Bachelor of Science (Sustainability)
UndergraduateTAS-SUS-DEG2024
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Develop sustainable societies for a better world
Benefitting from world-class expertise in sustainability, you'll learn how to create frameworks for developing sustainable solutions in a range of fields and careers.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- 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 Science (Sustainability)
About this degree
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Explain the methodologies of science and the role and relevance of science in society.
- Apply in-depth knowledge and skills in one or more scientific disciplines to provide specialist advice and functions in a range of contexts.
- Design and implement scientific investigations, including quantitative analysis and critical evaluation of results.
- Communicate scientific results, information, and arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.
- Apply scientific methods and knowledge ethically, responsibly, respectfully and safely in research or workplace settings guided by relevant regulatory and professional frameworks.
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.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $40,150
The amount shown here is 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.
Learn more about UTAS.
Explore UTAS courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 20
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 19
Entry requirements
- Partially completed an undergraduate program at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two/four subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) including Level 100 subjects successfully completed in the Diploma of University Studies at UTAS. If an applicant has failed any subjects the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made.
OR
- Completed the UTAS 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.
This course uses ATAR and equivalent ranks as part of the admission process. In 2024, the minimum ATAR required is 65.
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.
Career opportunities
Preparing you for a range of sustainability-themed jobs in a range of fields and careers, as well as pursuing a passion, you’ll develop specialist expertise across physical and social sciences and humanities.
Potential roles provide opportunities to positively impact the environment and your community, including government project officers, sustainability and environmental advisors and planning.
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
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
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Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.