Bachelor of Science (Geography and Environment)

Protect and manage the future of the environment. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to tackle social and environmental challenges such as COVID, including being able to collect physical and social information on landscapes.

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One-on-One Mentorship

About the Course

Environmental problems are also social problems. Explore people-environment interactions through the Geography and Environments major to develop specialist expertise across the physical, spatial and social sciences and the integrated knowledge needed to solve environmental challenges locally and globally. Geography is uniquely placed within the BSc to offer insights into the complex social-ecological systems that need to be navigated to achieve these solutions, including understanding regulatory frameworks, ethics in science, and the critical evaluation and synthesis of information.

BSc students with a major in Geography and Environment have career prospects in land management, policy and planning, sustainability planning, environmental regulation and assessment, in both the public and private sector. You will develop skills for 21st century jobs that require flexibility, innovative thinking and lifelong learning. You will expand your knowledge of environments and peoples, and the ways they interact from the local to the global.

Our curriculum offers flexibility and choice in how your degree is structured. We provide a wealth of practical experience, access to world class facilities and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a local and interconnected scientific community.

Course Entry Requirements

Partially completed an undergraduate program at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two/four subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) including Level 100 subjects successfully completed in the Diploma of University Studies at UTAS. If an applicant has failed any subjects the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made.
OR
Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University.

Successful completion of any two (2) OUA open access subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.

This course uses ATAR and equivalent ranks as part of the admission process. In 2024, the minimum ATAR required is 65.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.
Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this program.

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.

Course Structure

Recommended study pattern

The Bachelor of Science requires the completion of 24 subjects comprising:

8 core subjects
8 Discipline Elective subjects
8 UTAS Elective subjects

You may complete any subject from the Bachelor of Science available in the Discipline stream as a Discipline Elective so long as you meet any pre-requisites.

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Year 1. 8 subjects in first year including:

2 Introductory subjects
- TAS-KGA171 Global Geographies of Change
- TAS-KGA172 Nature, People, Place
4 Discipline subjects
2 UTAS Electives

Year 2. 8 subjects in second year including:

2 Intermediate subjects
- TAS-KGA204 Earth, Climate and Life
- TAS-KGA223 Environmental Management
2 Discipline subjects
4 UTAS Electives

Year 3. 8 subjects in third year including:

4 Advanced subjects:
- TAS-KGA319 Science and Policy for Energy Futures
- TAS-KGA320 Our Changing Climate
- TAS-KGA326 Rivers and Coasts
- TAS-KGA327 Geoheritage and Geotourism
2 Discipline subjects
2 UTAS Electives

Award requirements

Satisfactory completion of 24 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 3-7 years from commencement.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Your electives can be used to add breadth to your degree, by exploring a variety of different subject areas from within or outside the College of Sciences and Engineering. Alternatively, you can deepen your engagement with specific subject areas, for example, by completing additional subjects in the same discipline as your core subjects or related fields.

You can also use this space to complete an optional second major which may be a second major chosen from another program noting some exclusions apply. Not all majors can be taken by students in different programs.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

Explain the methodologies of science and the role and relevance of science in society.
Apply in-depth knowledge and skills in one or more scientific disciplines to provide specialist advice and functions in a range of contexts.
Design and implement scientific investigations, including quantitative analysis and critical evaluation of results.
Communicate scientific results, information, and arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.
Apply scientific methods and knowledge ethically, responsibly, respectfully and safely in research or workplace settings guided by relevant regulatory and professional frameworks.