Bachelor of Marine and Wildlife Conservation New

Make a real impact

Conservationists observe, preserve and discover life. Whether swimming with colourful marine creatures or reforesting for native birds, they pursue their passions and connect with nature. Unfortunately, many species are vanishing—and more will disappear during our lifetime.

 

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Marine and Wildlife Conservation gives you the knowledge and skills to safeguard ecosystems and protect animals in crisis. You will:

  • build foundational knowledge of ecology, biology, evolutionary science, statistics, botany and zoology
  • learn to identify plants, animals, and marine life in natural settings
  • use new technology, like drones and satellites, to collect data and monitor habitats
  • build valuable industry connections with organisations—from Arid Recovery and BioR in South Australia to Conservation International
  • reflect on the social, political and economic constraints of your field
  • access cutting-edge technology and facilities
  • learn from nationally and internationally acclaimed researchers.

Where could it take you?

You might run breeding programs in sanctuaries, research the impact of microplastics in fish, or deep dive on underwater volcanoes. You could explore future life in a high-CO2 world. Perhaps you’ll lead moonlit ecotours in the outback or make documentaries to educate the wider public.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.



  • Top 75 in world for Environmental Science*
  • No. 1 in South Australia for careers in Environmental Science**
  • Field work in marine and freshwater environments

*QS World University Rankings by Subject, Earth and Marine Sciences, 2021
**Good Universities Guide, 2021

Entry Requirements

Please note: For programs including placements and/or study-related activities in settings where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory, it is an inherent requirement that all students be fully vaccinated prior to undertaking the placement and/or study-related activity.
From 30 June 2023, in accordance with Australian government requirements, the University will be returning to face-to-face teaching for all students where it is safe and practical to do so. For students with circumstances where it would not be practical or safe to travel to Australia, exemptions may apply. Students are encouraged to regularly check Study in 2023 and International Student Covid-19 FAQ for information and updates.

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 354551
2022 CSP IB 24
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 75
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Work and life experience Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Other Entry Pathways
How to Apply
SATAC Code: 354551

2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)		 Lowest ATAR to receive an offer n/a
Median ATAR to receive an offer n/a
Highest ATAR to receive an offer n/a
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)		 Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer n/a
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer n/a
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer n/a
Minimum eligibility score 65
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,301

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Potential careers

Marine Biologist, Aquaculture, Catchment Management, Conservation Officer, Conservation Scientist, Conservationist, Scientist, Environmental Management, Environmental Manager, Environmental Scientist

Degree Structure

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Marine and Wildlife Conservation, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following courses with a combined total of not less than 72 units, comprising:

  • Core courses to the value of 48 units
  • Elective courses to the value of 24 units, which may include other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are offered by the Faculty of Sciences up to the value of 9 units in total at levels I and/or II with no more than 6 units at level I.
  • Level I courses not exceeding 30 units
  • Level III Science courses to the value of at least 24 units
  • Broadening experience

Example Study Plan

Core Courses

Students must complete courses to the value of 48 units.

Level I - Year 1

BIOLOGY 1101 Biology I: Molecules, Genes & Cells

GEOLOGY 1103 Building a Habitable Planet

ABORIG 1001 Indigenous People, Country & Protocols

SCIENCE 1410
Foundations in Research I (Marine & Wildlife Conservation)

BIOLOGY 1202 Biology I: Organisms

ENV BIOL 1002 Ecological Issues I

STATS 1004 Statistical Practice I (Life Sciences)


Level II - Year 2

ENV BIOL 2500 Botany II

ENV BIOL 2503 Zoology II OR
ENV BIOL 2530 Zoology II (Marine Biology)

ENV BIOL 2520 Animal Identification (Wildlife Conservation) II

PLANT SC 2510WT Foundations in Plant Science II

ENV BIOL 2502 Ecology II


Level III - Year 3

ENV BIOL 3121 Concepts in Ecology III 

ENV BIOL 3520 Research Methods in Marine Biology III OR
ENV BIOL 3540 Research Methods in Wildlife Conservation III

ENV BIOL 3010 Marine Ecology III

ENV BIOL 3505 Marine Biology III OR
ENV BIOL 3580 Conservation Biology III
Elective Courses

Students must complete courses to the value of 24 units.

Level I - Electives recommended within your first year

Elective courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science or other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are available to the student.


Level II - Electives recommened within your second year

Courses to the value of up to 6 units may be taken from the following:

SCIENCE 2550 International Experience II (3 units)

SCIENCE 2700 Science Internship II (3 units)

or

Elective courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science or other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are available to the student.


Level III - Electives recommended within your third year

Courses to the value of 12 units from the following:

BIOINF 3000 Bioinformatics III (3 units)

ENV BIOL 3004 Freshwater Ecology III (3 units)

ENV BIOL 3505 Marine Biology III (3 units)

ENV BIOL 3560 Evolution of Australian Biota (3 units)

ENV BIOL 3580 Conservation Biology III (3 units)

SPATIAL 3007WT GIS for Environmental Management III (3 units)

SPATIAL 3010 Earth Observation III (3 units)

SPATIAL 3020WT GIS for Agriculture & Natural Resource III (3 units)

or

Level III courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Broadening Experience

Students must complete courses to the value of at least 3 units.

Study abroad or exchange

or

courses to the value of at least 3 units from the following:

SCIENCE 2550 International Experience II (3 units)

SCIENCE 2700 Science Internship II (3 units)

SCIENCE 3200 Communicating Science III (3 units)

SCIENCE 3500 Science International Study Tour (3 units)

SCIENCE 3510 Science International Study Tour B (3 units)

SCIENCE 3520 Science Experience III (3 units)

SCIENCE 3550 International Experience III (3 units)

SCIENCE 3700 Science Internship II (3 units)

or

courses outside the major area of study.

Testimonial

My degree gave me theoretical and practical skills in a multitude of animal species that I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else, and I use those skills on a day-to-day basis in my job.
Jessica Spencer

Jessica Spencer

Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

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Last updated: Wednesday, 18 Jan 2023