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Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)

Undergraduate degree

Extend your learning in environmental science to gain a deeper understanding of your chosen discipline with research exploration in this honours degree.

Gets hands-on using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment

Top 1% of universities worldwide*

Leading environmental and marine science research program

Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Semester 1 2025 close 13 January 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) allows you to enhance your understanding of a chosen environmental science discipline, while building key research and transferable skills that enhance your employment options and prepare you for further study.

Honours is an optional year of specialised study that allows you to combine the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate studies. It is an opportunity to showcase your expertise in a discipline you are passionate about, and to develop invaluable research and life skills that will stay with you throughout your entire career.

You’ve worked hard for your undergraduate degree. Why not take the next step with an honours degree that launches your career forward?

With the support and supervision of experienced teachers who are leaders in their respective fields, you will explore research of national and global significance in areas including:

  • behaviour, ecology, evolution and ecophysiology
  • ecological risk assessment
  • environmental management and sustainability
  • fisheries and aquaculture
  • marine and freshwater biology
  • wildlife and conservation biology.

The coursework component of this honours program equips you with the essential knowledge that underpins research – experimental design, quantitative analysis, scientific communication and ethics. The research project component enables you to develop the research skills necessary to investigate your area of interest.

In addition to being an ideal pathway to further study and research training (including masters and PhD programs), the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) broadens your career options and allows you to graduate with specialised knowledge and experience that puts you ahead of the pack.

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Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
S494
CRICOS code?
047023E Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours), students must pass 8 credit points, which must include the following:

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • 6 core units within your chosen specialisation (6 credit points)
  • 2 core units that cover coursework in scientific disciplines (2 credit points).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

6

Specialisation units

2

Scientific discipline core units

8

Total

Core

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Honours Environmental Science Research 1A
  • Honours Environmental Science Research 1B
  • Honours Environmental Science Research 2 (2 credit points)
  • Honours Environmental Science Research 3 (2 credit points)
  • Science Professionalism
  • Research Design and Data Analysis
  • Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Semester 1 - January

    • Start date: January
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
      • Warrnambool

      Application closing date: Refer to Key dates section

    Semester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
      • Warrnambool

      Application closing date: Refer to Key dates section

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

    Projects and Supervision - additional information

    As part of your application for this course, you will be required to first contact potential supervisors and discuss projects. Once you have met with a supervisor and agreed on a project, you will need to complete an application form and submit this via the Deakin applicant portal.

    See Honours in Life and Environmental Sciences page

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher or major in a related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of at least 65 in third year units, or where relevant, final year units

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
    • IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent)
    • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $8,091 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
    Learn more about fees.

    The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

    Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

    Apply now

    Apply direct to Deakin

    Before you apply you need to identify a project and supervisor to support your application. Take a look through the projects booklet (PDF, 2.0MB) to see if there is an existing project that interests you. Contact the project supervisor to discuss the project and seek their written (e-mail) agreement to supervise you.

    You may also contact the Honours Campus Coordinator to discuss your own project proposal and identify a potential supervisor.

    After you have had a discussion and agreed upon a project, you will need to complete the honours application form and attach to a formal application through the application portal.

    Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.

    Pathways

    Further study options

    Graduates may wish to apply for further study in Higher Degrees by Research.

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

    Ranked ‘Well Above World Standard’ in Environmental Science and Management and Environmental Sciences^

    Rated 5 stars for world-class facilities, teaching and research#

    Research alongside the brightest minds in environmental science

    Get personalised support at every step of your degree

    Career outcomes

    Graduate with transferable skills that give you a competitive edge in the job market, including data analysis, critical thinking and digital literacy. Your understanding of your chosen discipline, in addition to your highly advanced research skills, will set you up to succeed in further study and open up employment opportunities in roles such as:

    • coastal project officer
    • climate change campaigner
    • ecologist
    • fisheries officer
    • laboratory scientist
    • park ranger or manager
    • marine biologist
    • museum curator
    • sustainability consultant
    • zoo biologist.

    Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) membership is open to environmental practitioners at all stages of their career – from those still completing their studies to established experts. EIANZ is a leading professional body in Australia and New Zealand supporting environmental practitioners and promoting independent and interdisciplinary discussion on environmental issues. Membership details are available on the EIANZ website.

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Graduates will have advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in environmental science.

    Communication

    Communicate effectively the design and outcomes of research using a range of verbal, graphical and written forms customised for diverse audiences.

    Digital literacy

    Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, critique, and disseminate outcomes from the research project.

    Critical thinking

    Use critical and analytical thinking to identify problems and the design of solutions using established theories, models, constructs and practice.

    Problem solving

    Apply theoretical constructs, advanced skills and critical analysis to demonstrate well developed judgement adaptability and evaluation of solutions to research problems.

    Self-management

    Develop and apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to demonstrate advanced levels of autonomy, initiative and ethical and professional behaviour in research.

    Teamwork

    Work independently and/or collaboratively within a research team, receiving advice and guidance from supervisor/s that contributes to achieving the outcomes of the Honours project.

    Global citizenship

    Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with stakeholders to articulate the place and importance of scientific inquiry in the local and global context.

    *ARWU Rankings 2022
    ^Excellence in Research for Australia's (ERA) research evaluation framework 2018
    # QS Stars University Ratings 2016-2017