Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian National University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability at the Australian National University (ANU) is designed for students passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and society. This program is perfect for those who want to explore the complex interactions between human activities and the natural world, equipping them with the skills to address pressing sustainability challenges.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students will lay a solid foundation in environmental science and sustainability principles. Courses such as "Introduction to Environmental Science" and "Sustainability: Principles and Practices" will introduce students to key concepts and frameworks, while "Environmental Economics" will help them understand the economic dimensions of environmental issues.

During the second year, students delve deeper into specialized topics, enhancing their analytical skills and understanding of environmental policies. Courses like "Environmental Policy and Governance" and "Ecosystem Management" will provide insights into how policies are developed and implemented, while "Climate Change: Science and Solutions" will explore the science behind climate change and potential solutions.

In the final year, students will engage in advanced studies and practical applications of their knowledge. They will undertake a capstone project in "Sustainable Development" and can choose electives such as "Urban Sustainability" and "Biodiversity Conservation," allowing them to tailor their learning to their interests and career aspirations.

Focus Areas: Environmental Science, Sustainability Policy, Climate Change, Ecosystem Management, Urban Sustainability.

Learning Outcomes: Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, understanding of environmental systems, policy analysis, and practical sustainability solutions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program aligns with industry standards and is recognized by relevant professional bodies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): ANU consistently ranks among the top universities globally, with high employability rankings in various assessments, including QS World University Rankings and The Guardian.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Australian National University (ANU), the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability program is designed to provide students with hands-on, practical skills that are essential for addressing real-world environmental challenges. The program emphasizes experiential learning through a variety of engaging activities, including field trips, group projects, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Students have the opportunity to work with advanced software and tools that enhance their learning experience and prepare them for future careers in sustainability.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability program:

- Field Trips: Students participate in field trips to diverse ecosystems and urban environments, allowing them to observe and analyze environmental issues firsthand.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects encourage teamwork and problem-solving, enabling students to tackle real-world sustainability challenges in a supportive environment.
- Internships: The program offers internship opportunities with industry partners, providing valuable work experience and networking possibilities.
- Digital Tools: Students gain proficiency in software such as ArcGIS for spatial analysis and environmental modeling, equipping them with essential technical skills.
- Research Laboratories: Access to specialized laboratories for environmental research allows students to engage in hands-on experiments and data collection.
- Libraries and Resources: ANU boasts extensive library resources, including access to environmental databases and journals, supporting students' research and learning.
- Sustainability Institutes: Students can collaborate with various institutes focused on sustainability research, enhancing their academic experience and professional connections.

These experiential learning components are integral to the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability program, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the field.

Consider applying to ANU and take the first step towards a rewarding career in environment and sustainability!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well prepared for careers focused on addressing environmental challenges through science, policy, and sustainability solutions. Many go on to work in environmental management, climate change adaptation, urban and regional planning, natural resource management, and sustainability consulting across government, private organisations, and international development sectors.

Progression and career support at ANU is closely connected to its research strengths and strong links with environmental policy and sustainability fields:

ANU Careers and Employability Service provides support with CV writing, interview preparation, internship guidance, and career planning
Strong connections with government agencies, policy institutions, and environmental research networks through ANU’s academic ecosystem
Opportunities for interdisciplinary and applied learning focused on real-world environmental and sustainability challenges
Strong employability outcomes supported by ANU’s international reputation in environmental science and sustainability education
Development of analytical thinking, communication, and systems-based problem-solving skills valued across environmental, government, and consulting careers
Exposure to sustainability research and policy-informed learning environments throughout the degree

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can progress into Honours in Environment and Sustainability or related disciplines, or pursue postgraduate study such as Master of Environmental Management, Master of Climate Change, Master of Public Policy, or Master of Sustainability. Many graduates also continue into PhD research pathways in environmental science, climate policy, and sustainability studies, leading to careers in research, government advisory roles, and international organisations.

Additional Information & Requirements

Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed based on completion of the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (or equivalent), meeting the minimum selection rank including any adjustment factors, satisfying English language proficiency requirements, and meeting any program-specific requirements.
Applicants with higher education study are assessed based on previous higher education results, or secondary education results if less than one year of full-time higher education has been completed, or results from a tertiary preparation program, along with English language proficiency and any program-specific requirements.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed based on completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 (Diploma) or higher, or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed, along with English language proficiency and any program-specific requirements.
Applicants with work and life experience are assessed based on secondary education (if the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or equivalent has been completed) or through the Work and Life Experience Based entry scheme, along with English language proficiency and any program-specific requirements.
The median salary after completing a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability at ANU is approximately AUD 85,000 per year for environment and sustainability graduates in Australia.
English language requirements can be met through IELTS Academic/UKVI (overall 6.5 with 6.0 in each band) or TOEFL iBT (overall 80–81 depending on intake year, with minimum section scores: Reading 20, Writing 20, Listening 18, Speaking 18 for pre-2027 or Reading 16, Writing 19, Listening 16, Speaking 19 for 2027 onwards)
GCE A-Level program required entrance rank – indicative score required is 80. For the best 3 subjects, the required score is 13, and for the best 4 subjects, the required score is 14.