Send me a PDF copyHighlights
- Be part of the solution to our increasing environmental issues including climate change, air, water and soil quality and water resources.
- Study in the areas of land resources, hydrogeology, environmental geology, biogeochemistry, geographic information systems and field mapping, systems modelling and sustainable management.
- Learn through a combination of theoretical, practical and field classes, using real-world industry examples and methods.
- Attend guest lectures by relevant government agencies, industry and QUT staff who advise industry, government and community groups.
- Prepare for a career in planning, management, monitoring or research in government departments and agencies, local councils, consultancies, and industrial and mining companies.
- Study our new Climate Science minor to develop an in-depth understanding of climate change, alternative energy technologies, Earth's natural global change, marine environments, cloud formation, and much more.
- Graduate eligible for membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, the Soil Science Society of Australia and the Ecological Society of Australia, among others.
Highlights
- Be part of the solution to our increasing environmental issues including climate change, air, water and soil quality and water resources.
- Study in the areas of land resources, hydrogeology, environmental geology, biogeochemistry, geographic information systems and field mapping, systems modelling and sustainable management.
- Learn through a combination of theoretical, practical and field classes, using real-world industry examples and methods.
- Attend guest lectures by relevant government agencies, industry and QUT staff who advise industry, government and community groups.
- Prepare for a career in planning, management, monitoring or research in government departments and agencies, local councils, consultancies, and industrial and mining companies.
- Study our new Climate Science minor to develop an in-depth understanding of climate change, alternative energy technologies, Earth's natural global change, marine environments, cloud formation, and much more.
- Graduate eligible for membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, the Soil Science Society of Australia and the Ecological Society of Australia, among others.
Why choose this course?
Environmental scientists have careers in planning, management, monitoring and research. These roles are usually found in government departments and agencies, local councils, consultancies, and industrial and mining companies, and you could be working in urban, rural or remote settings.
Graduates assess resources, implement environmental impact programs, analyse and interpret environmental data and formulate contingency plans in areas including strategic land-use planning; waste disposal; pollution measurement and control; coastal protection; environmental impact of mining, tourism and urban development; rehabilitation and reforestation of degraded sites; ground water assessment and modelling; flood plain planning; erosion control; and marine science.
Explore this course
We rely on our natural environment to sustain our lives and our lifestyles. We continually need to improve our understanding and management of the natural environment to balance our development with wise management while minimising impacts and degradation.
An understanding of the mechanisms controlling environmental systems provides the skills required to undertake a great range of scientific environmental planning and management, and tackle problems such as local water quality and ecosystem impacts, soil erosion, catchment and groundwater use, or adaptation to global climate change.
You will experience some of the most advanced laboratories and field work opportunities in Australia and be taught by staff who are at the top of their research fields internationally. You will also stay in touch with the real world, as guest lectures, site visits and opportunities for work integrated learning bring a strong industry flavour to the degree.
Customise your degree
When you pursue a Bachelor of Science at QUT, you have the option to add one or two minors to deepen your knowledge in a specific area of interest. A minor consists of a collection of related units within a particular study field. Here’s how Michelle, an environmental science student at QUT, tailored her learning to align with her interests:
"In addition to my major, I am studying two minors: Wildlife Biology and Applied Ecology. The Wildlife Biology minor focuses on studying animals, insects, and plants. The Applied Ecology minor covers different aspects of ecology, such as conservation, invasion, and molecular ecology.
In my first year as an environmental science major, I learned about geology, ecosystems, and the environment, which are fundamental to the field. During my second year, I took courses on global environmental issues, which addressed the world's current challenges, such as the eutrophication of waterways and coral bleaching."
Careers and outcomes
Environmental scientists are continually needed in a wide variety of planning, management, monitoring and research careers. These roles are usually found in government departments and agencies, local councils, consultancy, and industrial and mining companies. As an environmental science graduate, you could be working in urban, rural or remote settings depending on your interests.
Graduates are equipped to assess resources, implement environmental impact programs, analyse and interpret environmental data and formulate contingency plans in a wide variety of areas. These include strategic land use planning; pollution measurement and control; coastal protection; environmental impact of mining, forestry, agriculture, tourism and urban development; rehabilitation and reforestation of degraded sites; natural resource management (ground water, soil, vegetation) and modeling.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand and a variety of other scientific societies, including the Soil Science Society of Australia and the Ecological Society of Australia.
Other study options
Possible careers
- Agronomist
- Biologist
- Coastal scientist
- Conservation biologist
- Cytologist
- Ecologist
- Environmental health officer
- Environmental scientist
- Environmental manager
- Government officer
- Laboratory assistant
- Mapping scientist/photogrammetrist
- Marine scientist
- Policy officer
- Policy analyst
- Population ecologist
- Project manager
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Science, you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:
- Core units - 60 credit points
- A Major – 120 credit points
- QUT You - 24 credit points
- Complementary studies - 84 credit points, made up of:
- a second major (84 credit points), or
- a minor (48 credit points) and elective units (36 credit points).
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Science, you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:
- Core units - 60 credit points
- A Major – 120 credit points
- QUT You - 24 credit points
- Complementary studies - 84 credit points, made up of:
- a second major (84 credit points), or
- a minor (48 credit points) and elective units (36 credit points).
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2025 fees
2025: CSP $9,000 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2025 fees
2025: $44,600 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: CSP $8,800 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: $41,800 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
QUT Excellence Scholarship (Academic)
QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding academic achievement.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
QUT Elite Sport Scholarship
QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding sporting achievement.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Sporting excellence
Oodgeroo Noonuccal Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarship
The Oodgeroo Scholarship Program promotes the pursuit of Indigenous Australian studies by supporting the education of Indigenous Australians.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Indigenous Australian
QUT Budding Entrepreneur Scholarship
A scholarship for innovative individuals who are engaged in their passion for entrepreneurial action.
- Scholarship eligibility
QUT Rising Sports Scholarship (including esport)
Opportunities exist for aspiring esports players to be part of an Oceanic leading program that embraces skill-acquisition, culture and academics.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Sporting excellence
QUT Real World International Scholarship
A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
QUT courses for you
Like to save your courses?
Please enter your first name and email so we can save your courses for you