Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Environmental Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Environmental Science at The University of Western Australia is an accelerated four-year combined degree that allows students to graduate with both a bachelor's and a master's qualification. It is ideal for students who are passionate about sustainability, climate change, environmental management, and developing science-based solutions to complex environmental challenges.

Throughout the program, students build a strong foundation in environmental science before progressing to advanced postgraduate study in areas such as environmental management, environmental economics, catchments and water, environmental rehabilitation, and sensing and spatial data science.

Curriculum Structure

Years 1–3

During the first three years, students complete either the Environmental Science and Management (Extended Major) or Environmental Science and Ecology (Extended Major), while also undertaking a semester of postgraduate study. Students develop skills in environmental assessment, scientific investigation, modelling, data analysis, and understanding human impacts on natural systems through evidence-based approaches.

The curriculum combines biological, earth, and environmental sciences with environmental planning and management, helping students understand issues such as climate change, water resource management, sustainable resource use, and environmental rehabilitation.

Year 4 (Master of Environmental Science)

In the final year, students complete advanced master's-level study through specialist units such as Fundamentals of Environmental Management (ENVT4421) and Research Methods in Agricultural and Environmental Science (ENVT4422). Depending on their chosen specialisation, they may also study Climate, Energy and Water Economics (ECON5511), Remote Sensing of the Environment (ENVT4409), Environmental Monitoring and Sensors (ENVT5516), and GIS and Spatial Analysis: Multifunctional Landscapes (ENVT5561).

This stage focuses on advanced environmental problem-solving, environmental policy, scientific research, risk assessment, and the development of practical sustainability solutions.

Focus Areas

Climate change, environmental management, environmental economics, catchments and water, environmental rehabilitation, sustainability, GIS and spatial data science, environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and environmental policy.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to assess environmental systems using field, laboratory, modelling, and statistical methods, integrate science and policy into environmental decision-making, analyse environmental issues, and create evidence-based solutions to environmental challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While the program does not have a specific professional accreditation, it is designed in consultation with industry and aligns closely with workforce needs across environmental consulting, government agencies, conservation organisations, resource management, and sustainability sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Western Australia is a member of Australia's Group of Eight and is ranked among the world's leading universities for environmental science. The program's industry-focused specialisations help graduates develop advanced skills that are highly valued across environmental consulting, government, sustainability, and resource management industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Environmental Science at The University of Western Australia combines scientific knowledge with extensive practical experience. Throughout the degree, students build professional skills through field investigations, environmental assessments, laboratory-based learning, spatial analysis, and research projects. The integrated master's component provides opportunities to work with industry-relevant tools and tackle complex environmental challenges using real-world data and evidence-based approaches.

This hands-on learning is supported through a range of practical activities, facilities, and specialist technologies:

Fieldwork focused on ecosystems, biodiversity, land management, water resources, and environmental monitoring across diverse environments
Training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis tools for environmental mapping and decision-making
Use of remote sensing technologies to monitor environmental conditions and analyse landscape change
Environmental monitoring and sensor-based learning through specialist master's-level units
Research projects that develop scientific investigation, data interpretation, and environmental problem-solving skills
Advanced quantitative analysis and environmental modelling used in environmental planning and management
Group projects that strengthen teamwork, leadership, and professional communication skills
Access to environmental science laboratories and research facilities that support environmental assessment and monitoring activities
Opportunities to explore real environmental challenges through case studies, policy analysis, and sustainability-focused projects
Learning supported by UWA's strong research expertise in environmental science, climate systems, sustainability, and natural resource management

For official details on facilities and learning resources, refer to the university program page.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Environmental Science graduate with both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, giving them a strong competitive advantage in the environmental sector. The program develops advanced skills in environmental assessment, sustainability, policy analysis, environmental management, and scientific problem-solving, preparing graduates to address complex environmental challenges across a wide range of industries.

Typical roles include Environmental Consultant, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Manager, Geographer, Sustainability Advisor, Environmental Policy Analyst, and Natural Resource Management Specialist.

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

Access to UWA Careers and Employability services, including career coaching, CV and interview support, networking opportunities, and job-search assistance
Work Integrated Learning opportunities through the Science Work Placement Unit and Science Consultancy Project, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience before graduation
Industry-focused specialisations in Environmental Management, Environmental Economics, Catchments and Water, Environmental Rehabilitation, and Sensing and Spatial Data Science
Career opportunities across environmental consulting firms, government agencies, conservation organisations, resource-sector companies, and non-government organisations
Strong practical training in fieldwork, laboratory methods, environmental modelling, GIS, environmental monitoring, and policy analysis
UWA's global reputation in environmental science enhances the long-term value and recognition of the qualification
Environmental science professionals commonly earn graduate salaries of approximately AUD 75,000–90,000 per year, depending on the role, sector, and experience level

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this combined degree, graduates can continue into research-focused pathways such as a PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Sustainability, Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Management, or related fields. The master's qualification also provides an excellent foundation for leadership, specialist consulting, policy, and advanced research careers within the environmental sector.