Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Environment and Society
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February
Entry score
ATAR 73.70
Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$32,640 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February
Overview
Break traditional disciplinary boundaries and address the most pressing issue of the new century: environmental changes and the ways in which people might respond and adapt to them.
This unique program combines science, policymaking and social change to give you the skills and knowledge to become a leader in sustainability and help protect our natural environment.
Through the combination of classroom work, laboratory work and fieldwork you will gain an understanding of both scientific and social theory. You will engage in a number of real-life projects that provide you with the practical experience to reconsider theoretical concepts.
Make a positive difference in a career that will strive to protect many of the world’s precious ecosystems, as well as shape the future of humanity.
Details
Strong features of the environmental science stream are laboratory-based classes, fieldwork and formal examination.
The social science stream involves essay writing, tutorials and group work.
Many of the courses have a strong online presence to supplement class-based work.
All programs are delivered in English. You will have access online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Assessment in this program includes:
- examinations
- individual and group assignments and projects
- reflective journals
- assessed tutorials
- presentations
- self-assessment and peer-assessment
Students participate in a formal 20-day work placement in the final semester of the degree. RMIT assists students to find work placements, which are often paid, at a variety of environmental and related organisations, including:
- Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
- Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
- Agriculture Victoria
- CSIRO
- Landcare
- BORAL
- Parks Victoria
- water and catchment management authorities
- local wineries
- municipal councils and local government.
Past graduates have often used opportunities provided by formal work placements to gain employment after graduation.
Additional work-related experience occurs through consulting with industry organisations on real-world projects.
Academic staff are drawn from RMIT’s Applied Science and Sustainability and Urban Planning disciplines. Staff publish in their specialised areas of knowledge and some have profiles in the Victorian and national media. Many undertake collaborative research projects with industry and government and are knowledgeable about 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 with RMIT partner universities in China, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands or the Philippines.
Our students have been prominent participants in project teams working with partner organisations in countries such as Vietnam, Nepal and in Latin America. More international intensives will be implemented in 2016.
Since 2002, selected students in a small multidisciplinary group have undertaken a yearly research project in Vietnam, coordinated by 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 exchange or short-term mobility activities with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
Year 1
You’ll cover the fundamentals of the environmental sciences as well as the history and philosophy of contemporary environmental movements.
Year 2
You’ll study social science courses that inform sustainability practices. You’ll be introduced to key economic concepts, to how environment systems work and to how they might be better managed.
You'll have the opportunity to study at a university in north-west Europe where progressive environmental practices have been widely adopted, or in Asian countries such as China and Vietnam where there is a need to adopt such practices.
Year 3
You will engage in policy formulation, writing and implementation, and learn about environmental and natural resource management. You can specialise in either applied chemistry, ecology or geospatial science.
Year 4
Your skills and knowledge will come together through client-based projects, field-based projects and a work placement centred on real-life environmental issues. Choose from electives in substantive environment sub-fields such as agriculture, catchment management, planning and ecotourism. You’ll also have the opportunity for project work in Vietnam.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP193
Career
With the emergence of the global ‘green economy’, graduates from this program are highly sought after by employers due to their rare combination of environmental science and environmental policy skills.
Graduates work in local and international:
- Commonwealth, state and local governments
- consulting firms
- community organisations
- private and public businesses in metropolitan and rural areas
Professional environmental careers may see you undertaking tasks relating to environmental management, identifying community needs, environmental planning and environmental reporting.
Careers
- scientist
- policymaker
- environmental advocate and activist
- environmental manager
- sustainability manager
- sustainability consultant
- environmental protection officer
- environmental policy officer
- community education officer.
The program is accredited by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand. All graduates will be eligible for membership.
You can elect to undertake 48 credit points in environmental chemistry or ecology as part of this program, and upon successful completion you will be eligible for associate membership of either the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (chemistry) or the Australian Institute of Biology (biology).
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 must satisfy the Year 12 Mathematics prerequisite or have completed equivalent tertiary study in mathematics.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent).
Applicants must satisfy the Year 12 Mathematics prerequisite or have completed equivalent tertiary study in mathematics.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Successful completion of an Australian senior secondary certificate of education (Year 12) or overseas 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; Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics.
Applicants may satisfy the English prerequisite by acheiving an overall score of at least 155 in the STAT multiple choice.
If you are not studying year 12 in 2018 you should submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- your understanding of current issues relevant to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only, 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.
Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, with a study score of at least 30.
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
Graduates of the following RMIT programs are eligible for exemptions (subject to certain criteria):
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$32,640.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$142,080.
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.