From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Why Bachelor of Science?
If you love technology, creative thinking and the natural world, this degree is for you. Environmental and geospatial science is about solving real-world problems, from planning better cities to protecting the environment.
It helps answer important questions. How can we rearrange cities to ease traffic and pollution? Where should we send aid after natural disasters? What’s the best location for wind and solar farms? At the heart of the field, is data.
This degree shapes problem solvers. Be at the forefront of new technologies and solutions. Get out of the office and into nature. Make a positive impact on society and the environment for future generations.
You’ll open doors to meaningful careers in fields like environmental management, urban planning and climate change analysis.
Overview
Every decision we make impacts our environment, economy and wellbeing. Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Environmental and Geospatial Science will set you up to inform major decision-making using real data. It is hands-on and tech-driven, with a strong focus on cultural awareness. You’ll learn to create interactive maps, analyse environmental data, and use geospatial technologies like drones and GPS navigators.
Classes extend beyond textbooks into real-world labs and field trips. Explore our planet’s life and weather systems. Master cartography. Participate in sustainability projects. Examine the laws shaping our future.
With skills in mapping, surveying, data analysis and conservation, you’ll be highly sought after in growing areas like agriculture, environmental consulting, urban planning and resource management.
Key features
Map, model and monitor urban and natural environments.- Use modern geospatial tech including Geographic Information Systems, web-based mapping software, and remote sensing.
- Develop strategies and solutions for real environmental challenges.
- Study climate resilience, renewable energy, cartography and natural hazard risks.
- Get hands-on in purpose-built facilities and the living laboratories of Australia.
- Learn about Aboriginal approaches to environmental management.
What you'll learn
This degree is all about how environments form and change over time. How do the living and non-living parts of our world interact? What tools and techniques help protect them? How can we chart changing landscapes?
There is so much to discover. Take foundational courses in environmental chemistry, geochemistry, biology and ecology. Develop technical skills in cartography, earth observation and Geographic Information Systems. Interpret and construct maps that are both interactive and accessible.
Hands-on experiences are central to the degree. You will:
- collect and analyse soil, water and vegetation
- apply marine and wildlife conservation research
- learn the science and applications of remote sensing
- store, manage and communicate data
- study land management strategies including Aboriginal burning techniques
- critically assess environmental legislation
- unpack climate change and its socio-economic impacts.
You’ll experience a mix of online and face-to-face learning, including lectures, tutorials, workshops and practicals. You’ll get familiar with state-of-the-art geospatial tools, gather data on field trips, and network with guest experts. In your final year, you’ll undertake an 80-hour industry placement or project.
Your courses will cover:
- Earth climate and life systems
- Soils and landscapes
- Surveying and spatial sciences
- Scientific data handling and visualisation
- Environmental remote sensing
- Earth and landscape evolution
- Web cartography
- Earth Observation
- Environmental pollution and monitoring.
You can also expand your learning with electives from across Adelaide University in areas like Economics, Technology or Languages.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science is also available with majors in the following:
- Environmental Science
- Evolutionary Biology
- Marine and Wildlife Conservation
- Animal Behaviour
- Animal Science
- Biotechnology
- Space Science and Astrophysics
- Computational Physics.
What courses you'll study
You're required to complete 144 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.
Complete exactly 42 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Science of People, Society and the Future Planet | SCIE1001 | 6 |
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Scientific Data Handling and Visualisation | INFO2011 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 1 | AUXX1000 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 2 | AUXX2000 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 3 | AUXX3000 | 6 |
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Physics IA | PHYS1001 | 6 |
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Physics IB | PHYS1002 | 6 |
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Chemistry IA | CHEM1001 | 6 |
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Chemistry IB | CHEM1003 | 6 |
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Calculus 1 | MATH1004 | 6 |
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Biology IA: Molecules, Genes and Cells | BIOL1003 | 6 |
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Biology IB: Organisms | BIOL1004 | 6 |
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Earth, Climate and Life Systems | ECOL1001 | 6 |
Complete exactly 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Science Professional Project | SCIE3901 | 6 |
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Science Professional Placement | SCIE3900 | 6 |
Complete 6 to 54 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Foundations in Physics | PHYS1000 | 6 |
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Foundations in Chemistry | CHEM1000 | 6 |
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Foundations in Mathematics | MATH1000 | 6 |
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Calculus 1 | MATH1004 | 6 |
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Elective 1 | AUXX1011 | 6 |
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Elective 2 | AUXX1012 | 6 |
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Elective 3 | AUXX1013 | 6 |
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Elective 4 | AUXX1014 | 6 |
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Elective 5 | AUXX1015 | 6 |
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Elective 6 | AUXX1016 | 6 |
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Elective 7 | AUXX1017 | 6 |
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Elective 8 | AUXX1018 | 6 |
Complete exactly 78 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Introduction to Climate Change | EART1003 | 6 |
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Soils and Landscapes | EART1004 | 6 |
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Introduction to Surveying and Spatial Sciences | ENGI1006 | 6 |
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Environmental Chemistry | CHEM1004 | 6 |
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Ecology II | ECOL2000 | 6 |
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Geochemistry II | GEOL2001 | 6 |
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Microbial Ecology II | BIOL2011 | 6 |
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Fire and Culture III | EART3005 | 6 |
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Environmental Pollution and Monitoring III | SCIE3004 | 6 |
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Earth and Landscape Evolution III | EART3006 | 6 |
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Research Methods in Marine and Wildlife Conservation III | BIOL3013 | 6 |
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Web Cartography | SCIE3003 | 6 |
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Earth Observation III | ECOL3001 | 6 |
Career outcomes
With environmental and geospatial skills, you’ll find career opportunities in all sorts of sectors: agriculture, transportation, energy, defence, emergency services, insurance, health – even marketing. You could map the ocean floor as a hydrographic surveyor. You might use satellite imagery and aerial photography to track habitat changes. Perhaps you’ll lead disaster responses, guiding teams to rebuild homes and businesses.
You could also become a:
- Water and land resource manager
- Urban planning officer
- Remote sensing specialist
- Business analyst
- Land surveyor
- Environmental consultant
- Geospatial analyst
- Park ranger.
Industry trends
As global environment systems change, and the pressure on natural resources grows, environmental and geospatial scientists will be asked to step up and deliver solutions. More and more, we will leverage artificial intelligence to control natural disasters and conserve ecosystems. In Australia, AI is already predicting models for bushfire management. The next generation of satellites and drones will provide even more precise data. They’ll help track future changes for mining, agricultural planning, and natural events like coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.
Our Bachelor of Environmental and Geospatial Science will give you hands-on experience with remote sensing technology, GIS software, machine learning and data science. It integrates technical and biocultural skills, preparing you for emerging roles in the future job market.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing at the institution in 2026.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
