Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Environment and Society at RMIT University is an innovative program designed for students passionate about understanding the complex relationship between people and the environment. This degree is perfect for those who want to make a positive impact on society through sustainable practices and policies, equipping them with the skills to address pressing environmental challenges.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students will dive into foundational concepts with courses like "Introduction to Environmental Studies" and "Sociology of Everyday Life." These units provide a broad understanding of environmental issues and the social dynamics that influence them, setting the stage for deeper exploration in subsequent years.

During the second year, the focus shifts to more specialized knowledge with courses such as "Environmental Policy and Governance" and "Sustainable Urban Development." Here, students will learn about the frameworks that guide environmental decision-making and the importance of sustainable practices in urban settings, preparing them for real-world applications.

In the final year, students will engage in advanced topics through units like "Climate Change and Society" and "Research Methods in Environment and Society." This year emphasizes critical thinking and research skills, allowing students to analyze complex environmental issues and propose innovative solutions, culminating in a capstone project that showcases their expertise.

Focus Areas: Sustainability, Environmental Policy, Urban Development, Climate Change

Learning Outcomes: Critical analysis of environmental issues, understanding of social dynamics, ability to develop sustainable solutions, research and project management skills

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is aligned with industry standards and practices, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for careers in environmental management, policy-making, and urban planning.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): RMIT University consistently ranks highly for employability, with recent statistics placing it among the top universities globally for graduate outcomes, as recognized by QS World University Rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At RMIT University, the Bachelor of Environment and Society program is designed to immerse students in practical, hands-on experiences that are essential for developing the skills needed in today’s dynamic environmental landscape. Students benefit from a range of state-of-the-art facilities and tools that enhance their learning and prepare them for real-world challenges. The program emphasizes experiential learning through various opportunities, including field trips, group projects, and internships, ensuring that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in practical settings.

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

- Field Trips: Engage in fieldwork that takes you to diverse environments, allowing you to observe and analyze ecological and social systems firsthand.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on projects that tackle real-world environmental issues, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Internships: Gain valuable industry experience through internships with organizations focused on sustainability, urban planning, and environmental management.
- 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 dedicated labs for environmental research, where you can conduct experiments and analyze data relevant to your studies.
- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from RMIT’s extensive library system, which provides access to a wealth of academic resources, journals, and databases specific to environmental studies.
- Institutes and Partnerships: Collaborate with RMIT’s research institutes and industry partners, gaining insights and networking opportunities that can enhance your career prospects.

These experiential learning components are integral to the Bachelor of Environment and Society program, ensuring that you graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills that are highly valued in the job market.

This program is an excellent choice for anyone passionate about making a difference in the environment and society. I encourage you to apply and take the first step towards a rewarding career!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the RMIT University Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment are well prepared to make a positive impact in environmental and sustainability-focused careers. By combining scientific knowledge with sustainability, policy, and management skills, graduates can pursue roles such as Environmental Scientist, Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Policy Advisor, Natural Resource Manager, Climate Change Officer, and Environmental Project Coordinator across a variety of industries.

Access to RMIT Careers and Employability services, including career coaching, resume support, interview preparation, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and employer engagement activities.
Gain practical experience through fieldwork, industry projects, work placements, research activities, and capstone projects that address real environmental and sustainability challenges.
Build valuable professional networks through collaboration with government agencies, environmental organisations, sustainability-focused businesses, and community groups.
Opportunities to participate in international exchange programs, global learning experiences, and collaborative environmental initiatives.
Develop highly sought-after skills in environmental assessment, sustainability planning, environmental management, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, communication, research, and project management.
Graduates are well positioned for employment in environmental consulting, sustainability, conservation, climate adaptation, environmental policy, and natural resource management sectors.
Environmental science and sustainability professionals benefit from competitive graduate salaries and strong opportunities for progression into specialist and leadership positions.
The combination of environmental science and sustainability expertise provides long-term career value as organisations increasingly focus on environmental responsibility and sustainable development.
Graduates leave with the practical experience, interdisciplinary knowledge, and professional capabilities needed to contribute to environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable decision-making.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study through programs such as a Master of Environmental Science, Master of Environment and Sustainability, Master of Sustainability and Environmental Management, or specialised qualifications in climate change, conservation, environmental policy, and sustainable development. Those interested in research can also pursue a Master by Research or PhD, opening pathways to careers in academia, advanced research, environmental consulting, policy development, and sustainability leadership.