Learn how to protect the Earth’s water in a swiftly changing climate

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.

We understand that students have different needs, and that's why we offer the option of online or on-campus learning. Online students benefit from a community of experienced adults who can help them build strong nation-wide networks, while on-campus students can take advantage of convenient accommodation, support services and sports facilities. You can study on a full-time or part-time basis, with three trimesters per year.

UNE has a legacy of preparing adults for changeable workplaces, and will ensure you graduate ready to face the challenges and opportunities of this vital field. You will be well-equipped to step into a variety of industries including agriculture, engineering, environmental science and more. 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 water study options offered at UNE now.

Courses by study level

Food safety and security, natural resource depletion, climate change and the drive for sustainability are among the most significant global challenges of our time. There is a growing demand for professionals who are skilled at solving economics…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

With UNE's Bachelor of Agriculture, you will gain practical, production-oriented, specialist skills. You will have the paddock-ready skills and knowledge to solve problems and adapt to future challenges as a professional. Choose a major from one …

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

With UNE's Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business you will gain practical, production-oriented skills and knowledge in agriculture together with in-depth skills and knowledge in business, management and finance. You will learn to formulate …

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Anticipate and respond to the demands of agricultural industries and businesses in a changing global environment and gain a broad range of in-demand legal skills with the UNE Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws. In this double degree you will…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The environmental problems that we face in a rapidly changing world require solutions developed by skilled scientists and innovators. UNE's Bachelor of Environmental Science gives you a broad foundation in the theories and practice that underpin …

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Geoscience plays a crucial role in finding, extracting and managing earth resources. These minerals and energy resources are essential to almost every aspect of our day-to-day modern life. Studying UNE's Bachelor of GeoScience online or on…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

With UNE's Bachelor of Rural Science, you will graduate at the forefront of the agricultural industry ready to solve complex problems in agricultural systems across enterprises, landscapes and the globe. You will have the paddock-ready…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Work with people to build a better world and make a real difference with the Bachelor of Sustainability at UNE. Our degree integrates the social sciences and humanities with environmental sciences and natural resource management to…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Urban and regional planners develop strategies and design communities in which we all live, work and play. Planning helps balance community, environmental and economic needs, while recognising cultural significance in order to improve our quality of …

Duration
  • 2.5 or 3 or 3.5 or 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Enter the agricultural industry with a one-year academic qualification or refresh your knowledge with UNE’s Diploma in Agricultural Studies. By studying our course online or on campus, you will gain a formal tertiary-level qualification with a basic …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Designed to provide an opportunity for first-time university study, UNE's Diploma in Town Planning will open doors to a career in planning with employment potential across all Australian regions. This online course provides you with foundation…

Duration
  • Up to 2 or up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The Undergraduate Certificate in Agricultural Studies is designed to help you gain foundational skills in this rapidly evolving field of study. Whether you want to experience a taste for university studies or you're currently working in the…

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Environmental Studies at UNE is a diverse area of study that helps you to understand our natural environment and gain skills to make a tangible impact on our world. The Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies provides you with a wide…

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The study of Life and Earth Studies is diverse and multidisciplinary, involving science, geology, ecology, biology, chemistry, evolution and more. Students at UNE are part of a rich history of life and earth science education in Australia, and…

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Be prepared to meet nationwide industry shortages with UNE’s Undergraduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning. State and local governments are increasingly seeking to employ paraplanners, or planning assistants, to start in the field while…

Duration
  • Up to 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

With UNE's Graduate Certificate in Agriculture, you can expand your professional skills and gain a specialisation in a specific area of agriculture or develop your fundamental knowledge of agricultural science. UNE's Graduate Certificate in…

Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Environmental factors play an increasing role in decision making in many fields. The ability to take these factors into account and improve the productivity and sustainability of environmental systems to meet the current and future needs of…

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Planning integrates environmental, economic and social aspects of development with the competing needs of communities, companies and governments. This complex and dynamic field requires planning professionals to maintain up-to-date knowledge and…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Communities and regions face complex challenges as they work towards improving living standards and wellbeing. Economists play a critical role in community and regional development by informing the decisions of government and non-government agencies …

