The University of Western Australia
Bachelor of Science (Conservation Biology)
Nationally Recognised Higher EducationConservation biologists work to prevent the extinction of the world's plant and animal species. According to Conservation International, the South West of Australia is one of the world's 36 'biodiversity hot spots' making WA an ideal living laboratory for your studies. You'll focus on how to protect and restore biodiversity, particularly understanding and minimising human impacts on the natural world.
Human activity and population growth are increasing the pressure on natural ecosystems and many biologists believe we are currently experiencing the sixth global mass extinction. This major has been developed in consultation with local conservation industry to provide you with the relevant skills and knowledge to manage and research threatened species and ecological communities. Field trips are a core part of the unit and there will be a cost of up to $1,000 to cover the cost of food and accommodation for around 17 nights, to be paid by the student.
Delivery mode
The University of Western Australia offers this course through the following delivery modes:
On campus
Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Locations
- 35 Stirling Highway, Perth
- 35 Stirling Terrace, Albany
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
English competency
Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (must include Academic Reading and Writing modules).
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years) Australian Year 12 students
- To be eligible for UWA’s undergraduate degrees based on previous or current Australian Year 12 studies, applicants must have completed the relevant state Certificate of Education and achieved an Australian Tertiary Aggregate Rank (ATAR) of 75 or above. Applicants must also provide evidence of satisfying UWA’s ELC requirements.
- Applicants completing the International Baccalaureate (IB) are required to successfully complete the diploma program. To be eligible for UWA’s undergraduate degrees, IB graduates will require a minimum score of 24 or higher (this may vary depending on the level of mathematics undertaken). Applicants must also provide evidence of satisfying UWA’s ELC requirements. View further information on satisfying UWA’s entry requirements for IB graduates.
- Applicants sitting Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) or International Baccalaureate in Western Australia can apply for an Early Offer and be admitted based on predicted ATAR or IB score. Predicted ATARs are determined by the Admissions office based on Year 11 or Year 12 results. Applicants are still required to achieve WACE and complete four ATAR subjects as well as provide evidence of satisfying UWA’s ELC requirements.
Applicants with Higher Education Study
- To be eligible for UWA’s undergraduate degrees based on previous higher education studies, applicants must have completed one full-time semester or the equivalent of studies at an Australian university and at the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 or higher; and have achieved a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 (7) or above. Applicants must also provide evidence of satisfying UWA’s ELC requirements. Applicants who have completed one full-time year or the equivalent of studies at the AQF Level 7 or higher, within the previous two years of application, and achieved a GPA of 4.0 (7) or above are not required to provide separate evidence of ELC to be eligible.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study
- To be eligible for UWA’s undergraduate degrees based on previous VET studies, applicants must have completed an AQF Level 5 qualification or above. Applicants who have completed a Level 5 or a Level 6 AQF qualification with a full-time duration of 12 months or more and completed within two years prior to commencement at the University are not required to provide separate evidence of ELC. All other applicants must provide evidence of satisfying UWA's ELC requirements.
- Applicants who have completed VET studies outside of Australia must have completed the equivalent of an AQF Level 5 qualification; separate evidence of ELC is also required. UWA will determine the equivalence to an Australian Level 5 qualification using the Australian Government’s Department of Education and Training Country Education Profiles.
Applicants with work and life experience
- Applicants over the age of 20 before 1 March (1 August for semester two entry) in the year they wish to commence university can complete the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Applicants require a selection rank to meet entry as per the STAT Calculator on TISC.
- Applicants who have completed a Foundation or Preparatory program at an Australian Group of Eight university may be eligible to UWA’s undergraduate degrees.
Mathematics requirement
This major requires a certain level of Mathematics. If you do not meet this level, you may be able to take additional Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy this requirement.
WACE prerequisite: Mathematics Methods ATAR
English competency
Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (must include Academic Reading and Writing modules).
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years) Australian Year 12 students
- To be eligible for UWA’s undergraduate degrees based on previous or current Australian Year 12 studies, applicants must have completed the relevant state Certificate of Education and achieved an Australian Tertiary Aggregate Rank (ATAR) of 75 or above. Applicants must also provide evidence of satisfying UWA’s ELC requirements.
