Environmental studies
What to expect
Getting a degree in environmental studies
What to expect
If you are considering environmental studies it’s probably because you believe in protecting and improving it. But you might also consider these courses because they are intellectually stimulating (the best combine science and social science, theory and ‘how to’) or for the lifestyle appeal of jobs that some graduates get in the environmental field.
In line with the general increased focus on the environment and environmental issues, environmental research is also increasingly gain ground among both students and academics. Australia’s national research funding agency now gives priority to projects that support he country’s environmental sustainability. As a result, Australian researchers are the source of some cutting edge research in the following areas:
- sustainable water use
- land degradation issues, such as salinity
- climate change
- sustainable use of biodiversity
- emissions reduction
- alternative energy production.
Getting a degree in environmental studies
Visit the University Ratings section for environmental studies course ratings.
Courses and specialisations
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Atmosphere studies |
Biodiversity |
Catchment management |
Coastal management |
Conservation |
|
Ecodesign |
Ecology |
Ecosystem management |
Environmental assessment |
Environmental biology |
|
Environmental design |
Environmental management |
Environmental planning |
Environmental rehabilitation |
Environmental science |
|
Environmental technology |
Hazardous materials |
Hydrology |
Land resource management |
Landcare |
|
Mine rehabilitation |
Natural resource management |
Natural systems |
Parks management |
Pest management |
|
Pollution control |
Pollution science |
Resource science |
Sea and land management |
Sustainable resource management |
|
Toxicology |
Vegetation management |
Water resource management |
Wildlife management |
With environmental issues dominating the community, politics and the media, new study areas are developing constantly and are reflected in the diverse range of education choices in environmental studies.
As awareness of human impact on the environment increases, more and more professions are finding room for environmental specialists (journalism, engineering, and planning, for example). So, you could choose to combine an environmental specialisation with a professional degree. But if your interest is exclusively in environmental studies, there are many areas of specialisation leading to different careers.
Some environmental degrees are named after these specialisations, but ‘general’ courses like arts, science, and applied science can also have relevant majors. Don’t immediately discount courses with a general title or structure as they have the ability to provide a strong framework for understanding the environment.
Which course is for you?
Your choice of course is likely to depend largely on where your particular interests and career goals lie. If you know that you want to focus your studies on a particular environmental specialisation then you’ll need to do your research to find out which institutions offer courses in that area. Alternatively, you might like to consider a more general course like a Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Applied Science, which may offer you a broader range of subject choices.
Some students may also wish to consider combined degrees. Though entry to combined degrees is often more competitive than straight science or environmental science degrees, they may represent a good option for students who wish to pursue their interest in the environment while preparing for professional careers in business, education, or law, for example.
Getting in
Some cut-offs and prerequisites vary according to the specialisation as well as the campus but overall, environmental studies is an easy field to get into. Many courses are available part-time and some externally.
Where to study
Courses in environmental studies are widely available at campuses throughout the country, in both regional and metropolitan areas. You may therefore, depending on your specific choice of ‘general’ or more specialised degree, have the choice of studying close to home or broadening your horizons and considering study interstate.
What to look for in a course
It is a good idea to do some careful research into what each specialisation in environmental studies involves, and what subjects are offered in each course. Also try to research new areas that are developing (such as ‘freshwater biology and management’), as they may not be well known, and consequently result in future employment demand due to lack of untrained specialists.
Depending on the particular area of specialisation that interests you, it may be important that courses provide good opportunities for field studies and actual on-site environmental study. You might also like to look into laboratory facilities and practical equipment.
Careers for environmental studies degree graduates
The environmental studies field offers a great many specialisations that lead to a range of diverse and interesting careers. You might choose a career in anything from conservation biology, conservation management and techniques, or environmental science, to environmental studies, environmental assessment or environmental resource management and parks management.
This seems to be a field for enthusiasts, with the total number of undergraduate domestic students sitting at around 5800. Recent environmental studies graduates were very happy with their courses, giving them five stars across all categories. However, high proportions of university graduates fail to find full-time work, with 31 per cent unemployed four months after graduating. Not surprisingly, 20 per cent of graduates try to improve their chances of employment by going on to further study. Over a third of those who do get jobs work in the public sector. Starting salaries are above average at $48,010.
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