where you will help manage or rehabilitate important sites and habitats.

Or, if you study a GIS course, you’ll open up opportunities in that burgeoning area, and may put your expertise into practice for a local council or organisation that tracks and manages assets.

Question 8

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Accepted Answer

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

Question 9

How do I enrol?

Accepted Answer

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.

Environmental science courses

Introduction to Environmental science