Bachelor of Environment and Society
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 71.70
Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$26,880 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February
Overview
In this degree, you will unlock your potential to drive sustainable patterns of consumption and production to create a better future for everyone.
You’ll be part of a like-minded community of passionate and engaged students and supportive teachers, who want to make a difference in the world.
Gain real-world experience and a network of industry contacts in leading environmental agencies and organisations through work placements and assessments involving external partner organisations.
This unique program focuses on the social elements of environmental issues, while encouraging you to think critically and develop skills to communicate with a wide variety of audiences.
Studying the Bachelor of Environment and Society is the first step to a career that will address the most pressing global and urban issues of our time, including biodiversity protection, food and water security, corporate responsibility, resource depletion and climate change.
As a graduate of the program you will be able to implement skills learned to evaluate environmental policies and management strategies at local and global levels. Check out some of the great work being done by RMIT environmental graduates.
You'll have the opportunity to study overseas and investigate how other countries seek to achieve environmental and social sustainability.
This program is also available as a double degree: Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Environment and Society
Details
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations and group work.
Many of the courses use online materials and activities to supplement class-based work. All programs are delivered in English. You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
You'll be assessed through:
- field work
- examinations
- individual and group assignments and projects
- research reports
- reflective journals
- assessed tutorials
- presentations
- self-assessment and peer-assessment
Researchers at the Centre for Urban Research teach into this course. The centre is a thriving inter-disciplinary research centre focused on academic excellence in the fields of urban planning and social and environmental urban research.
You'll participate in a 20-day work placement in the final semester of your degree.
RMIT can assist you to find a work placement at a variety of environmental and related organisations, including:
- Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
- Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
- CSIRO
- Landcare
- Cultivating Communities
- Environmental consultancies
- BORAL
- Parks Victoria
- Agriculture Victoria
- water and catchment management authorities
- local wineries
- municipal councils and local government
- non-government organisations
- international aid and development agencies
Past graduates have used their work placement to gain employment after graduation.
You gain additional work-related experience through real-world projects where you'll consult with industry organisations while you are studying.
You'll learn from experts in the field. Academic staff publish in their specialised areas of knowledge and many have public media profiles. They also undertake collaborative research projects within industry and government and are up-to-date with current environmental debates.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world projects in international contexts. Students are encouraged to take up semester-long study overseas at RMIT partner universities in Hong Kong, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands or the Philippines.
Past students have been prominent participants in project teams working with partner organisations in countries such as Vietnam, Nepal and in Mexico. Other international intensives are being introduced for 2018.
Read how a study tour to Mayanmar changed Zachary Grimes' perspective.
Since 2002, selected students in a small multi-disciplinary group have undertaken a yearly research project in Vietnam, coordinated for an in-country environmental and sustainable development organisation. This project provides an authentic experience that replicates professional practice, allowing students to apply their core knowledge and skills to a pressing environmental issue.
RMIT’s Global Experience Office (GEO) supports students to undertake an exchange or short term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
Year 1
You will be introduced to the concepts of:
- sustainability
- environmental philosophy
- politics
- economics
- ecology
Year 2
Learn about environmental management systems, climate change responses, policy analysis, impact assessment and resource planning. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake overseas study in European countries known for their effective environmental management. There is also an opportunity for project work overseas.
Year 3
Perform research for external environmental agencies as well as undertake a work placement. You get to work on a major project of your choice.
Honours
An honours year is available.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP000
Career
As a graduate, you'll be valued by employers for the practical communication, problem-solving and research skills you'll have gained in your studies.
Your knowledge and skills will prepare you to become an effective agent for environmental improvement in Australian and internationally. You may find work with:
- Commonwealth, state and local governments
- consulting firms
- community organisations
- private and public businesses in metropolitan and rural areas
- non-government aid and development agencies
Professional environmental careers may see you undertaking tasks relating to environmental management, identifying community needs, sustainability planning and environmental reporting.
Careers
- policy maker
- environmental activist/advocate
- environmental manager
- sustainability manager
- sustainability consultant
- environmental protection officer
- environmental policy officer
- community educator
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent).
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.
Prerequisites: VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL (or equivalent) or achieve an overall score of at least 155 in the STAT multiple choice.
If you were not studying year 12 in 2018 you should submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program;
- your intended career path
- your personal strengths and attributes that are relevant to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience.
Applicants who do not submit a personal statement will be considered on the basis of academic achievement e.g. ATAR.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% average (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$26,880.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$83,520.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living ;in Melbourne.