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Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (Wildlife and Conservation)

Develop real-world practical skills and contemporary knowledge. Conduct cutting-edge research. Support sustainable communities to thrive.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

If you’re planning to study at UOW immediately after finishing your HSC, International Baccalaureate (IB), or an interstate equivalent, you can apply for Early Admission to this course. Applications can be submitted via the UOW Early Admission website during the designated period, usually June – August each year.

Students can also apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

If you’re a non-school leaver (e.g., completed Year 12 previously and/or have a TAFE qualification or equivalent), you can apply directly to UOW.

Before applying, please review the requirements, intakes, and deadlines for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

International students who are studying an Australian Year 12 qualification in or outside of Australia may choose to apply through UOW Early Admission, and/or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Campus
Wollongong
ATAR-SR ?
80
IB Admission Score ?
28.75
Delivery ?
On Campus
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Autumn 2024
Codes
UAC: 757612
UOW: 1880

Overview

Environmental science is a practical and multi-disciplinary science that spans the biophysical, geochemical and social sciences and focuses on the interaction between the living and non-living elements of the world, including the role of human impacts.

With a degree in environmental science, you will discover the ethical, social, economic and political aspects of environmental issues and investigate the fresh-water and terrestrial ecosystems of the Illawarra.

Throughout this degree, you will participate in practical classes on campus using cutting-edge technology and off campus undertaking fieldwork where you will study the superb local marine life, coastal landscapes, nearby rainforest escarpment, and fresh-water and terrestrial ecosystems that are part of the local area.

In the first two years of the degree, you will learn environmental science fundamentals and incorporate the 'language' of science through introductory mathematics and statistics. In the third and fourth years, you will specialise in your major. An honours research report with an external organisation is a major component of the fourth year, providing for the integration of industry-based learning.

Taught by leading researchers, these classes will give you the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of tomorrow’s employers and tackle real-world challenges.

Specialise in one of the following majors: climate and sustainability, land resources, wildlife and conservation.

Read the course handbook for more information.

A double degree at UOW provides a world-class qualification in less time and at less cost than studying the two degrees separately. Having a double degree will give you a competitive advantage in a crowded job market.

See more

Wildlife and Conservation (major)

The wildlife and conservation major investigates the Earth's biodiversity with the aim of managing and protecting species and ecosystems. This major equips you with knowledge and skills to minimise the impact of humans on their environment.

You will focus on biology, developing skills in evolutionary physiology, conservation biology and ecology of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Throughout your degree, you will undertake field and laboratory studies, taking advantage of state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and the superb environments on the South Coast and inland regions.

Careers

  • Bush Regenerator
  • Ecologist
  • Environmental Educator
  • Environmental Officer
  • Environmental Planner
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Grounds and Environmental Manager
  • National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger
  • Research Scientist
See more

Accreditation & professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for full membership with the Environment Institute of Australia & New Zealand and other relevant professional bodies depending on their disciplinary orientation.

Admissions information

The University assumes students will have studied Mathematics and any 2 units of science. The university recommends that students study Mathematics Advanced, Chemistry and Biology

Students who have not completed Chemistry and/or Biology in the HSC are strongly recommended to enrol in bridging courses offered in February each year.

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • Higher Education Study

    For your application to be assessed on your university results you need to have completed at least half a year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at a Bachelor's degree level or higher. Your grades will be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes. Students may also be eligible for credit for prior learning.

  • Work and life experience

    Admission to UOW is primarily based on your academic qualifications, with work or life experience generally not considered. If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, we recommend exploring recognized pathway programs, such as those offered by UOW College or the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC).

    For more information, please refer to the UOW Admissions Information page.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

    UOW's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre's Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) offers an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians aged 17 and over who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Upon completing the IAP, applicants will be considered for admission based on an interview and assessment of both academic and non-academic qualities. For further details, including the application process, please contact Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    If you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution, you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You'll need to provide academic records, and your course must be at least one-sixth complete. Non-English documents must include an official English translation. For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • Workload
    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available. For eligible domestic students, Australian government funding will contribute towards your tuition fees. The remaining proportion, known as a student contribution, will depend on when you begin study (enrolment year) and study area. Read more domestic student fees and CSPs.

  • Autumn, 2025 at Wollongong

    On Campus delivery

    Orientation: 24 - 27 February 2025
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 30 September 2024 (early bird), 30 January 2025 (final) (see UAC Key Dates).
    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 December 2024*
    • International Applicants: 9 December 2024*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

  • Spring, 2025 at Wollongong

    Mid-year entry for this course must be in consultation with the relevant Head of the School.

    Orientation: 14 July 2025
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 28 June 2025 (see UAC Key Dates).
    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
    • International Applicants: 5 May 2025*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.