Natural Environments and Conservation

Understand the environmental issues facing our planet and develop the skills to build a better future.

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Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation

Learn to make a difference from those who do

Learn alongside the researchers who are fighting to save our planet.

Immerse yourself in nature and conservation

Tasmania is a living laboratory steeped in World Heritage accessible from our campus doors.

Field trips from first to final year

Take part in overnight field trips and outdoor experiences throughout your studies.

Study options in this degree

A major is an area of focus in your degree. During your studies, you’ll choose an area that interests you, and then study a group of units related to that area. Find out more at What is a Major?

This degree contains a Major in Natural Environment Management, where you will gain a solid, field-based foundation in the relationships between people and nature. You will also develop the knowledge, experience and skills in understanding and managing natural environments and conservation.

Through your choice of elective units, you can then customise the degree towards outcomes and career paths that match your passions. Some focus areas include:

Learn about the ways in which living things interact with their environment in one of the world's greatest environments for learning - Tasmania. You will study climate, soil, flora, fauna and geology, and have many opportunities to do fieldwork in a diversity of landscape. Our staff include Aboriginal Tasmanians who can give a deep perspective of place and value that is important for managing our environment.

Emergency Management is one of the essential activities of any organisation, and especially those involved with managing the potential environmental consequences as a result of disasters impacting the environment. These units involve the plans, structures and arrangements that coordinate the actions of a multitude of agencies in a comprehensive and coordinated way to deal a range of environmental disasters.

Learn about resource economics and the conservation of nature in productive landscapes. From wood to wool production, you will learn in the field and from people who have close connections with primary producers, regulators and other land managers. This area of study will appeal to a people who want to work to balance conservation with production.

Learn about the ways that politics, social systems and cultural beliefs affect the nature of our environment, and our ability to successfully manage it around the world. You will explore a range of complex problems, such as food security, energy futures, and climate warming, using a variety of tools including fieldwork and case studies.

Further study options

For honours course information, please visit Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness Studies with Honours

For postgraduate course information, please visit Environmental Management and Protected Area Conservation

Find out more about what you'll study, entry requirements, fees and scholarships - and to apply.

Visit the course page

Career opportunities

This interdisciplinary degree provides you with the knowledge and skills to gain employment in a variety of sectors.

There are endless opportunities across government, private and not-for-profit industries. These include eco-tourism, natural area management, protection and interpretation, emergency management and planning, and natural resource management.

Occupations forecast for high growth by 2024 include:^

13.8%

Urban and regional planners

Projected increase by 2024

12.5%

Environmental Scientists

Projected increase by 2024

14%

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Projected increase by 2024

^ ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2019 and projections to 2024.

Student experience

Learning in the uniquely Tasmanian outdoors

Gemma Rushton first found her passion for the outdoors growing up on the north coast of New South Wales. Her interest took her to Tasmania, where she studied Natural Environment and Conservation. Now she’s thinking about postgraduate study in Environmental Management or Planning.

Gemma's story

Explore Tasmania with practical field trips

Your study experience will be a combination of classroom, laboratory and in-the-field learning in the inspiring landscapes of Tasmania.

Watch our latest vlog as students develop their field testing skills on an 8-day excursion to Bruny Island, Tasmania.

Consider Environmental Science

Have you considered a career in environmental science?

This great video from our partner, the Australian Council of Environmental Deans and Directors, provides information on a career path that is vital for people and the planet.