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Course code W89

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Creative thinkers made here.

Creative thinkers made here.

Aerial shot of Portsmouth, UK

A unique study experience

A new agreement between ECU and the University of Portsmouth means you can study selected courses in Perth and the UK and graduate with a unique dual degree.

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Why study at ECU?

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About this Course

In this exciting international dual degree, you’ll gain a grounding in the biological, chemical, physical and social aspects of the environment and the knowledge and skills used in its management.

It involves two and a half years’ study at ECU and one at the University of Portsmouth, UK. You’ll graduate with two degrees – a Bachelor of Environmental Science from ECU and a BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Management from the University of Portsmouth (UK). You’ll also have the chance to do fieldwork in the Mediterranean.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course code W89

Entry requirements

70 Indicative ATAR

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $8,950

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

3.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT PT FT PT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Location

This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. See Course Notes.

About this Course

In this exciting international dual degree, you’ll gain a grounding in the biological, chemical, physical and social aspects of the environment and the knowledge and skills used in its management.

It involves two and a half years’ study at ECU and one at the University of Portsmouth, UK. You’ll graduate with two degrees – a Bachelor of Environmental Science from ECU and a BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Management from the University of Portsmouth (UK). You’ll also have the chance to do fieldwork in the Mediterranean.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course code W89

CRICOS code 105884H

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $41,200

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

3.5 years full-time

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT FT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Location

This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. See Course Notes.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • AQF Cert IV;
    • Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Undergraduate Certificate;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
    • Experience Based Entry Scheme.*

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

    For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
    • University Preparation Course;
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
    • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • AQF Cert IV;
    • Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Undergraduate Certificate;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
    • Experience Based Entry Scheme.*

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

    For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
    • University Preparation Course;
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
    • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

Students will undertake the first two years at Edith Cowan University, Year 3 at the University of Portsmouth and the final semester in Year 4 at Edith Cowan University.

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI1187Form and Function in Biology15
SCI1125Professional Science Essentials15
SCI1192Physical Environments15
Select 1 unit from:
SCC1123 ^Chemistry for the Life Sciences15
SCC1111 ^General Chemistry15

Note: Students who have completed Chemistry ATAR or equivalent should enrol in SCC1111 General Chemistry, while those that have not completed Chemistry ATAR should enrol in SCC1123 Chemistry for the Life Sciences.

Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI1182Case Studies in Science15
SCI1183Origins and Evolution of Life15
SCI1185Ecology15
SCI1193Introduction to Environmental Science15
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI2108Environmental Management and Sustainability15
SCI2115Ecological Restoration15
SCM2104Geographical Information Systems15
SCM2110Marine and Freshwater Processes15
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCM2201Soil and Land Processes15
SCI2118Australian Biota15
SCI2371Sustainable Water15
ACS2122Aboriginal Perspectives on the Environment15

Year 3

ECU Students (Outbound) Year 3 of this course is studied at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. Students will complete 120 credit points (6 units x 20cp each) from the units listed below. For details of the units, please consult the University of Portsmouth handbook which can be found online at https://www.port.ac.uk/

M31577 Overseas Study Research and Fieldwork Skills

M20145 Climate Change

M30012 Conservation Biogeography

M32667 Environmental Assessment and Management

M30011 Hazardscapes

M31679 Weather Science

University of Portsmouth Students (Inbound) Students from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom will complete 120 credit points (8 units x 15cp each) from the units listed below. For details of the units, please consult the ECU handbook which can be found online at https://www.ecu.edu.au/handbook.

SCI2108 Environmental Management and Sustainability

SCI2115 Ecological Restoration

SCM2104 Geographical Information Systems

SCM2110 Marine and Freshwater Processes

SCM2201 Soil and Land Processes

SCI2118 Australian Biota

SCI2371 Sustainable Water

ACS2122 Aboriginal Perspectives on the Environment

Year 4 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI3206Environmental Investigation and Monitoring15
SCI3307Waste Management15
MAN3612Project Management15
Year 4 - Winter
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI3453Sustainable Natural Resource Management15

^ Core Option

W89|6

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • The first two years are delivered by Edith Cowan University on the Joondalup Campus. The third year is delivered by the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom on campus, and the final semester is delivered by Edith Cowan University on the Joondalup Campus.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply broad science knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical environmental situations.
  2. Collect and analyse environmental data.
  3. Devise scientific solutions to environmental challenges.
  4. Access, evaluate and synthesise environmental information from multiple sources.
  5. Communicate environmental knowledge in professional and public contexts.
  6. Incorporate multiple perspectives taking into account environmental, cultural and economic factors.
  7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values, including Indigenous cultural competence.
  8. Practise autonomy, accountability and judgement towards personal and professional development.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

Students will undertake the first two years at Edith Cowan University, Year 3 at the University of Portsmouth and the final semester in Year 4 at Edith Cowan University.

