< Back to results

Bachelor of Environmental Management

Science
Join one of Australia's top science faculties
The Bachelor of Environmental Management explores how environmental science relates to the regulation, economic and social dimensions of environmental policy and management. Tackle real-world environmental problems and graduate confidently at a university ranked in the top 50 in the world for environmental sciences, geology, and earth and marine science.
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
3 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
UAC code 429540
Program code 3965
CRICOS code 080468A
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2023 lowest selection rank
80
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$8,500*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$27,000*

Overview

Environmental issues such as climate change and sustainability are at the forefront of modern world challenges. The Bachelor of Environmental Management will equip you to make a positive impact by creating sustainable solutions. This degree explores how environmental science relates to the regulation, economic and social dimensions of environmental policy and management. Our graduates demonstrate skills in observing, analysing, experimenting and discovering the world around us.

Key features

  • Practical experience
    This program incorporates hands-on learning experiences, which will prepare you to tackle real-world environmental problems. Fieldwork is a key feature of many courses in this degree. You’ll gain practical skills and learn how to balance economic, social and environmental concerns. 
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities
    At UNSW Science, we focus on delivering the optimal balance of theory and practical work to equip you with the skills and experience to fast-track your career. The SCIF3199 Science Work Placement course gives you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through an internship. Previous work placement students have interned with IT companies, start-ups, government departments and large biomedical and biotechnology companies. Along with new professional skills and connections, you’ll also gain course credit for your work placement.
  • Research internship course
    The SCIF2041 Research Internship course gives you the opportunity to complete a short theoretical or experimental research project in a world-leading research team supervised by a member of academic staff. Internships may also involve a placement outside of UNSW, in the form of externally funded research programs.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Learn with the best
UNSW Science is home to globally recognised researchers and educators in the areas of climate change and sustainability. Our cross-disciplinary research influences important government and industry policies. Our world-class laboratories, clinics and simulators give you the tools to explore new frontiers and make meaningful scientific discoveries to benefit society.

  • We’re of the top 50 universities in the world for Environmental Sciences (#31).*
  • We’re ranked 2nd in Australia for research output in Earth & Environmental Sciences.**

Leverage our industry connections
Reach your career goals with industry relevant skills and training. Tap into our network of 400+ industry and research partners to start building your own professional connections.

Learn from world-class educators
Study with passionate and pioneering educators, including quantum physicist and 2018 Australian of the Year Professor Michelle Simmons AO, Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart, leading marine ecologist and Dean of Science Professor Emma Johnston AO and ground-breaking recycling scientist Professor Veena Sahajwalla.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
**Nature Index Institution Outputs 1 Dec 2019 – 30 Nov 2020

 

Program Code
3965
CRICOS Code
080468A
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
429540
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
102

Want to see more from UNSW Science?

Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank
80
2023 A levels
13
2023 IB Diploma
29
2023 Lowest ATAR
68*
    1. The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.
    2. The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2023 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Assumed knowledge

For students commencing in 2025 and 2026: Mathematics Advanced, Chemistry however additional subject(s) of Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics are highly recommended

For students commencing in 2027: Mathematics Advanced plus one or more of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics.

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW. 

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study. 

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

The Bachelor of Environmental Management consists of a core sequence of compulsory courses, a choice of disciplinary majors and a choice of elective courses. There are a variety of electives you can choose from to tailor your degree to your interests. Fields of study include biology, earth science, ecology, environmental chemistry, geography and marine science. 

Full program structure

The Bachelor of Environmental Management is offered as either a single degree or a double degree. This includes the following components:

  • degree core courses
  • major/specialisation (choose one of six available)
  • elective courses
  • general education courses (for single degrees only)
  • As a single degree, the Bachelor of Environmental Management is made up of 24 courses taken over three years of full-time study.

