Bachelor of Science (Sustainability)

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Explain the methodologies of science and the role and relevance of science in society.
2. Apply in-depth knowledge and skills in one or more scientific disciplines to provide specialist advice and functions in a range of contexts.
3. Design and implement scientific investigations, including quantitative analysis and critical evaluation of results.
4. Communicate scientific results, information, and arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.
5. Apply scientific methods and knowledge ethically, responsibly, respectfully and safely in research or workplace settings guided by relevant regulatory and professional frameworks.

Developing sustainable societies is a major challenge of the Anthropocene. This program allows students to explore the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that underpin the development of sustainable societies and solutions. Informed by international and local research, practice and theory, this program allows students to develop specialist expertise across the physical and social sciences and humanities. With an emphasis on student-led and problem-based learning, this Major provides the frameworks for developing sustainability solutions in a range of fields and careers.

This program is for students interested in developing sustainable societies. Informed by international and local research, practice and theory, the Major allows students to develop specialist expertise across physical and social sciences and humanities.

With world-class expertise in facets of sustainability and informed by international and local research, practice and theory, this program allows students to explore the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that underpin the development of sustainable societies and solutions.

With an emphasis on student-led and problem-based learning, you will benefit from international and local research and Tasmania’s unique and globally important ecosystems.

You will investigate sustainable business practices in natural resource and science reliant industries. This includes practices that promote a sustainable business model and minimise the negative impact on social, economic, environmental and cultural values. Through industry-based examples, you will identify problems and provide solutions to sustainability challenges.

Recommended study pattern

The Bachelor of Science requires the completion of 24 subjects comprising:

• 8 core subjects
• 8 Discipline Elective subjects
• 8 Elective UTAS Elective subjects

You may complete any subject from the Bachelor of Science available in the Discipline stream as a Discipline Elective so long as you meet any pre-requisites.

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Year 1.8 subjects in the first year including: 

• 2 Introductory subjects
• Choose 1 subject from
  • TAS-HEJ111 Communicating Sustainability
  • TAS-HUM111 Engaging with Sustainability 
• Choose 1 subject from
  • TAS-KGA171 Global Geographies of Change
  • TAS-KEA104 Humans: Earth Shapers
  • TAS-ZAS118 Sustainability
• For articulating Diploma of Sustainable Living students only
  • TAS-KGA107 Local Lives for a Sustainable Planet
• 4 Discipline subjects
• 2 UTAS Electives

Year 2. 8 subjects in the second year including: 

• 2 Intermediate subjects
  • TAS-KGA207 Systems Thinking
• Choose 1 subject from
  • TAS-BEA207 Natural Resource Economics
  • TAS-HSS207 Human Rights and Global Justice
  • TAS-KGA223 Environmental Management
• 2 Discipline subjects
• 4 UTAS Electives

Year 3. 8 subjects in the third year including: 

• 4 Advanced subjects
  • TAS-KGA301 Change Agents for Sustainability
• Choose 3 subjects from:
  • TAS-CXA322 Food, Health and Environment
  • TAS-HGA343 Globalisation and Society: Power, Inequality and Conflict
  • TAS-KGA308 Political Ecologies of Development
  • TAS-KGA319 Science and Policy for Energy Futures
• 2 Discipline subjects
• 2 UTAS Electives

Award requirements

Satisfactory completion of 24 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 3-7 years from commencement.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Your electives can be used to add breadth to your degree, by exploring a variety of different subject areas from within or outside the College of Sciences and Engineering. Alternatively, you can deepen your engagement with specific subject areas, for example, by completing additional subjects in the same discipline as your core subjects or related fields.

You can also use this space to complete an optional second major which may be a second major chosen from another program noting some exclusions apply. Not all majors can be taken by students in different programs.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Year 1 Core

• For articulating Diploma of Sustainable Living students only

• Year 2 Core

• Year 3 Core

• Discipline Electives

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $42,700

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.

Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.

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QS Ranking 2024:

20

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

19

• Partially completed an undergraduate program at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two subjects of study (equivalent to 25 University of Tasmania credit points). If an applicant has failed any subjects, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made;

OR

• Completed the University of Tasmania University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian university).

Successful completion of any two (2) OUA open access subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available. This course has a Guaranteed ATAR of 65. In 2024, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 65.35. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.

Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this program.

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.