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI1187Form and Function in Biology15
SCI1125Professional Science Essentials15
SCI1192Physical Environments15
Select 1 unit from:
SCC1123 ^Chemistry for the Life Sciences15
SCC1111 ^General Chemistry15

Note: Students who have completed Chemistry ATAR or equivalent should enrol in SCC1111 General Chemistry, while those that have not completed Chemistry ATAR should enrol in SCC1123 Chemistry for the Life Sciences.

Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI1182Case Studies in Science15
SCI1183Origins and Evolution of Life15
SCI1185Ecology15
SCI1193Introduction to Environmental Science15
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI2108Environmental Management and Sustainability15
SCI2115Ecological Restoration15
SCM2104Geographical Information Systems15
SCM2110Marine and Freshwater Processes15
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCM2201Soil and Land Processes15
SCI2118Australian Biota15
SCI2371Sustainable Water15
ACS2122Aboriginal Perspectives on the Environment15

Year 3

ECU Students (Outbound) Year 3 of this course is studied at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. Students will complete 120 credit points (6 units x 20cp each) from the units listed below. For details of the units, please consult the University of Portsmouth handbook which can be found online at https://www.port.ac.uk/

M31577 Overseas Study Research and Fieldwork Skills

M20145 Climate Change

M30012 Conservation Biogeography

M32667 Environmental Assessment and Management

M30011 Hazardscapes

M31679 Weather Science

University of Portsmouth Students (Inbound) Students from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom will complete 120 credit points (8 units x 15cp each) from the units listed below. For details of the units, please consult the ECU handbook which can be found online at https://www.ecu.edu.au/handbook.

SCI2108 Environmental Management and Sustainability

SCI2115 Ecological Restoration

SCM2104 Geographical Information Systems

SCM2110 Marine and Freshwater Processes

SCM2201 Soil and Land Processes

SCI2118 Australian Biota

SCI2371 Sustainable Water

ACS2122 Aboriginal Perspectives on the Environment

Year 4 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI3206Environmental Investigation and Monitoring15
SCI3307Waste Management15
MAN3612Project Management15
Year 4 - Winter
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI3453Sustainable Natural Resource Management15

^ Core Option

W89|6

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • The first two years are delivered by Edith Cowan University on the Joondalup Campus. The third year is delivered by the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom on campus, and the final semester is delivered by Edith Cowan University on the Joondalup Campus.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply broad science knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical environmental situations.
  2. Collect and analyse environmental data.
  3. Devise scientific solutions to environmental challenges.
  4. Access, evaluate and synthesise environmental information from multiple sources.
  5. Communicate environmental knowledge in professional and public contexts.
  6. Incorporate multiple perspectives taking into account environmental, cultural and economic factors.
  7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values, including Indigenous cultural competence.
  8. Practise autonomy, accountability and judgement towards personal and professional development.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $8,950 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

The strong management focus of this course prepares graduates for careers in government agencies and industries which deal with conservation of biodiversity, environmental impact assessment, environmental planning and the management and rehabilitation of specific ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, coastlines and arid regions.

Possible future job titles

Sanctuary Manager, Catchment Officer, Ecotourism Officer, Natural Resource Officer, Environmental Management Officer, Conservation Field Officer, Land Management Officer, Environmental Consultant, Landcare Officer, Environmental Educator

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $41,200 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

The strong management focus of this course prepares graduates for careers in government agencies and industries which deal with conservation of biodiversity, environmental impact assessment, environmental planning and the management and rehabilitation of specific ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, coastlines and arid regions.

Possible future job titles

Sanctuary Manager, Catchment Officer, Ecotourism Officer, Natural Resource Officer, Environmental Management Officer, Conservation Field Officer, Land Management Officer, Environmental Consultant, Landcare Officer, Environmental Educator

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Creative thinkers start here

Creative thinkers start here

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Environmental Science?

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.