Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies

School of Arts & Sciences

Are you an environmental warrior? The Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies at The University of Notre Dame Australia offers you the opportunity to experience University-level studies in those fields that influence our understanding and management of the environment. You will learn how to research and analyse critical issues and develop skills in presenting information and arguments. Contact us today to start your learning journey.

  • Why study this certificate?

    Students can acquire new skills and add to their existing qualifications with an Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies. The certificate is also a pathway to further study for higher awards, such as a diploma or bachelor’s degree.

    The Undergraduate Certificate of Environmental Studies is designed for students who:

    • Would like to add value to their existing professional experience and qualifications by gaining skills in Environmental Studies
    • Are returning to or entering university and trialling whether they would like to proceed with further education in Environmental Studies
    • Would like a pathway to further study into a Bachelor of Science (Major: Environmental Management)
  • Program summary

    The Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies consists of four courses.

    Students must complete at least one of the following courses:

    • SCIE1150 Introduction to Biological Sciences
    • GEOG1110 Physical Geography: Climates, Geology and Soils

    Plus, any of the following courses (where pre-requisites allow):

    • BIOL2260 Plant Diversity
    • BIOL3000 Adaptations for Survival in the Australian Environment
    • BIOL3250 Aquatic Science
    • ENVR2330 Australian Ecology: from Theory to Practice
    • ENVR3310 Environmental Impact Assessment and Planning
    • ENVR3520 Natural Resource Management
    • GEOG3110 Coastal Processes and Planning
    • SCIE1001 Fundamentals of Science, Research and Communication
    • SCIE3290 Geographic Information Systems

    Full details of the program are contained in the Program Requirements.

  • Entry requirements

    The minimum entry requirements of The University of Notre Dame Australia apply for the Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies.

    While minimum entry requirements need to be met, we also consider a student’s application more broadly — their non-academic achievements (professional work experience, leadership roles, volunteering, community and/or church involvement), as well as their personal qualities, aspirations, interests and capacity to successfully complete this program.

  • Learning outcomes

    At the completion of this course, graduates should be able to:

    1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and applied knowledge
    2. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
    3. Evaluate appropriate sources and information
    4. Demonstrate research skills
    5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve sometimes complex problems
    6. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others
  • Career opportunities

    The Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies is a pathway to further study of higher awards, such as a Diploma or Bachelor's degree.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

  • Study abroad

    A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:


    Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

    The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.


    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.

    For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0533
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Sydney and Melbourne
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4404
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

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  • No.1 uni in Australia
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  • No.1 uni in NSW & WA
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  • No.1 uni in WA
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*2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-Longitudinal (medium term outcome), undergraduate category, **2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category and ***2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category - qilt.edu.au

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