    Type

    Units of Credit (UOC)

    Number of courses

    Major/program core/prescribed electives

    120

    20

    Free electives

    12

    2

    General education

    12

    2

  • As a double degree, the Bachelor of Environmental Management is made up of 20 courses taken simultaneously with courses from your other degree. Students undertaking a double degree do not take general education or free elective courses.

    Type

    Units of Credit (UOC)

    Number of courses

    Major/program core/prescribed electives

    120

    20

    Other degree

    96

    16

Majors

You can choose from the following majors to specialise within a specific subject area: 

  • Study the science of life. Biologists explore how living organisms function, grow, evolve and relate to one another and the environment in which they live. Your study will cover:

    • animal behaviour, morphology and physiology
    • plant morphology and physiology
    • cell biology, evolutionary studies and genetics
    • marine biology.

    Find out more

  • Explore the science of nature and the evolution of our planet. This major covers everything from the structure of natural crystals and formation of fossils to the powerful forces that drive earthquakes and volcanoes.

    Find out more

  • Explore how various organisms including mammals, invertebrates, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, plants and microbes interact with one another and with their environment.

    Find out more

  • Explore the intersection of earth/environmental science and chemistry. This major examines the chemical processes that occur in water, air and living environments. In your third year, you’ll study core geochemistry and environmental toxicology courses. These courses will help you consolidate the knowledge you gained from previous chemistry courses and apply it to an environmental context.

    Find out more

  • Study the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. This major explores how natural and built environments function and change over time. Discover how these environments enhance or constrain human activity.

    Find out more

  • Explore all aspects of the marine environment, from biology to geology and the many sciences in between. This major can be studied with an emphasis on biology, earth sciences, climatology or oceanography.

    Find out more

Future careers

Environmental careers are often multidisciplinary and can integrate many fields such as physical, biological and information sciences. Professionals not only study the environment and human impact - they also explore solutions like renewable energy, natural resource management and sustainable development. Environmental careers span across many different industries including mining, civil engineering, natural resource management, government, geology, research and teaching.

Environmental science analyses and provides solutions to current environmental challenges including waste management, climate change and pollution. To protect the planet, environmental scientists study, develop and advise on future policies. These policies can be embedded within government legislation to ensure the survival of flora, fauna and other natural resources.

Our alumni

“As part of my role I get to analyse environmental data, make meaningful interpretations and report on those outcomes. My degree really set me up to do these things and really enjoy the work.”

Tashya Miranda

Environmental Scientist, Sydney Water

“During my degree I gained a range of practical skills through tutorials, laboratory classes and field trips. I gained hands-on experience in geology, soil identification and testing, water testing, surveying and mapping skills. I learned to effectively use the latest technologies and a range of software programs used in the industry. My degree and experience at UNSW not only provided the theoretical knowledge and practical skills I needed as an environmental scientist, but it has opened my eyes to the vast number of career possibilities out there.”

Nicky Warton

Environmental Scientist, Douglas Partners

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to apply?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to apply?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$8,500*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$27,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$53,000*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$170,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Featured scholarship


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

I gained a range of practical skills through tutorials, laboratory classes and field trips.
Nicky Warton

Nicky Warton

Environmental Scientist

Uni life your way at UNSW Science

See echidnas, elephants and the Australian outback as Georgia Badgery talks us through her unforgettable moments as a UNSW Science student.
Our Alumni
opens in a new window

Do you dream of solving big challenges with science?

Discover where a career in science, technology, engineering or maths can take you. You might be surprised by how many options there are.
Career Support

Where can a science degree take you?

Meet our science graduates who've gone on to tackle some of the world's biggest challenges today with the skills and knowledge they learned at UNSW.
Our Alumni

Discover our study areas

When you study science at UNSW, the areas you can explore are almost limitless. Learn more about our schools and the exciting degrees they offer.
Our Schools

This is Thays Costa

Thays has a passion for learning and discovery that knows no bounds. Through UNSW, she’s been able to pursue that passion in an industry based in innovation and opportunities.
Our Alumni