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Tropical wetlands
Undergraduate

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Key details

Duration

3 year/s full-time
6 year/s part-time
3 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

240

Course code

WENVS1
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

With the Bachelor of Environmental Science your academic studies will be combined with practical experience, allowing you to play an active role in the protection and conservation of the environment.

Foundation knowledge including biology, ecology and spatial analysis will be the base from which you learn to solve complex environmental problems. You will explore human impacts, social and cultural perspectives, identify solutions to environmental challenges, and learn how to effectively communicate information for positive environmental outcomes. Training in critical and systems thinking will empower you to tackle the environmental challenges of our time.



Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways

Pathways for VET to Higher Education

Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:


Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $34,592.00. This equates to $ $4,324.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

Stephanie Oberbrieler smiling

Why study Science, Environmental Science and Management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers. 

  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Medical Laboratory Science student Hajrah in the lab at Casuarina campus

Why study science, environmental science & management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers.

  • Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
Stephanie Oberbrieler smiling

Why study Science, Environmental Science and Management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers. 

  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Medical Laboratory Science student Hajrah in the lab at Casuarina campus

Why study science, environmental science & management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers.

  • Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)

What will I study?

The Bachelor of Environmental Science includes common and core foundation units completed mainly in the first year that provide you with a grounding in biology, ecology, earth systems, statistics and study design and an introduction to current national and global environmental issues.

Course structure

You can then select one or two majors in Biodiversity and Conservation, Water and Landscapes, Spatial and Quantitative Ecology or Eco-cultural Resource Management. Specialist electives include exciting field intensives that offer on-the-ground experience within the spectacular environments of Northern and Central Australia and the Asian-Pacific region. There are also three general elective units which provide additional flexibility and choice. This course can be completed on campus, 100% online or via mixed enrolment, part-time or full-time.


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Common Units 
(2 units)
20cp

Common units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. 

IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107 from 2024) (compulsory)

PLUS EITHER:

LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100 from 2024) OR 
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology 

Select Common Units to find out more about individual units and advanced standing options.

Core Units 
(7 units)
70cp

Compulsory Core units totalling 70 credit points as detailed below.

ENV101 Earth Systems 
ENV102 The Diversity of Life 
ENV103 Environmental Issues 
IAS144 Indigenous Land and Resources (replaces ATI140 from 2020) 
ENV201 Introductory Ecology 
ENV208 Geographical Information Systems and Spatial Thinking 
SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies 
 

Specialist Electives  
(12 units)
120cp

Specialist Elective units totalling 120 credit points including the completion of at least one major. An option to include two majors is also available.

Option 1: Single major - recommended for maximum flexibility when choosing elective units, studying online only or to maximise transfer credits 
Students must complete: 
>    The requirements of one major of 60cp, plus 
>    60cp from remaining Specialist Elective units, with at least 30cp at 300 level. Discipline specific undergraduate units offered by other higher education providers may be included for cross institutional enrolment or credit recognition subject to written approval from the course coordinator. 

Option 2: Double major - recommended for students who want to pursue two specialised qualifications 
Students must complete: 
>    The requirements of two majors of 60cp each 

Majors may be selected from: 
>    Biodiversity and Conservation 
>    Spatial and Quantitative Ecology 
>    Water and Landscapes 
>    Eco-Cultural Resource Management 

*From 2020 the following majors are no longer available: 
>    Landscape and Spatial Ecology 
>    Water and Catchments 
Further information about these changes are included under Course Changes and Transition arrangements below. 

BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION (60 credit points) 
Select 6 units (60cp) from the list below including at least 2 units (20cp) at 200 level and at least 3 units (30cp) at 300 level: 
ENV204 Ecosystems, Evolution and Biodiversity 
ENV206 Environmental Physiology 
ENV207 Fire Ecology and Management (new to this major from 2020) 
ENV209 Fauna and Flora Survey and Monitoring 
ENV300 Wildlife Management (not offered 2025)
ENV301 Tropical Invaders and Biosecurity (new to this major from 2020) 
ENV302 Organisms and Environmental Change 
ENV303 Ecological Restoration and Conservation 
ENV311 Practical Statistics and Data Reasoning 
ENV315 Desert Field Ecology 

SPATIAL AND QUANTITATIVE ECOLOGY (60 credit points) 
Select 6 units (60cp) from the list below including at least 2 units (20cp) at 200 level and at least 3 units (30cp) at 300 level: 
ENV202 Introductory Remote Sensing 
ENV209 Flora and Fauna Survey and Monitoring 
HIT234 Database Concepts ORHIT140 Foundations in Data Science 
ENV306 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling 
ENV311 Practical Statistics and Data Reasoning 
ENV318 Analysing and Synthesising Spatial Data 
IAS354 Impact Assessment and Management of Cultural Sites (not offered in 2024) 

WATER AND LANDSCAPES (60 credit points) 
This major requires on-campus and field-intensive participation. 
Select 6 units (60cp) from the list below including at least 2 units (20cp) at 200 level and at least 3 units (30cp) at 300 level. 

SELECT at least 2 units (20cp) from: 
SCH101 Chemical Concepts Chemistry OR SCH104 Introductory Chemistry 
ENV202 Introductory Remote Sensing 
ENV210 Aquatic Ecosystems Chemistry (unit title change 2022) 
ENV312 Aquatic Resource Management 
ENV313 Hydrology and Catchment Processes 
ENV323 Environmental Microbiology 
AND at least 2 units (20cp) from: 
IAS254 Partnership and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management 
ENV306 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling 
ENV311 Practical Statistics and Data Reasoning 
ENV316 Exploring Ecosystem Dynamics: Field Studies in Northern Australia (unit title change 2024) 
ENV317 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods (not offered in 2024) 
ENV318 Analysing and Synthesising Spatial Data 

ECO-CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (60 credit points) 
Select 6 units (60cp) from the list of units below including at least 3 units (30cp) of 300 level units: 

SELECT this unit (10cp): 
IAS353 Indigenous Cultures and the Environment (replaces CIK240 from 2020) 
PLUS 5 units (50cp) from: 
IAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous Contexts (new from 2020) 
IAS223 Representing and Recording Country (replaces CIK210 from 2020) 
IAS225 Cultural Resource and Site Management (replaces ATI221 from 2020) 
IAS254 Partnership and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management (replaces CIK230 from 2020)  
IAS321 Indigenous Sovereignty and Challenges of Reconciliation 
IAS322 Research with Indigenous People (replaces INR200 from 2020) 
IAS352 Practices and Skills in Indigenous Community Work 
IAS354 Impact Assessment and Management of Cultural Sites (replaces ATI321 from 2020) (not offered in 2024) 
IAS355 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing 
ENV317 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods (not offered in 2024) 

The units below do not form a major, but may be counted toward the additional 60cp of specialist electives in the Single Major option. 

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND RESEARCH UNITS 
SID300 Professional Practice in Science (repeatable)  
SID305 Environmental Field intensives (repeatable) 
SID310 Communication and Engagement in Science and Technology (new from 2025) 
 

Electives 
(3 units)
30cp

Elective units totalling 30 credit points may include additional units selected from the Specialist Electives or from any other undergraduate units offered by the University.

When selecting electives, choose units at a suitable level. The first number in each unit code indicates the year level at which the subject is taught. Undergraduate units are coded at 100 to 300 level, therefore units coded as ENV1xx, ENV2xx and ENV3xx would be first, second and third year units respectively.

 240cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)

  • A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
  • A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
  • See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.

If course commenced prior to 2023: 
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.

 

COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2025

The following units have been added as Specialist Elective units to the Eco-cultural Resource Management specialisation.

