Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) is perfect for students passionate about nature and wildlife. You’ll gain hands-on experience handling native animals, surveying ecosystems, and developing conservation strategies, while learning how to tackle real-world environmental challenges.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll start with the foundations of environmental science, exploring units like Ecology and the Environment, Biodiversity: a Global Perspective, and Physical Geography. Expect to spend time both in the lab and the field, learning how ecosystems function and how to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.

Year 2: Your learning deepens with applied units such as Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Botany, and Landscapes and Their Management. Field trips and research projects will help you practice monitoring wildlife, managing habitats, and collaborating with communities on conservation efforts.

Year 3: Focus shifts to professional practice and advanced skills through units like Wildlife Conservation and Management, Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Scientists, and Zoological and Wildlife Field Studies. You’ll engage in industry placements, remote field studies, and real-world conservation projects that prepare you for a career in environmental science.

Focus Areas: Wildlife ecology, conservation strategies, biodiversity management, GIS, fire ecology.

Learning Outcomes: Apply scientific knowledge and practical skills to conserve wildlife and manage ecosystems sustainably.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This degree aligns with Australian environmental science standards and includes professional placements to ensure you graduate career-ready.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Deakin is recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, reflecting strong industry connections and practical learning opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re passionate about wildlife and conservation, this program gets you straight into hands-on learning from day one. You’ll gain practical skills in capturing and handling native animals, surveying wildlife populations, and assessing ecosystem health. Fieldwork isn’t occasional—it’s a regular part of your studies, including an annual remote field studies camp, giving you the confidence and experience to tackle real environmental challenges. On top of this, professional placements and the Global Experience Program connect you directly with industry and international conservation initiatives, helping you build a career-ready skillset:

Regular wildlife field trips to practice animal handling and ecological surveying
Annual remote field studies camp for immersive, hands-on learning
Professional work placements with environmental agencies
Opportunities to volunteer in local, regional, and international environmental programs (potentially for credit)
Work Integrated Learning program offering 6–12 months of paid, relevant industry experience
Practical training in GIS, biodiversity monitoring, fire ecology, and conservation management
Participation in the Global Experience Program for international conservation exposure

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Deakin’s Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) step into careers where they can make a real difference for the planet and its wildlife. Many find roles as wildlife ecologists, conservation officers, environmental consultants, or park and reserve managers, applying hands-on skills learned through fieldwork and professional placements.

Here’s what this means for you:

University services supporting employability: Deakin provides structured work-integrated learning, career guidance, and professional practice units to prepare you for the workforce.
Industry partnerships: Students gain experience through placements with environmental agencies and participate in international conservation programs.
Accreditation and outcomes: This degree is recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 7), ensuring your qualification holds value nationally and internationally.
Graduate success: Deakin is ranked the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, giving you a strong start in your career.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, you can continue your studies with postgraduate programs in environmental science, conservation biology, or wildlife management. Deakin also offers opportunities for specialisations through honours and research pathways, enabling you to focus on areas like biodiversity, GIS, or fire ecology while deepening your expertise and research skills.

Additional Information & Requirements

Trimester 1 starts in March and Trimester 2 starts in July, both available at the Burwood (Melbourne) campus.

Year 12 prerequisite subjects: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL

ATAR: Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

English language Requirements: IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6.0) or TOEFL(iBT) 69 (Writing 21)

GCE A-level: 6 points

Median graduate salary for Wildlife and Conservation Biology graduates is typically around AUD 60,000–70,000 per year, depending on role, experience, and sector such as conservation, government, or environmental consulting.

Country Requirements

International applicants may also be considered with SAT score of 1300 (out of 1600) or ACT composite score of 24, or with 3 AP subjects with at least one score of 5 and others not less than 4

India (AISSCE): Minimum 70% average based on 4 subjects, including English and 3 academic units (excluding regional and non-academic subjects).

China: Gaokao Minimum 60% based on the total Gaokao score relative to the maximum score for the relevant province/city as officially published by the Chinese education authorities.

USA: High School Diploma: Minimum GPA requirement of 2.6 upon successful completion of the diploma.

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