- Applicants completing the International Baccalaureate (IB) are required to successfully complete the diploma program. To be eligible for UWA’s undergraduate degrees, IB graduates will require a minimum score of 24 or higher (this may vary depending on the level of mathematics undertaken). Applicants must also provide evidence of satisfying UWA’s ELC requirements. View further information on satisfying UWA’s entry requirements for IB graduates.
- Applicants sitting Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) or International Baccalaureate in Western Australia can apply for an Early Offer and be admitted based on predicted ATAR or IB score. Predicted ATARs are determined by the Admissions office based on Year 11 or Year 12 results. Applicants are still required to achieve WACE and complete four ATAR subjects as well as provide evidence of satisfying UWA’s ELC requirements.
Applicants with Higher Education Study
- To be eligible for UWA’s undergraduate degrees based on previous higher education studies, applicants must have completed one full-time semester or the equivalent of studies at an Australian university and at the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 or higher; and have achieved a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 (7) or above. Applicants must also provide evidence of satisfying UWA’s ELC requirements. Applicants who have completed one full-time year or the equivalent of studies at the AQF Level 7 or higher, within the previous two years of application, and achieved a GPA of 4.0 (7) or above are not required to provide separate evidence of ELC to be eligible.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study
- To be eligible for UWA’s undergraduate degrees based on previous VET studies, applicants must have completed an AQF Level 5 qualification or above. Applicants who have completed a Level 5 or a Level 6 AQF qualification with a full-time duration of 12 months or more and completed within two years prior to commencement at the University are not required to provide separate evidence of ELC. All other applicants must provide evidence of satisfying UWA's ELC requirements.
- Applicants who have completed VET studies outside of Australia must have completed the equivalent of an AQF Level 5 qualification; separate evidence of ELC is also required. UWA will determine the equivalence to an Australian Level 5 qualification using the Australian Government’s Department of Education and Training Country Education Profiles.
Applicants with work and life experience
- Applicants over the age of 20 before 1 March (1 August for semester two entry) in the year they wish to commence university can complete the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Applicants require a selection rank to meet entry as per the STAT Calculator on TISC.
- Applicants who have completed a Foundation or Preparatory program at an Australian Group of Eight university may be eligible to UWA’s undergraduate degrees.
Mathematics requirement
This major requires a certain level of Mathematics. If you do not meet this level, you may be able to take additional Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy this requirement.
WACE prerequisite: Mathematics Methods ATAR
Additional requirements may apply.Course fees
$27,402
$132,000
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Science (Conservation Biology) will prepare you for the following roles.
Conservation Biologist
A Conservation Biologist studies and works to protect Australia’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. You might work in national parks, research insti...
Conservation Officer
Conservation Officers develop and implement programs to protect our environment and natural resources including agricultural land, forests, fishes,...
Environmental Consultant
An Environmental Consultant provides advice on environmental issues to businesses, organisations and government departments. You might look at curr...
Natural Resource Manager
A Natural Resource Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to sustainably manage and conserve natural resources, includin...
Wildlife Conservator
A Wildlife Conservator is dedicated to the protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitats, engaging in various essential activities to ...
Conservationist
A Conservationist works to protect and preserve natural habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems. You might work in national parks, wildlife reserves, or...
About The University of Western Australia
Just 10 minutes from Perth city, UWA is located on the banks of the Swan River, or Derbal Yerrigan, on the land of the Whadjuk Nation.
We have the immense privilege of sitting on the sacred soil where Western Australian kaartdijin, or knowledge, began. It has been a place to gather and learn for tens of thousands of years, with stories and lessons shared from generation to generation of the world’s oldest continuous culture.
Today, we welcome you to continue seeking and sharing wisdom with us. Our students take their learning beyond the books, at the cutting edge of knowledge creation, from passionate lecturers with real industry experience and connections. We’ll support them in their learning journeys and help set them up for a career they’ll love.
The global impact of our research and education places us as a world top 100 university (QS 2024). This means students join a community of passionate, intelligent and resourceful leaders who are driving innovation and change. They’ll connect with and work alongside leaders in education, research and industry, and follow in the footsteps of our thousands of graduate success stories.