Duration
  • 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The world is faced by rapidly advancing environmental challenges, with complex interactions between industry, government and communities driving development in the sector. Be ready to adapt and innovate to produce solutions to tomorrow’s…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Upgrade your skills and develop your expertise with science-based agricultural studies through UNE's Master of Science in Agriculture. Our flexible program of specialist coursework allows you to steer your studied towards your interests and…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Planning experts work strategically, often with competing stakeholders, to achieve the best social, environmental and economic outcomes. UNE's Master of Urban and Regional Planning offers a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive course that…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Become an agent of change in the complex and evolving world of environmental science and play a key role in fixing today’s problems for future generations. With a focus on the major environmental challenges that currently face the world,…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Upgrade your knowledge and skills or pivot your career by developing expertise in sustainable, science-based agricultural systems of production through UNE's Master of Rural Science. This postgraduate degree offers a supportive program of…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own  4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a  Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your  mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

Why study with us?

Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.

Greg Kemmett

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Water

As concerns around water scarcity and sustainable resource management grow, graduates must be adaptable and innovative to succeed in the field of water science. Choose from our range of water offerings and gain the expertise needed to thrive in this rapidly-evolving field.

Filter by:
Showing 110 of 35 results
Agricultural and Resource Economics
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's business experts will help you develop your skills in statistical, economic and policy analysis. Safeguard your career in the rapidly changing world of agribusiness that is increasingly focused on sustainable farming practices, natural…

UNE's business experts will help you develop your skills in statistical, economic and policy analysis. Safeguard your career in the rapidly changing world of agribusiness that is increasingly focused on sustainable farming practices, natural resource management and precision agriculture.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics Specialist Course Undergraduate
Master of Economics Major Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Economics Major Postgraduate
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
Agricultural Technology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Prepare for the future of agriculture by building a versatile skillset in data analysis and precision techniques. At UNE we’ll help you meet the demands of an increasingly complex industry so you are primed to safeguard your place as the technology…

Prepare for the future of agriculture by building a versatile skillset in data analysis and precision techniques. At UNE we’ll help you meet the demands of an increasingly complex industry so you are primed to safeguard your place as the technology unfolds and the agricultural industry advances.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Agriculture Minor Undergraduate
Agronomy
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's established reputation in agriculture and develop skills in soil, crop and pasture management, research and analysis. Learn using up-to-date tools and collaborative technology to prepare for a long-term career in the…

Benefit from UNE's established reputation in agriculture and develop skills in soil, crop and pasture management, research and analysis. Learn using up-to-date tools and collaborative technology to prepare for a long-term career in the constantly changing business and physical environment.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Applied Management
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Applied Management approaches Environmental Science from a management lens, developing skills in areas such as environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and sustainable development. Develop transferable, flexible, and in-demand skillsets to…

Applied Management approaches Environmental Science from a management lens, developing skills in areas such as environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and sustainable development. Develop transferable, flexible, and in-demand skillsets to secure your place in the field.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Major 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
Conservation and Ecology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's experienced environmental scientists will help you develop the scientific research and fieldwork skills to succeed in a career in conservation. Learn how to use up-to-date technology to analyse data and be future-fit for a changing world…

UNE's experienced environmental scientists will help you develop the scientific research and fieldwork skills to succeed in a career in conservation. Learn how to use up-to-date technology to analyse data and be future-fit for a changing world with new and ongoing environmental threats.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Major 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

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 Water

As we face challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, and climate change, demand for professionals in water science and management continues to grow. At UNE you will develop the practical skills and advanced knowledge needed for a career in a variety of water-related industries.

  • Water resource manager
    Develop and manage strategies and processes to sustainably use and protect water resources.
  • Water quality analyst
    Monitor and analyse the quality of water resources to ensure they meet environmental, health, and safety standards.
  • Hydrologist
    Conduct research and collect data on the distribution, movement, and quality of water in the environment to manage water resources.
  • Water engineer
    Design, develop and implement water infrastructure systems, such as dams, pipelines and water treatment plants.
  • Water conservation officer
    Develop and implement water conservation programs to reduce usage and promote sustainable water practices.
  • Water policy analyst
    Analyse and develop water policies and regulations to ensure sustainable use and management of water resources.
  • Water ecologist
    Study the interaction between aquatic organisms and their environment and develop strategies to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems.
  • Water treatment specialist
    Design and operate water treatment systems to remove contaminants from water resources.

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.