There is no denying that our environment is changing constantly. Global warming has now become an undisputed fact. People around the world face new and complex environmental challenges every day to preserve species from facing extinction and to protect the sustainability of the global ecosystem.
For those who are curious about the environment changes and keen in finding solutions to protect our planet earth from deteriorating further, a degree in Environmental Science will be ideal for your pursuit. In this article, we will guide you to understand the studies of Environmental Science and the options to study the degree at top universities in Australia.
What is Environmental Science?
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Environmental science is a field of study of the interactions between humans and the environment as well as the effects of humans on the environment. Environmental science integrates the knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, geography and social sciences to understand the world ecosystem more in-depth and find solutions for problems that arise from human interaction with the environment.
The various areas of study in environmental science frequently involve climate change, natural resources, energy, pollution and environmental issues.
Major/Specialization in Environmental Science
Geology
The study of rocks and minerals behaviour in the Earth processes.
Ecology
The study of how evolutionary ecology can be applied to solve challenges in evolution, ecology, conservation and biodiversity.
Plants and Soil Science
Study soil biology and plant health for growth and production with strategies and breeding for yield optimization and product quality
Climate and Weather
Learn the theoretical aspects of the atmosphere and ocean, the science behind climate change and the roles of wind and ocean current systems.
Ecosystem Science
Study about environmental change at global scales and identify ways people can adapt to changes to improve their lives.
Career Opportunities for Environmental Science Graduates
With a degree in Environmental Science, graduates are exposed to a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as geology, conservation and biology. The careers in Environmental Science are as follows;
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist identifies different types of pollutants that affect the environment and comes up with ways to remove them to enhance and protect human and environmental health.
Environmental Consultant
Provides expert advice on the ways to handle environmental issues and reduce overall carbon emission for businesses.
Ecologist
Responsible for the study and evaluation of habitats and how humans influence their climate and ecosystems.
Marine Biologist
Marine Biologists are a specialist in aquatic life science. They conduct research and collect data to study marine life and animals.
Geographer
Geographers utilize Global Position System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) to collect data and study various parts of the world as well as the phenomena of the Earth.
Benefits of Studying in Australia
World Education Excellence
Australian universities have consistently marked their place in the world university rankings. The universities rank based on education quality, student satisfaction, international reputation and graduate employability.
Their strategy to work placement feeds confidence that they will sustain in the competitive world and practical education substantially improves students’ skills necessary for careers in the real world.
Diversity Exposure
Australia is a warm and friendly country that values freedom and democracy and the people respect others from various cultures. Options for accommodation such as homestays, flats, shared houses, etc can be found conveniently. Therefore, this will be ideal for international students to study and gain experience by engaging with people from diverse cultures.
Working while studying
In Australia, international students have the opportunity to work as a part-timer while studying a full-time course. International students are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full time during semester break. The minimum wage is about AUD $18 per hour and it can complement some of their expenses such as groceries, rents and meals. A student visa is required for international students to be able to work as a part-timer.
Students may choose to work in several industries as follows;
- Retail – Small store or large departmental store
- Hospitality – Work in cinemas, restaurants, hotels and sporting venues
- Services – Supermarkets, fuel stations and call centres
- Industry – Students may find a job that is related to their course field; for example, law students can carry out administrative tasks in law firms.
General Entry Requirement to study Environmental Science in Australia
STPM | Minimum grade B in 3 subjects (including English, Mathematics and one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics) |
A-Levels | Grade range from BBC to AAA |
UEC | Minimum of 5Bs or a score of 16 points |
ATAR | A minimum score of 80.00 |
International Baccalaureate (IB) | A minimum score of 30 or above |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
English Requirement for Environmental Science in Australia
|
IELTS |
Overall 6.5 and 6.0 in every band |
|
TOEFL |
Overall 87, listening:19, reading:19, writing:21 and speaking:19. |
|
PTE |
An overall score of 64 and 60 in each band |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Top 6 Universities to study Environmental Science in Australia (2021)
#1 University of Queensland (UQ)
Image Credit: University of Queensland
UQ currently ranks 1st in environmental science courses in the QS Top Universities Rankings and 14th in the world. Students are able to study the effects of climate change and the implementation of environmental strategies to conserve habitats and protect global wildlife, clean water and food.
Program | Bachelor of Environmental Science |
Intake (2021) | February & July |
Duration | 3 years (full-time) |
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) | AUD $43,504 |
#2 University of Melbourne
Image Credit: Thinkerten
Ranked 3rd in environmental science courses in Australia, University of Melbourne offers core skills for students which are essential to environmental evaluations, consultancy and management positions for problem framing, environmental reporting and modelling.
|
Program |
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science |
|
Intake (2021) |
March & July |
|
Duration |
3 years (full time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD$41,912-$45,944 |
#3 University of New-South Wales (UNSW)
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UNSW is ranked 23rd in the world top universities and offers combined knowledge of engineering and environmental processes in identifying and developing solutions to environmental challenges. Students are able to apply these skills through 60 days of approved industry training.
|
Program |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental) |
|
Intake (2021) |
February & May |
|
Duration |
4 years (full-time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $47,760 |
#4 James Cook University (JCU)
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JCU’s world-class research in environmental science and management helps students to study the ways to handle interactions between humans and the environment to develop solutions to current and potential challenges to the environment.
|
Program |
Bachelor of Environmental Practice |
|
Intake (2021) |
February & July |
|
Duration |
3 years (full time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $34,480 |
#5 Griffith University
Image Credit: Griffith University
Griffith ranks in the top 100 universities in the world, and its Bachelor of Environment Science course is accredited by Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). The program benefits students the knowledge and skills of exploring environmental issues from different perspectives such as social, physical and biological.
|
Program |
Bachelor of Environmental Science |
|
Intake (2021) |
March & June |
|
Duration |
3 years full time |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $34,000 |
#6 University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Image Credit: John Holland
UTAS is that it emphasises on aquatic science, chemistry and managing climate and variety of key themes within the university, particularly the environment and marine research. The degree also offers interaction with chemical, geography and agricultural studies as well as institutes within the university throughout the course.
|
Program |
Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Science |
|
Intake (2021) |
February & July |
|
Duration |
3 years (full time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $33,950 |
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About the Author
Sasvin Ravi
I am a freelance content writer, writing on a weekly basis while discovering my true passion.