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Tropical wetlands
Undergraduate

Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Environmental Science

Not available to international students.

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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

0.5 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Not available to international students.

Credit points required

40

Course code

NENV01
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

This course can only be undertaken full-time and must be completed in Semester 1, 2025. You will not be able to enrol in this course after that time.

The Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Environmental Science offers you the opportunity to reskill and retrain in the environment sector. This 6-month course will give you a direct pathway into higher education courses across the Environmental Science discipline. 

During this course you will learn about the principles that underpin our understanding of the natural environment. 

Completion of the Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Environmental Science will provide you with a pathway to the Bachelor of Environmental Science. As this qualification has been designed to allow you to explore opportunities in disciplines, you may also use it as a pathway for entry into a variety of higher education courses.

Advanced standing will be granted in a relevant undergraduate degree for some or all of the subjects successfully completed. You should check the requirements of your preferred undergraduate degree to ensure your credit transfer is maximised.

Note: On current advice the Undergraduate Certificate must be completed by mid-2025.



Career opportunities

The course will provide you with the opportunity to upskill, retrain and reskill in environmental science whilst providing pathways to pursue further study.

Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

Stephanie Oberbrieler smiling

Why study Science, Environmental Science and Management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers. 

  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Medical Laboratory Science student Hajrah in the lab at Casuarina campus

Why study science, environmental science & management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers.

  • Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
Stephanie Oberbrieler smiling

Why study Science, Environmental Science and Management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers. 

  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Medical Laboratory Science student Hajrah in the lab at Casuarina campus

Why study science, environmental science & management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers.

  • Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)

What will I study?

This 40-credit point course consist of four (4) specialist elective units. This course consists of a combination of introductory and first-year degree subjects, designed to help you develop core knowledge in environmental science and the necessary skills for successful university studies.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements

Specialist Elective   
(4 units)

 

40cp

Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points selected from the units listed below:

IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107 from 2024)   
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology   
ENV101 Earth Systems   
ENV102 The Diversity of Life   
ENV103 Environmental Issues   
ENV201 Introductory Ecology (students who take ENV201 should also complete ENV102 The Diversity of Life)   
ENV208 Geographic Information Systems

 40cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules  (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (40cp)

 

COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022 

The course structure has been been changed by removing the requirement for two core units (CUC107 and CUC106) and making all units available as specialist electives.   
 

Study plan


STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.    
     
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
Specialist Elective 1SE  
Specialist Elective 2SE  
Specialist Elective 3SE  
Specialist Elective 4SE  

 

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Part-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 3SE
Specialist Elective 2SESpecialist Elective 4SE

 

Specialist Elective Availability

Semester 1Semester 2
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology    
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107)    
ENV102 The Diversity of Life and    
ENV201 Introductory Ecology (students who take ENV201 should also complete ENV102)    
ENV208 Geographic Information Systems
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology (external only)    
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107)    
ENV101 Earth Systems (external only)    
ENV103 Environmental Issues    
 

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_____________________________________

STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.   
     
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  Specialist Elective 1SE
  Specialist Elective 2SE
  Specialist Elective 3SE
  Specialist Elective 4SE

 

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Part-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Calendar Year 1
  Specialist Elective 1SE
  Specialist Elective 2SE
Calendar Year 2
Specialist Elective 3SE  
Specialist Elective 4SE  

 

Specialist Elective Availability

Semester 1Semester 2
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology    
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107)    
ENV102 The Diversity of Life and    
ENV201 Introductory Ecology (students who take ENV201 should also complete ENV102)    
ENV208 Geographic Information Systems
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology (external only)    
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107)    
ENV101 Earth Systems (external only)    
ENV103 Environmental Issues    
 

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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent).
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 125 or higher.
  • Successful completion of a recognised tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

I chose CDU because it has an excellent science course, with lots of opportunities for practical experience in the field. I love the small classes, community feel and the interaction with lecturers that you don't get at larger universities.

Brittany

CDU student

CDU Student Brittnay

I am very proud that I am now an environmental expert who can work anywhere on this planet. There is nothing that can be done on the development of any projects without environmental experts. So, it is a very promising career.

Cassian

CDU student

Cassian Lushinge

I chose CDU because it has an excellent science course, with lots of opportunities for practical experience in the field. I love the small classes, community feel and the interaction with lecturers that you don't get at larger universities.

Brittany

CDU student

CDU Student Brittnay

I am very proud that I am now an environmental expert who can work anywhere on this planet. There is nothing that can be done on the development of any projects without environmental experts. So, it is a very promising career.

Cassian

CDU student

Cassian Lushinge

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
No
Award
Undergraduate Certificate (Environmental Science)
Faculty/College
Faculty of Science and Technology
Sector
HE
Area of study
Science, Environmental Science and Management

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn more about environmental management

Vamshidhar is from India and studied a Master of Environmental Management at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn more about environmental management

Vamshidhar is from India and studied a Master of Environmental Management at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

MyNextCourse

Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
108041
Online (CSP)
108041
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

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