Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Environment and Society
Student type:
Quick facts
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Duration
Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
In this double degree, you will learn to address the most pressing issue of our time: responding and adapting to environmental change. This unique and comprehensive degree -- the only one of its kind in Victoria -- combines science and social science knowledge, designed to give you all the competencies required to succeed in environmental governance positions, or to become a sustainability leader, and help protect our natural environment.
Through the combination of work in the classroom, the laboratory and the field, you will build an understanding of both scientific and social theory. Through several real-life projects, you will learn to reconsider and apply theoretical concepts to practical problems. You’ll build further skills through industry engagements and work placements.
This highly interactive degree will provide you the opportunity to explore many different career paths through your academic study and experiential learning. Upon graduation, you will be well-equipped to make a positive difference in a wide range of potential careers that will strive to protect precious ecosystems, and help to shape the future of humanity.
Details
Strong features of the environmental science stream are laboratory-based classes and fieldwork. The social science stream involves essay and report writing, tutorials and group work. Other assessment can include examinations, individual and group assignments and projects, reflective journals, assessed tutorials, presentations, and self- and peer-assessment.
Many subjects have a strong online presence to supplement class-based work, and you will have access to online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.
You'll participate in a formal 20-day work placement in the final semester of your degree. RMIT assists you to find work placements at a variety of environmental and related organisations, including:
- Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)
- Agriculture Victoria
- CSIRO
- Landcare
- BORAL
- Parks Victoria
- municipal councils and local government
- environmental assessment and reporting organisations
- environmental science laboratories
- environmental consultancies
- water and catchment management authorities.
Past graduates have used opportunities provided by formal work placements to gain employment after graduation. Additional work-related experience occurs through work with industry organisations on real-world projects.
The staff for this degree are drawn from our Applied Science and Sustainability and Urban Planning disciplines. Staff publish in their specialised areas, and some have profiles in national and international media. Many undertake collaborative research projects with industry and government, and are knowledgeable about current environmental issues and debates.
You 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 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.
For over 15 years, 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.
There are opportunities to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
Year 1
You’ll cover the fundamentals of environmental sciences, as well as the history and philosophy of contemporary environmental concepts and movements.
Year 2
You’ll study social science topics that inform sustainability practices. You’ll be introduced to key economic concepts, and learn how environmental systems work and how they might be better managed.
You'll have the opportunity to study at a wide range of institutions from across the globe through a semester of study abroad, or through one of the study tours offered to students in the degree.
Year 3
You will engage in policy formulation, writing and implementation, and learn about environmental and natural resource management. You can specialise in applied chemistry or ecology.
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.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP193
Career
With the emergence of the global green economy, graduates from this course are highly sought after by employers thanks to their rare combination of environmental science and environmental policy skills.
Graduates work in local and international organisations, including government departments, consulting firms, and 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.
Admissions
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. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*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’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2020.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
- the Year 12 Mathematics prerequisite or have completed equivalent tertiary study in mathematics
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
- the Year 12 Mathematics prerequisite or have completed equivalent tertiary study in mathematics
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
If you would like your work and life experience to be considered, you should provide a copy of your curriculum vitae and a supporting statement from your employer.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Subject adjustments
A study score of 30 in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Health And Human Development, Physics, Australian Politics or Global Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 6 points.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports you through an informal interview process where you will receive support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Personal statement
If you are not currently studying Year 12 you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank based on your submitted personal statement. If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of your academic achievement only.
If you are applying to RMIT via VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
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 (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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
Depending on the course, this may include completing a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree or undertaking recognised professional experience.
For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
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.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
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.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
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 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 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 2020 is $308.
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 2020 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$149,760.
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.