  • IAS321 Indigenous Sovereignty and Challenges of Reconciliation
  • IAS352 Practices and Skills in Indigenous Community Work
  • IAS355 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing

The following unit has been added as a Specialist Elective to the Professional Practice and Research Units specialisation.

  • SID310 Communication and Engagement in Science and Technology

 

COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2024

LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability has replaced CUC100 Academic Literacies through Exploring Sustainability from 2024. Students that have completed CUC100 do not need to complete LAL100 
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities has replaced CUC107Cultural Intelligence and Capability. Students that have completed CUC107 do not need to complete IAS201. 

 

COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2020

Students enrolled prior to 2020 will note the following course structure changes: 

Majors have been reduced from 4 to 3 with the merging of Landscape and Spatial Ecology and Water and Catchments into a single major Water and Landscapes. Students undertaking the Landscape and Spatial Ecology or Water and Catchments major should complete the new Water and Landscapes major.

*From 2020 the following majors will no longer available: 
>  Landscape and Spatial Ecology 
>  Water and Catchments 

LANDSCAPE AND SPATIAL ECOLOGY (60 credit points) 
Complete all 6 units: 
ENV202 Introduction to Remote Sensing (moved to Water and Landscapes major) 
ENV207 Fire Ecology and Management (moved to Biodiversity and Conservation major) 
ENV301 Tropical Invaders and Biosecurity (moved to Biodiversity and Conservation major) 
ENV306 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling (moved to Water and Landscapes major) 
ENV316 Ecosystem Function: Field Studies in North Australia (moved to Water and Landscapes major) 
ENV318 Analysing and Synthesising Spatial Data (moved to Water and Landscapes major) 

WATER AND CATCHMENTS (60 credit points) 
Select 1 unit (10 credit points) from: 
SCH101 Chemical Concepts Chemistry (moved to Water and Landscapes major) 
SCH104 Introductory Chemistry (moved to Water and Landscapes major) 

Plus all 4 units (40cp) of: 
ENV210 Aquatic Ecosystems Chemistry (unit title change 2022) 
ENV211 Aquatic Ecology: Biota and Processes (discontinued but will count towards the new Water and Landscapes major) 
ENV312 Aquatic Resource Management (moved to Water and Landscapes major) (next offered in 2022) 
ENV313 Hydrology and Catchment Processes (moved to Water and Landscapes major) 

Plus 1 unit (10 credit points) selected from: 
ENV302 Organisms and Environmental Change (retained under Biodiversity and Conservation major) 
ENV323 Environmental Microbiology (moved to Water and Landscapes major) 

Unit Code Changes - 2020 

Following is a summary of unit code changes for 2020. Students who have already completed the pre-2020 unit code should not enrol for the replacement unit.

Pre-2020 Unit Code2020 Unit Code
ATI140 Indigenous Land and Resources (core unit)IAS144 Indigenous Land and Resources
ATI221 Archaeology and Cultural Resources ManagementIAS225 Cultural Resource and Site Management
ATI321 Impact Assessment and Management of Cultural SitesIAS354 Impact Assessment and Management of Cultural Sites
CIK210 Indigenous Knowledges: Representing and Recording CountryIAS223 Representing and Recording Country
CIK230 Indigenous Engagements: Land and WaterIAS254 Partnership and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management
CIK240 Indigenous Cultures and the EnvironmentIAS353 Indigenous Cultures and the Environment
INR200 Research With Indigenous PeopleIAS322 Research With Indigenous People

 

COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2018

Core units:

LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law will continue to be delivered in alternate years only and will continue to count as a core unit in the BES. 

ENV205 Environmental Issues is being discontinued at the end of 2017 and will be replaced by the equivalent ENV103 Environmental Issues.

