Protect your career and our planet in the essential field of sustainability

The diverse field of sustainability is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed to tackle the challenges facing the planet. As climate change continues to have extreme environmental and social effects, sustainability professionals who are up-to-date with the latest innovations will be in high demand.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in sustainability designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to a viable and equitable future for all. As a result of our lengthy history of preparing adults for constantly evolving workplaces, our sustainability courses focus on integrating social science with environmental science, to ensure you are future-fit to adapt to the expected changes and advancements in the field. You’ll learn about critical thinking, problem-solving, research and data analysis from leading experts who are engaged in cutting-edge research, have a passion for teaching, and have the experience to help you secure your career in sustainability.

Most of our students choose to study online and become members of a community of adults who bring their life and work experiences together to develop real-world networks for the future. On-campus learners can access campus accommodation, sports facilities and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in sustainability, whether you wish to work with NGOs, local communities, in education, research or in a specialist role. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the sustainability courses and specialisations on offer at UNE. 

What our students say

Bachelor of Rural Science graduate Sara Paton leans over a gate on a sunny day on a rural property

Getting hands-on in the practicals, meeting students with similar passions and interesting life experiences, and getting to know our lecturers are some of the great experiences at intensive schools.

Sara Paton, graduate, Bachelor of Rural Science

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Sustainability

Prepare for increasing environmental challenges and a growing need for sustainability professionals by studying with UNE. Our courses give you the skills to make a positive impact on the world and tackle the crisis facing the planet right now. Explore our sustainability offerings now.

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Showing 110 of 19 results
Agricultural Sustainability
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course

UNE’s well-regarded agriculture academics will introduce you to recent and future tech advancements in science and farming for food production. Enhance your skills and prepare for sustainable success in the fast-changing world of agriculture.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Agriculture Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Rural Science Minor Undergraduate
Animal Ecology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's highly regarded zoology academics and develop the research and practical skills to prepare you for a career in the rapidly changing field of ecology. Learn about current and emerging tech advancements and changes in animal…

Benefit from UNE's highly regarded zoology academics and develop the research and practical skills to prepare you for a career in the rapidly changing field of ecology. Learn about current and emerging tech advancements and changes in animal conservation, biodiversity, and behaviour.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Zoology Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Zoology Minor Undergraduate
Botany
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's expert botanists and develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of scientific research; a field set to see vast changes as technology advances and…

Benefit from UNE's expert botanists and develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of scientific research; a field set to see vast changes as technology advances and the climate crisis continues.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Zoology Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Scientific Studies Major Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Science Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Science Major Postgraduate
Climate Resilience
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's passionate climate science experts and develop the critical analytical and practical skills to safeguard a career in sustainability. Learn how to balance scientific data with policy, politics and ethics and work with current…

Benefit from UNE's passionate climate science experts and develop the critical analytical and practical skills to safeguard a career in sustainability. Learn how to balance scientific data with policy, politics and ethics and work with current and emerging technology.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Agriculture Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Rural Science Minor Undergraduate
Data Science and Modelling
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
In a global, digitised world, having an advanced ability to understand, interpret and use high-level data is critical. Learn about data modelling, changes in AI and cloud computing, from the experts at UNE. Be future-fit for a range of industries,…

In a global, digitised world, having an advanced ability to understand, interpret and use high-level data is critical. Learn about data modelling, changes in AI and cloud computing, from the experts at UNE. Be future-fit for a range of industries, from the fields of science to the courts of law.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of GeoScience Minor Undergraduate
Ecology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's established reputation in ecology and conservation and develop technical skills in areas such as data analysis and survey design. Learn to use current and emerging technology and be future fit to work in a world that is…

Benefit from UNE's established reputation in ecology and conservation and develop technical skills in areas such as data analysis and survey design. Learn to use current and emerging technology and be future fit to work in a world that is constantly seeing new conservation challenges.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of GeoScience Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Environmental Management and Rehabilitation
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's experienced geoscience educators will help you develop the expertise in ecology, resource management and sustainable development to secure your place in the rapidly changing world of environmental sustainability; a sector forecast to see…

UNE's experienced geoscience educators will help you develop the expertise in ecology, resource management and sustainable development to secure your place in the rapidly changing world of environmental sustainability; a sector forecast to see many technological and social changes.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of GeoScience Minor Undergraduate
Master of Environmental Science and Management Specialist Course Postgraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies Specialist Course Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Life and Earth Studies Specialist Course Undergraduate
Geoscience
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Prepare for the increased focus on sustainability and renewable energy in geoscience with the experts at UNE. Future-fit your career by building knowledge and experience in rapidly developing areas of geoscience such as computer modelling and data…

Prepare for the increased focus on sustainability and renewable energy in geoscience with the experts at UNE. Future-fit your career by building knowledge and experience in rapidly developing areas of geoscience such as computer modelling and data analytics.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of GeoScience Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Global Environment
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Prepare for a career in Environmental Science and learn from the experts at UNE. Develop the skills to analyse the critical issues concerning the rapidly changing environment; land use, resource management, pollution, water, animals, natural…

Prepare for a career in Environmental Science and learn from the experts at UNE. Develop the skills to analyse the critical issues concerning the rapidly changing environment; land use, resource management, pollution, water, animals, natural disasters, and explore advancing technology.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Indigenous Knowledge Systems
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's highly regarded sociology department and develop your conceptual and independent critical thinking skills. Future-fit yourself for a modern world that is increasingly looking to Indigenous knowledge systems for social and…

Benefit from UNE's highly regarded sociology department and develop your conceptual and independent critical thinking skills. Future-fit yourself for a modern world that is increasingly looking to Indigenous knowledge systems for social and environmental solutions for our rapidly changing world.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Sustainability

By studying sustainability with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers and industries requiring sustainability experts. With the need for technical expertise set to rise, professionals with skillsets in sustainability can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Sustainability consultant
    Work with organisations to develop and implement sustainability strategies and initiatives.
  • Environmental analyst
    Assess the environmental impact of projects, policies or practices, advocating for sustainability.
  • Renewable energy specialist
    Promote and develop clean and renewable energy sources.
  • Sustainability researcher
    Conduct studies and analyse data to assess sustainability challenges and propose solutions.
  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager
    Work within organisations to develop and implement social and environmental sustainability initiatives.
  • Sustainable supply chain manager
    Implement environmentally and socially responsible practices throughout the supply chain.
  • Sustainable urban planner
    Plan, create and manage environmentally-friendly and liveable communities.
  • Policy analyst
    Work with government agencies, NGOs or advocacy groups to analyse, develop, and promote policies that address environmental challenges.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.