If you have genuine concern for the environment and a commitment to sustainability, a degree in Environmental Science can help to launch your career.

In this degree you will address today’s scientific issues and explore how humans interact with the environment, how we can manage it best, and how we can better influence positive attitudes.

You will do hands-on field work in the natural environment as you learn biology, soil science, ecology, conservation and geology. Field work can range from exploring the campus to visiting Hallett Cove, Second Valley, Arkaroola in the Flinders Ranges, or even a trip up north to look at arid species.

What you'll learn

Your learning will cover ecology, soil science, geography and social sciences. To develop strong skills in an area that interests you, you will study a minor in Community Engagement and Sustainability or Biodiversity and Earth Systems.

Through Project Live, we’ll provide you with access to cutting-edge digital imagery from your own local environments and further afield, along with tools to process and evaluate this data to critically assess its meaning. From aerial imagery of erosion patterns along the South Australian coastline and ancient landforms in central Australia, to infra-red surveys of vegetation health in Barossa Valley vineyards and satellite monitoring of ice sheet stability in Antarctica, this imagery will give you hands on experience in data creation and manipulation and help you become familiar with the latest digital imaging, mapping and spatial analysis techniques.

Employment prospects for environmental scientists is expected to increase by 11.3 percent by May 2023.1

Careers to consider:

• ranger: managing natural values (making sure the natural environment and cultural sites are protected); managing visitor services (helping visitors to enjoy and understand parks and reserves); extensive planning, researching, strategic thinking and people management to effectively balance conservation and recreational values of parks and reserves
• environmental adviser (construction): offering environmental support to construction sites; ensuring compliance with environmental regulations; helping to achieve environmental targets (e.g. sending zero waste to landfill); liaising with site teams, the client, stakeholders and other environmental teams
• land management officer: engaging with land managers to continuously improve management of their land and water through a whole of landscape approach to natural resources management; contributing to the operational management of parks and reserves; delivering on-ground works, community events, activities and minor projects
• sustainability officer: setting sustainability policies, goals and objectives; reducing a company's carbon footprint in compliance with government environmental regulations; developing partnerships (e.g. with government agencies and the community) to deliver environmental sustainability projects