Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Extended Major)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Extended Major) at The University of Western Australia is designed for students who want to understand environmental systems while also learning how science, economics, and policy come together to address real-world environmental challenges. It is a strong option for students interested in sustainability, climate change, conservation, and decision-making in government or industry.

You will study environmental science alongside environmental economics and management, building the skills to analyse issues like pollution, land use, climate change, and resource sustainability in a practical, applied way.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation through units such as Plant and Animal Biology (BIOL1131), Environmental Science and Technology (ENVT1104), Environmental Economics 1 (ECON1120), Science, Society and Data Analysis (SCIE1104), and Communicating Science (SCOM1101). These subjects introduce both natural science and economic perspectives on environmental issues.

This year focuses on developing core scientific understanding and learning how environmental problems connect with society and economics.

Year 2

In the second year, students move into more specialised study with units such as The Climate System (ENVT2220), Soil Science (ENVT2236), Hydrology and Water Resource Management (ENVT2251), Geographic Information Systems (GEOG2201), Environmental Economics 2 (ECON2224), and Quantitative Methods in Environmental Management (SCIE2267).

At this stage, you begin applying data analysis and environmental modelling tools to real-world systems like climate, water, and land use.

Year 3

In the third year, students focus on advanced environmental management and policy through units such as Environmental Assessment (ENVT3361), Land Rehabilitation (ENVT3339), Land Capability Assessment (ENVT3338), Environmental Dynamics (ENVT3362), Business and the Environment (ECON3323), Environmental Policy and Planning (GEOG3303), and Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (GEOG3301).

This year is more applied and prepares students for decision-making roles in environmental management, consulting, and government.

Focus Areas

Environmental science, environmental economics, sustainability, climate systems, GIS and spatial analysis, environmental policy, land management, and resource management.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to assess environmental systems using both scientific and economic approaches, and the capability to evaluate policies and support sustainable decision-making in real-world contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is not formally accredited by a professional body, but it aligns closely with environmental science, sustainability, and environmental management industry needs. It prepares students for interdisciplinary roles combining science, economics, and policy.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Western Australia is a Group of Eight university and is consistently ranked among Australia’s leading universities. The program is well regarded for combining environmental science with economics and management, producing graduates suited to both technical and policy-focused environmental careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Extended Major) at The University of Western Australia focuses on learning through real-world application, where students actively apply science, economics, and policy to environmental challenges. Throughout the degree, you work with real environmental data, take part in field-based activities, and develop solutions to issues faced by government, industry, and conservation organisations. As you progress, the learning becomes more applied through case studies, modelling, and decision-making tasks that reflect professional environmental work.

This practical approach is supported through fieldwork, applied projects, and industry-relevant tools:

Fieldwork across Western Australia to study ecosystems, land systems, water resources, and environmental change in real environments
Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map, analyse, and interpret environmental and spatial data
Training in data analysis and quantitative methods to evaluate environmental and resource management issues
Applied environmental economics and policy exercises focused on issues such as sustainability, climate change, and resource use
Project-based learning that simulates real environmental consulting and policy decision-making scenarios
Group work that builds teamwork, leadership, and professional communication skills used in environmental careers
Integration of science, economics, and policy tools to solve complex environmental problems
Access to university environmental science resources and learning facilities that support research and field preparation
Industry-relevant learning experiences aligned with careers in environmental consulting, conservation, and sustainability management

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Extended Major) at The University of Western Australia are well prepared for careers that combine science, economics, and environmental decision-making. The degree develops strong analytical and problem-solving skills that can be applied to real challenges such as climate change, resource management, sustainability planning, and environmental protection across government, industry, and consulting sectors.

Typical roles include environmental consultant, environmental officer, conservation planner, environmental policy analyst, mine rehabilitation specialist, and environmental economist.

Alongside these outcomes, UWA provides strong support and industry-connected learning to help students transition into employment:

Dedicated career support through UWA Careers and Employability services, including CV preparation, interview training, internship guidance, and job search assistance
Strong graduate pathways supported by UWA’s Group of Eight reputation, with graduates entering environmental consulting, government agencies, mining, and sustainability sectors
Practical, applied learning through fieldwork, environmental data analysis, modelling, and policy-focused projects embedded throughout the degree
Strong industry connections in Western Australia across environmental consulting, mining rehabilitation, water management, and government environmental agencies
High employability across environmental science, sustainability, policy, and resource management sectors
Development of transferable skills including environmental modelling, economic and policy analysis, scientific reporting, teamwork, and problem-solving in complex systems

Further Academic Progression

After completing this degree, students can progress into Honours in Environmental Science and Management or pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Environmental Science or Master of Environmental Management. Students interested in research can also continue into a PhD in environmental science, sustainability, economics, or related interdisciplinary fields.