Specialist electives:

ENV203 Environmental Survey and Monitoring (repeatable) is being discontinued at the end of 2017 and will be replaced by ENV209 Fauna and Flora Survey and Monitoring and ENV210 Aquatic Ecosystems Chemistry (unit title change 2022). Students who have completed the fauna and flora version of ENV203 should not complete ENV209 and students who have completed the soil and water monitoring version of ENV203 should not complete ENV210.

Study plan


STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.  
     
Legend:CU = Common UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = General Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
ENV102 The Diversity of LifeCOENV101 Earth SystemsCO
LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) OR  
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology
CUENV103 Environmental IssuesCO
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107)CUIAS144 Indigenous Land and Resources (replaces ATI140 from 2020)CO
ENV201 Introductory EcologyCOSBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological StudiesCO
Year 2
ENV208 Geographical Information Systems and Spatial ThinkingCOSpecialist ElectiveSE
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Year 3
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Specialist ElectiveSEElectiveE
ElectiveEElectiveE

Note 1: The order that specialist electives and electives are taken can vary.  
Note 2: Students completing a single major can make up their additional 60CP of specialist electives from any of the majors.  
Note 3: Additional Specialist Elective units can be taken as Electives.

SPECIALIST ELECTIVE AVAILABILITY
Semester 1Intensive Period 4Semester 2Summer Semester / Intensive Period 6
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
ENV300 Wildlife Management (not offered 2025) 
ENV301 Tropical Invaders and Biosecurity  
ENV302 Organisms and Environmental Change  
ENV311 Practical Statistics and Data Reasoning  
ENV315 Desert Field Ecology 
 ENV204 Ecosystems, Evolution and Biodiversity (new title from 2019)  
ENV206 Environmental Physiology  
ENV207 Fire Ecology and Management  
ENV209 Fauna and Flora Survey and Monitoring  
ENV303 Ecological Restoration and Conservation
 
SPATIAL AND QUANTITATIVE ECOLOGY (new from 2023)
ENV202 Introductory Remote Sensing  
HIT234 Database Concepts  
ENV311 Practical Statistics and Data Reasoning  
 
 HIT140 Foundations of Data Science  
ENV209 Flora and Fauna Survey and Monitoring  
IAS354 Impact Assessment and Management of Cultural Site
ENV306 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling (Int-6)  
ENV318 Analysing and Synthesising Spatial Data (Int-6)
WATER AND LANDSCAPES
SCH101 Chemical Concepts Chemistry OR SCH104 Introductory Chemistry  
ENV202 Introductory Remote Sensing  
ENV211 Aquatic Ecology: Biota and Processes (no longer available)  
ENV311 Practical Statistics and Data Reasoning  
ENV313 Hydrology and Catchment Processes

ENV316 Exploring Ecosystem Dynamics: Field Studies in Northern Australia  




 

 

ENV210 Aquatic Ecosystems Chemistry (unit title change 2022)  
IAS254 Partnership and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management (replaces CIK230)  
ENV317 Natural Resource and Indigenous Livelihoods (not offered 2024, next avail 2025)

 


ENV306 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling (Int-6)  
ENV318 Analysing and Synthesising Spatial Data (Int-6)

ENV323 Environmental Microbiology (SS)  
 

 

ECO-CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
IAS225 Cultural Resource and Site Management (replaces ATI221)  
IAS223 Representing and Recording Country (replaces CIK210)  
IAS353 Indigenous Cultures and the Environment (replaces CIK240)  
IAS355 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing  
CIK341 Global Perspectives on Indigenous Land and Sea Management (no longer available)  

 
IAS353 Indigenous Cultures and the Environment (replaces CIK240)  
IAS321 Indigenous Sovereignty and Challenges of Reconciliation
ATI160 Cultural Site Management (no longer available)  
ENV317 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods  
IAS322 Research with Indigenous People (replaces INR200)  
IAS254 Partnership and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management (replaces CIK230)  
IAS321 Indigenous Sovereignty and Challenges of Reconciliation  
IAS352 Practices and Skills in Indigenous Community Work  
IAS354 Impact Assessment and Management of Cultural Sites (replaces ATI321)  
INR300 Indigenous Research Ethics and Methodologies (no longer available)










 
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND RESEARCH UNITS
SID300 Professional Practice in Science (repeatable)SID310 Communication and Engagement in Science and Technology (new from 2025)SID300 Professional Practice in Science (repeatable)SID305 Environmental Field Intensives (SS)  
SID310 Communication and Engagement in Science and Technology (new from 2025) (INT-4, INT-6)

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_____________________________________

STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.  
     
