Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
UndergraduateCSU-ESM-DEG2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Tackle the environmental issues you care about most
Get a solid grounding in ecology. Gain skills in environmental practice. Specialisations include climate, conservation, and parks. Includes work-based learning with your choice of environmental organisation. Protect ecosystems for today and tomorrow.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
About this degree
Get the best of both worlds
We’re changing the game when it comes to learning that works for you. Year one, you can choose to study online or combine on-campus and online study. You’ll make all-important connections with your peers and academics, and build your professional network with employers. Plus, because we know you have a busy life, we’ll keep the timetable nice and compact so you can fit everything in. As you move into your second and third years, you’ll study more independently as you start to specialise and undertake industry placements. The course changes as you learn more.
Build a solid foundation – then specialise
Will you get a solid grounding in the fundamental theory and practice in your field? Of course. That’s what your first year is all about. You then build on those foundations by specialising in an area that aligns with your career goals. Choose from: Applied Earth Science; Aquatic Ecosystems; Climate and Sustainability; Ecology and Conservation; and Parks, Recreation and Heritage.
Work with employers from day one
Build your career from day one with work-based experiences that build to placements later in the degree, including opportunities for international study in places such as Bhutan, Cambodia and Nepal. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the ultimate portfolio of skills that industry needs. How do we know industry needs them? We got industry to help us develop the course.
A qualification at every step
As you complete each year of study, you gain a qualification. After the first year, you can receive a Diploma of Environmental Studies; after the second, an Associate Degree in Environmental Science. So, if you achieve a diploma and then want to work for a year, when you return, you’ll go straight into the associate degree year, with credit for your completed diploma.
Our natural landscapes face challenges like never before. We need innovative custodians of the land, its biodiversity and its heritage. Would you like to play a part in improving the health of ecosystems, human welfare and our planet? Make it happen with the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management from Charles Sturt University. Choose to study online or on campus at Albury or Port Macquarie.
Recommended study pattern
The course consists of 14 core subjects, 1 restricted elective and a 9 subject specialisation chosen from:
- Applied Earth Sciences
- Aquatic Ecosystems
- Climate and Sustainability
- Ecology and Conservation
- Parks, Recreation and Heritage
Students can choose to exit the course with an Associate Degree or Diploma after the completion of requirements, see below.
Core
BIO112 Principles of Ecology
BIO203 Animal Diversity
BIO262 Vegetation Ecology
BIO263 Methods for Environmental Data Analysis
ENM101 People and the Environment
ENM109 Introduction to Environmental Practice
ENM111 Indigenous Environmental Studies
ENM163 Natural Resource Management
ENM309 Environmental Practice
ENM422 Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing
GEO164 Earth Systems Processes
GEO360 Community and Stakeholder Engagement
SCI103 Introduction to Geospatial Science
SPA215 GIS 1: Geographic Information Science Foundations
Elective
One from the following:
ENM310 The Principles and Practice of Field Ecology
SCI302 International Practical Experience 2
SCI401 Advanced Topics 1
Specialisations
Applied Earth Sciences
BIO312 Landscape Ecology
ENM308 Challenges of Global Sustainable Development
GEO204 Ecological and Environmental Soil Science
GEO303 Climatology
SPA217 Remote Sensing of the Environment
SPA308 GIS Applications
SPA442 Remote Sensing 2: Image Processing and Analysis
Two from the following:
CHM108 Chemical Fundamentals
ENM415 Environmental Management of Mine Sites and Contaminated Lands
GEO305 Groundwater Hydrology and Management
GEO314 River Hydrology and Geomorphology
SPA313 Advanced GIS Applications and Modelling
SPA451 Cartography
Aquatic Ecosystems
BIO216 Conservation Biology
BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
BIO402 River Restoration and Protection
ENM308 Challenges of Global Sustainable Development
GEO305 Groundwater Hydrology and Management
GEO314 River Hydrology and Geomorphology
PSC420 Water Policy and Management
Two from the following:
AHT404 Climate Change Impacts, Mitigation and Adaptation
BIO403 Fish Ecology and Conservation
BIO312 Landscape Ecology
SPA217 Remote Sensing of the Environment
SPA308 GIS Applications
Climate and Sustainability
AHT404 Climate Change Impacts, Mitigation and Adaptation
ENM123 Past Environments: An Introduction to Historic Ecology
ENM308 Challenges of Global Sustainable Development
ENM443 Resilience Thinking and Ecologically Sustainable Development
GEO204 Ecological and Environmental Soil Science
GEO303 Climatology
PKM260 Planning Environmental Education and Interpretation
Two from the following:
AGR475 Sustainable Agriculture: Issues and Viewpoints
BIO312 Landscape Ecology
BIO328 Restoration Ecology
BIO331 Fire Ecology and Management
REC205 Open Space Planning
SPA217 Remote Sensing of the Environment
Ecology and Conservation
BIO216 Conservation Biology
BIO328 Restoration Ecology
BIO329 Wildlife Ecology
BIO330 Wildlife Management
BIO331 Fire Ecology and Management
BIO332 Vegetation Management
GEO204 Ecological and Environmental Soil Science
Two from the following:
BIO312 Landscape Ecology
BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
BIO403 Fish Ecology and Conservation
BIO430 Avian Biology
BIO439 Behavioural Ecology
BIO461 Applied Ecological Conservation
PSC102 Botany
SPA217 Remote Sensing of the Environment
SPA308 GIS Applications
Parks, Recreation and Heritage
BIO216 Conservation Biology
BIO330 Wildlife Management
BIO331 Fire Ecology and Management
BIO332 Vegetation Management
ENM123 Past Environments: An Introduction to Historic Ecology
PKM260 Planning Environmental Education and Interpretation
PKM266 Culture and Heritage
REC205 Open Space Planning
