Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability (Honours)

5 Year On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian National University

Program Overview

This program is designed for students who want to understand environmental challenges in depth and build the scientific, analytical, and policy skills needed to address sustainability issues. It is suitable for those interested in climate change, environmental science, natural resource management, and sustainability policy, combining foundational science with advanced environmental research and applied problem-solving.

Students study environmental systems, human-environment relationships, sustainability frameworks, and practical approaches to environmental decision-making, preparing them for both scientific and policy-focused careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students build a foundation in environment and sustainability through introductory subjects such as ENVS1008 Fundamentals of Environment and Sustainability and ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research. These courses introduce key environmental systems, sustainability concepts, and basic research methods, while also developing critical thinking and data interpretation skills.

Year 2
In the second year, students focus on applied environmental studies through subjects such as ENVS2011 Human Ecology and ENVS2025 Indigenous Cultural and Natural Resource Management. This year explores how humans interact with the environment and highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge in managing natural resources and ecosystems.

Year 3
The third year focuses on advanced environmental policy and problem-solving with courses such as ENVS3028 Environmental Policy and ENVS3040 Complex Environmental Problems in Action. Students learn how to evaluate environmental challenges and assess policy solutions using real-world case studies and analytical approaches.

Year 4
In the fourth year, students take advanced electives and specialise in areas such as biodiversity, climate systems, land and water management, or sustainability studies. This stage strengthens their ability to analyse complex environmental issues and prepares them for independent research work.

Year 5 (Honours Year)
The final year is dedicated to an independent research project in environment and sustainability. Students design and complete a major thesis under academic supervision, focusing on research methods, data analysis, and developing original insights into environmental challenges.

Focus Areas
Environmental science, sustainability, climate change, environmental policy, human ecology, natural resource management, biodiversity, land and water systems, Indigenous environmental knowledge, research methods, environmental analysis

Learning Outcomes
Students develop strong skills in analysing environmental issues, applying scientific and policy approaches to sustainability, conducting independent research, interpreting environmental data, and communicating solutions effectively in both academic and professional contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This is a non-clinical interdisciplinary environmental degree. It prepares students for careers in environmental management, sustainability consulting, climate policy, government advisory roles, and research positions in environmental organisations.

Reputation and Employability
The Australian National University is internationally recognised for excellence in science, research, and public policy. Graduates are highly regarded for their analytical and research skills and are well prepared for roles in government agencies, environmental consultancies, NGOs, and international sustainability organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Australian National University (ANU), the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Honours program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This hands-on approach ensures that you not only learn about environmental issues but also engage directly with real-world challenges. The program emphasizes experiential learning through various facilities, tools, and opportunities that prepare you for a successful career in sustainability.

Here’s how you can expect to gain practical experience during your studies:

- Field Trips: Engage in fieldwork that takes you to diverse ecosystems and environments, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world settings.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with fellow students on projects that tackle current environmental issues, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Internships: Gain valuable industry experience through internships with organizations focused on sustainability, providing you with insights and connections in the field.
- Digital Tools: Utilize software such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for spatial analysis and environmental modeling, equipping you with essential technical skills.
- Research Laboratories: Access state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to environmental research, where you can conduct experiments and analyze data.
- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from ANU’s extensive library system, which offers a wealth of resources on environmental science and sustainability.
- Institutes and Centers: Collaborate with renowned institutes like the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions, which focuses on innovative research and solutions.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance your academic experience but also prepare you for a dynamic career in the field of environment and sustainability.

Choosing to study at ANU means you’re not just learning; you’re actively participating in shaping a sustainable future. I encourage you to apply and take the first step towards making a difference!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well prepared for advanced roles in environmental science, sustainability consulting, climate policy, and natural resource management. The honours-level research training also strengthens their ability to work in government agencies, environmental organisations, and international development sectors. Many graduates also use this degree as a pathway into PhD research or further specialised postgraduate study.

Progression and career support at ANU is closely connected to its research-focused environment and strong links with environmental and policy institutions:

ANU Careers and Employability Service provides support with CV writing, interview preparation, internship guidance, and career planning
Access to ANU College of Science networks and research groups focused on environment, climate, and sustainability
Strong honours research training through an independent, supervised research project in environment and sustainability
Strong employability outcomes supported by ANU’s global reputation in environmental science and policy research
Development of advanced skills in research design, data analysis, systems thinking, and evidence-based decision-making
Preparation for roles in government departments, environmental consultancies, NGOs, and international organisations

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can progress into Master of Environmental Management, Master of Climate Change, Master of Public Policy, Master of Sustainability, or other specialised postgraduate programs. Many graduates also move into PhD research pathways in environmental science, sustainability, climate systems, and environmental policy, leading to careers in academia, research institutions, and global environmental organisations.