Legend:CU = Common UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = General Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) OR  
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology
CU
  ENV101 Earth SystemsCO
  ENV103 Environmental IssuesCO
  SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological StudiesCO
Year 2
ENV102 The Diversity of LifeCOIAS144 Indigenous Land and Resources (replaces ATI140 from 2020)CO
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107)CUSpecialist ElectiveSE
ENV208 Geographical Information Systems and Spatial ThinkingCOSpecialist ElectiveSE
ENV201 Introductory EcologySESpecialist ElectiveSE
Year 3
Specialist ElectiveCOSpecialist ElectiveSE
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE
Specialist ElectiveSEElectiveE
Year 4
Specialist ElectiveSE  
Specialist ElectiveSE  
ElectiveE  
ElectiveE  

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____________________________________________

STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.  
     
Legend:CU = Common UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = General Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
    IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107)CU
    LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) OR  
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology
CU
Year 2
ENV102 The Diversity of LifeCUENV101 Earth SystemsCO  
ENV208 Geographical Information Systems and Spatial ThinkingCOENV103 Environmental IssuesCO  
ENV201 Introductory EcologyCOIAS144 Indigenous Land and Resources (replaces ATI140 from 2020)CO  
  SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological StudiesCO  
Year 3
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE  
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE  
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE  
  Specialist ElectiveSE  
Year 4
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE  
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist ElectiveSE  
Specialist ElectiveSEElectiveE  
ElectiveEElectiveE  

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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
  • Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
  • Current School Leaver Pathways:
    • Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
    • School recommendation program

* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.

International entry pathway

International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30)Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3
IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake)A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
 

ATAR profile

The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2024

ATAR based offers onlyATAR
(excluding adjustment factors)
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest rank to receive an offer 60.80 63.40
Median rank to receive an offer 66.70 67.00
Highest rank to receive an offer 78.50 79.00

Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.

I chose CDU because it has an excellent science course, with lots of opportunities for practical experience in the field. I love the small classes, community feel and the interaction with lecturers that you don't get at larger universities.

Brittany

CDU student

CDU Student Brittnay

I am very proud that I am now an environmental expert who can work anywhere on this planet. There is nothing that can be done on the development of any projects without environmental experts. So, it is a very promising career.

Cassian

CDU student

Cassian Lushinge

I chose CDU because it has an excellent science course, with lots of opportunities for practical experience in the field. I love the small classes, community feel and the interaction with lecturers that you don't get at larger universities.

Brittany

CDU student

CDU Student Brittnay

I am very proud that I am now an environmental expert who can work anywhere on this planet. There is nothing that can be done on the development of any projects without environmental experts. So, it is a very promising career.

Cassian

CDU student

Cassian Lushinge

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.

Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024)No. of Students% of all Students
A. Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
20 .0
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study 12 .0
C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
<5N/P
D. Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR

(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

8 .0
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered

(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

<5N/P
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor

(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

<5N/P
International students<5N/P
All students 40 .0

Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Bachelor of Environmental Science
Faculty/College
Faculty of Science and Technology
Sector
HE
Area of study
Science, Environmental Science and Management

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn more about environmental management

Vamshidhar is from India and studied a Master of Environmental Management at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn more about environmental management

Vamshidhar is from India and studied a Master of Environmental Management at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

MyNextCourse

Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
104531
Online (CSP)
104531
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
042477D

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