Study with us

The School of Environmental and Rural Science offers a range of course options for students looking to specialise in agricultural and rural sciences and management, or those who wish to learn more about managing and studying the natural environment.

Search our undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses here


Students looking at sheep in the sheepyards on UNE's Clark's Farm.



Our discipline areas

Agriculture

From understanding the safe and ethical management of animals, to developing sustainable food systems, professionals and scientists with specialist knowledge and skill sets are needed to ensure high-functioning supply systems in a rapidly changing world.

Studying animal science and agriculture with UNE will give you the expertise required to address accelerating global issues, making you an asset in the eyes of employers across production, research, government organisations, and many more. As the No. 1 university in Australia for Full-time Employment in Agriculture (Good Universities Guide 2023, postgraduate), we know what the industry is looking for in a graduate.

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Animal Science

The study of animals is a rapidly evolving area. With advances in technology and vast and sometimes devastating climate changes occurring in the global environment, professionals who can stay up-to-date with the latest research and embrace more collaborative working strategies will be highly sought-after.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in animals designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills about wildlife ecology, animal nutrition and animal production required to cement your position in this diverse field. Because UNE has a long history of helping adults prepare for changes in the workplace, our animal-related courses focus on developing practical lab and fieldwork, critical communication and problem-solving skills to ensure you are future-fit as an adaptable and innovative animal science professional.

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Botany and Plant Science

With the need for sustainable practices and environmental conservation, the importance of plant science and botany is expanding. These fields are increasingly interdisciplinary, providing the opportunity to work in other disciplines such as ecology, genetics and agriculture. Plant science and botany graduates who are knowledgeable, technically proficient and adaptable will be set to succeed in dynamic, varied career opportunities.

UNE offers the option of studying online or on-campus, providing you with flexibility and choice. Online students can connect with other professionals to build networks for the future, while on campus students can access campus accommodation, sports facilities and support services. Both modes of learning are available on a full-time or part-time basis, with three trimesters per year.

Studying plant science and botany with UNE will provide you with the skills necessary to excel in the constantly evolving field of flora. Regardless of which industry you plan to work in, our offerings will prepare you for success.

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Earth Sciences

Palaeontology, the study of fossils and the history of life on earth, continues to be a dynamic and evolving field. With the rapid emergence of new technology such as high-resolution CT scans and 3D modelling, this area of scientific study requires professionals who can adapt to changes in areas such as academic research and fieldwork processes.

UNE offers a range of innovative undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in palaeontology designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to advance in this dynamic scientific field. Because UNE has a long history of helping adults ready themselves for changes in the workplace, our palaeontology courses focus on developing your transferrable skills in critical thinking, data analysis and scientific communication, as well as your practical research skills, ensuring you are future-fit to adapt to this ever-evolving field.

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Zoology

Zoology involves the study of animals, including their behaviour, physiology, genetics and evolution. As our understanding of animal behaviour and biology evolves, professionals in this field must keep pace with the latest research and technological advancements. With the constant emergence of new technologies, global collaborations and an expanding understanding of animal life, adaptable zoologists who can stay ahead of these changes will secure their professional careers in this dynamic field.

UNE offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in zoology designed to equip you with the knowledge required to adapt and respond to new challenges at work. With our extensive experience in preparing adults for evolving workplaces, studying zoology with UNE provides you with practical knowledge in critical areas such as animal behavior, ecology, conservation biology and genetics.

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Natural Resource Management

Natural resource management is a dynamic field that is constantly evolving to meet the challenges of sustainable development, climate change and environmental degradation. As a natural resource management professional, you must be resilient and adaptable, with the ability to navigate emerging technologies and changing policy frameworks.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in natural resource management which will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to adapt and respond to the rapidly changing environmental and social challenges facing our planet. Our extensive experience in preparing individuals for constantly changing professional environments will prepare you to stay ahead of advancements in the field and contribute to sustainable and equitable natural resource management practices.

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Soil Science

Soil science is an important discipline that covers a broad range of agricultural, ecological and scientific areas of study. Soil science professionals need to adapt to fast-paced changes in areas such as precision agriculture, soil ecology and sustainable land management practices. As sustainable land use becomes increasingly widespread, experts in soil science will be in high demand. This makes soil science a dynamic and exciting field that offers opportunities for growth and development.

Join the cutting-edge field of soil science with UNE's range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations. Our offerings will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry, including sustainable land management practices, soil ecology and precision agriculture. You'll learn from experienced academics who are engaged in groundbreaking research, and our practical approach ensures that you'll be job-ready upon graduation.

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Environment

The environment is a critical part of our everyday lives. From climate change and overpopulation, to pollution, natural resources, ecosystems and land management, the field requires experts who can contribute to solving today’s challenges for future generations.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in environmental studies designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to adapt to changes in conservation technology and governmental policy in this essential field. Because UNE has a long history of helping adults prepare themselves for changes in the workplace, our courses focus on some of the major world environmental challenges such as food security, pollution, climate change and conserving threatened species, to ensure that you are future-fit to adapt to advancements in the field. UNE is one of Australia’s leading providers of education in environmental science. We have state-of-the-art facilities and a team of world-class scientists who have the experience to help you secure your career.

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Ecology

Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environments. With an increasing focus on sustainability and the need to mitigate environmental impacts, professionals in ecology must be adaptable, able to embrace new technologies, and able to communicate technical information to stakeholders in various industries. By studying ecology with UNE, you will gain the skills and knowledge required to meet the future demands of this field and make a meaningful impact on the world around you.

UNE offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate offerings in ecology designed to equip you with the knowledge to adapt and respond to this fast-evolving field. With our long history of preparing adults for the ever-changing workplace, studying ecology with us will give you practical knowledge in ecological research, biodiversity conservation, sustainability and environmental impact assessment. Our leading experts will provide you with the skillsets you need to keep pace with advancements in the field.

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Water

Water is a rapidly evolving field that encompasses many areas of study, research, and application. With increasing demand for sustainable water management and conservation due to pollution and climate change, professionals with expertise in water are needed across a range of industries. Water science requires experts who can adapt to changing technologies and theoretical developments in areas such as water treatment, conservation and hydrology.

You can explore the world of water science with UNE's undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations. Our offerings are crafted to provide you with the expertise and capabilities essential to excel in a career in this swiftly changing field. Building on our rich legacy of preparing individuals for dynamic workplaces, our extensive curriculum includes hydrology, water conservation, marine ecology and more to ensure you have the knowledge and adaptability needed to succeed.

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Posgraduate pathways

UNE offers several higher degree research (HDR) programs including the Doctor of Philosophy, Masters by Research, and Master of Philosophy. Under the supervision of at least 600 accomplished supervisors, you will undertake a unique research project to provide a substantial contribution to the relevant body of knowledge on both the national and international stage.

As a HDR student at UNE, you will have the opportunity to work alongside world-ranked research supervisors across a range of disciplines using world-class research facilities. You will build your professional network and graduate with a real-world set of skills for an extraordinary career in academia or your industry of choice.

Find out more about postgraduate study at UNE


Scholarships for future students

UNE offers a range of scholarships for students at all levels of their study. Find out more about the scholarships, prizes and awards you may be eligible for below.

Scholarships, prizes and awards


Prospective international students

Our international students interact closely with teaching staff and enjoy being a part of a close-knit community. UNE's primary goal is to give you the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the world. Yet, while our focus is on the future, we are also proud of our heritage.

Information for prospective international students