One from the following:
AHT404 Climate Change Impacts, Mitigation and Adaptation
BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
BIO328 Restoration Ecology
BIO329 Wildlife Ecology
PKM366 Site Survey Design
Associate Degree in Environmental Science [exit point only]
The course consists of 12 core subjects and 4 restricted electives from one of the following sequences:
- Applied Earth Sciences
- Aquatic Ecosystems
- Climate and Sustainability
- Ecology and Conservation
- Parks, Recreation and Heritage
Core
BIO112 Principles of Ecology
BIO203 Animal Diversity
BIO262 Vegetation Ecology
BIO263 Methods for Environmental Data Analysis
ENM101 People and the Environment
ENM109 Introduction to Environmental Practice
ENM111 Indigenous Environmental Studies
ENM163 Natural Resource Management
GEO164 Earth Systems Processes
GEO360 Community and Stakeholder Engagement
SCI103 Introduction to Geospatial Science
SPA215 GIS 1: Geographic Information Science Foundations
Applied Earth Sciences
GEO204 Ecological and Environmental Soil Science
GEO303 Climatology
SPA217 Remote Sensing of the Environment
SPA308 GIS Applications
Aquatic Ecosystems
BIO216 Conservation Biology
GEO305 Groundwater Hydrology and Management
GEO314 River Hydrology and Geomorphology
PSC420 Water Policy and Management
Climate and Sustainability
ENM123 Past Environments: An Introduction to Historic Ecology
GEO204 Ecological and Environmental Soil Science
GEO303 Climatology
PKM260 Planning Environmental Education and Interpretation
Ecology and Conservation
BIO216 Conservation Biology
BIO329 Wildlife Ecology
GEO204 Ecological and Environmental Soil Science
One from the following:
BIO312 Landscape Ecology
PSC102 Botany
SPA217 Remote Sensing of the Environment
Parks, Recreation and Heritage Specialisation
BIO216 Conservation Biology
ENM123 Past Environments: An Introduction to Historic Ecology
PKM260 Planning Environmental Education and Interpretation
REC205 Open Space Planning
Diploma of Environmental Studies [exit point only]
The course consists of 8 core subjects:
BIO112 Principles of Ecology
BIO263 Methods for Environmental Data Analysis
ENM101 People and the Environment
ENM109 Introduction to Environmental Practice
ENM111 Indigenous Environmental Studies
ENM163 Natural Resource Management
GEO164 Earth Systems Processes
SCI103 Introduction to Geospatial Science
Key Subjects
ENM109 Introduction to Environmental Practice
ENM111 Indigenous Environmental Studies
Award requirements
As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.
Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 192 points.
Associate Degree in Environmental Science [Exit Point Only]
To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 128 points.
Diploma of Environmental Studies [Exit Point Only]
To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 64 points.
Exit points
Associate Degree in Environmental Science [Exit Point Only]
To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 128 points.
Diploma of Environmental Studies [Exit Point Only]
To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 64 points
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$9,312
Indicative total fee $27,936
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.
Learn more about CSU.
Explore CSU courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 31
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 37
How to apply
Charles Sturt University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Charles Sturt University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
- A completed Tertiary Preparation Course from an Australian University or an accredited provider demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies; OR
- Successful completion of two university level subjects (AQF level Associate Degree or higher) demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies.
- A completed High School Certificate with an ATAR of 60 (including adjustment factors) or equivalent; OR
- A completed Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) with an equivalent ranking to the currently listed ATAR.
- A completed AQF Certificate III or higher level qualification; OR
- 50% completion of an AQF Diploma level qualification.
Work experience, within the same industry as the course profile, of at least two years full time or equivalence, demonstrated by a detailed resume.
Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements. Refer to http://futurestudents.csu.edu.au/apply/english-language for the specific requirements.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.
Study method requirements
Please note that the following subjects have a Workplace Learning component:
ENM109 - Introduction to Environmental Practice
GEO360 - Community and Stakeholder Engagement.
Some online subjects include a compulsory or optional intensive school. These are an opportunity to come on campus for between one and five days for face-to-face learning. You'll meet your lecturers and classmates, put theory into practice in our facilities, and could take part in anything from exam prep workshops and guest speaker presentations, to lab work and research tutorials You can also take advantage of our on-campus accommodation, and access specific grants and financial assistance to help you attend.
Career opportunities
A career in environmental science and management is incredibly rewarding, as you work to overcome environmental challenges – in Australia or overseas – and help ecosystems and communities grow and flourish.
Join a government department
Government agencies are big employers of our graduates. You could work as researcher, environmental scientist and manager, Landcare officer, catchment management officer, national park ranger, land and water officer, or field ecologist.
Help business go greener
Work in private industry or consultancy to ensure businesses are environmentally responsible and sustainable for the long term.
Follow your passion
The skill set you’ll develop in this course will mean you could follow a career path in any direction that fires your imagination – whether that’s working with natural resources, fisheries, terrestrial ecosystems or at the interface between wild and manmade environments.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Environmental Managers | Over $120K | N/A^ |
Policy Analysts | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
^ There is no data available