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.

By understanding the issues facing our planet, you can help build a better future.

There is no better place to study natural environments and conservation than Tasmania. Our state is a living laboratory, with approximately 23% of Tasmania recognised as world heritage, and 42% as protected areas, accessible from our campus. Your studies will also connect you to the rich culture and history of the conservation movement in Tasmania.

Understanding the connections between nature and human society is vital for informing the management, protection, and use of the natural environment. You’ll learn to think critically and creatively across disciplines.

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:

Discover how living things interact with their environment in one of the world's most exceptional learning environments - Tasmania. You'll study climate, soil, flora, fauna, and geology, with many opportunities for fieldwork in diverse landscapes. Our staff includes Aboriginal Tasmanians, providing invaluable insights into the local environment and its management.

Emergency Management is a vital function for any organisation, particularly those tasked with mitigating environmental impacts in the wake of disasters. These units focus on developing plans, structures, and arrangements to coordinate the efforts of multiple agencies in responding comprehensively to various environmental crises.

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 experts with close connections to primary producers, regulators, and other land managers. This area of study will appeal to you if you want to balance conservation with production.

Learn how politics, social systems, and cultural beliefs affect our environment and our ability to manage it globally. Explore complex issues like food security, energy futures, and climate change using various tools, including fieldwork and case studies.

Add sustainability to your degree

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have created a complementary, optional major available across most of our flexible bachelor's degrees.

In the major, explore interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that underpin the development of sustainable societies and solutions. Informed by international and local research, practice, and theory, this major allows you to develop specialist expertise across the physical and social sciences and humanities, emphasising student-led and problem-based learning.

It provides the frameworks for developing sustainability-oriented solutions in a range of fields and is relevant to a wide range of careers.

Combined study options

Choosing a double degree allows you to deepen your knowledge within two separate study areas. This means you can pursue your career and follow your passion at the same time. And when you graduate, you’ll have a set of skills that will really set you apart.

The Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation can be combined with a number of other degrees. Visit the Double Degrees page to learn more.

Further study options

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

For postgraduate course information, please visit Protected Area Conservation and Planning.

You can also work towards a Master of Protected Area Conservation through the all-new Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation and Master of Protected Area Conservation double degree, where you can graduate with both degrees in just four years.

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, protected area management, urban and regional planning, emergency management and planning, ecosystem restoration, research, policy, and natural resource management.

Occupations forecast for high growth include:

18.6%

Urban and regional planners

Projected increase by 2026

3.4%

Life Scientists

Projected increase by 2026

16.8%

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Projected increase by 2026

labourmarketinsights.gov.au

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.