You have the opportunity in the programme to study environmental systems in some depth, and learn the important tasks required of an environmental scientist, such as how to relate theoretical knowledge to practical problems, how to design and conduct fieldwork, and how to communicate the results of your work effectively. You will be involved in field trips, working in computer labs, undertaking practical assignments such as group research projects, and making presentations.
You also have the opportunity to develop specialist skills within this degree which will greatly enhance your career opportunities. For example, by taking papers in environmental chemistry, as well as hydrology papers, you will be able to work on water quality concerns, for a regional council, or as an environmental consultant, or within an environmental unit of a resource-based company. Or you might choose to develop an environmental economics specialism, or one in geographic information systems (GIS). Every graduate is different, and that is a strength of the programme. Read the material on pathways, in the separate PDF guide available on this website, carefully and think about your own pathway through the programme.
Overall, this degree is not about learning lots of techniques: it is about recognising problems and then being able to identify and shape appropriate responses, using the information and the skills you develop over the course of your studies... and then being able to work effectively with decision-making processes to achieve the necessary outcomes.
After completing the three year degree, several options are available for continuing your study as a postgraduate, should you wish to. These include the Honours (Hons) programme and the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (PGDipAppSc) Environmental Management (both one year), a coursework-based Masters' of Applied Science (MAppSc) Environmental Management (12-15 months), and a Masters of Science (MSc) Environmental Management (either as a two year papers plus thesis programme, or a one year thesis only). You can find more information on these options by clicking here...