The protection of our environment is complex; it requires collaborative solutions from leaders in fields that span science, technology, engineering, politics, economics and the law. At UOW we can help you channel your passion for the exploration and protection of our environment by teaching you the knowledge and skills to make a difference. Find your path to environmental sustainability below.
Explore & protect the environment
How will you explore & protect the environment?
Environmental & Biological Sciences
Would you like to work towards protecting our natural environment, oceans and ecosystems? Would you like to explore the diversity and management of species and understand the science behind 'life'? Consider study in environmental and biological sciences at UOW.
Engineering
Are you interested in sustainable development? Do you enjoy tackling complex issues? Would you like to develop better solutions for problems that impact our land, water and air quality? Consider taking an environmental focus when you study engineering at UOW.
Social Science & Advocacy
Are you concerned by environmental damage and climate change? Would you like to influence the social, political and economic factors that contribute to the state of the environment, as well as understand the science? Study in geography and social science at UOW may be for you.
Law
Do you enjoy tackling complex ethical and legal issues? Would you like to understand the social, political and economic factors that contribute to the state of the environment, and work towards protecting and improving it? Study in law at UOW could be the answer.
Meet Mary
I chose to do geography through a Bachelor of Science because it’s really flexible. I was able to choose a variety of subjects to broaden my degree, like law and indigenous studies.
Stories to inspire you
The modern eco-warrior
Being able to explore the world is essential for model, scientist, environmentalist, and presenter Laura Wells. The University of Wollongong alumna is on a mission to make a difference in the world, and it is difficult to express the urgency of the problems we face without seeing the damage that has been inflicted firsthand.
Every last drop
Water is in demand the world over. There is enough fresh water on the planet for everyone but not where it is needed and where water flows easily, we waste it, drain it and pollute it. The question is, if we are not short on water per se, then how are we capturing and using that resource – and how can we do better?
A passion for the past
Zenobia Jacobs is a professor in the Centre for Archaeological Science and a chief investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage. Professor Jacobs reflects on her path from a childhood in South Africa to becoming one of the world leaders in luminescence dating – gauging time in a grain of sand.
Saving the reef
Severe coral bleaching. Rising sea temperatures. Increased ocean acidification. This is the story of how two artists, a marine scientist, and a social scientist joined forces to raise awareness of the threats facing the Great Barrier Reef. How can art, science and social science work together to save the Great Barrier Reef?
See where your degree could take you
Your interest in the environment could lead to a career that makes a real difference to how we live our lives, as well as the state of the world around us. You'll find opportunities in professional and academic positions, and in both the commercial and public sectors.
No matter your path, your UOW degree is appreciated by employers; UOW is consistently rated in the world's top 200 by global employers (QS Graduate Employability rankings). Here are just some of the careers you could pursue:
- Agricultural adviser or engineer
- Cartographer
- Climatologist
- Coastal or estuarine manager
- Community planning or development manager
- Conservation biologist
- Ecologist
- Environmental advocate
- Environmental consultant
- Environment health manager
- Environmental engineer
- Environmental lawyer
- Environmental impact analyst
- Epidemiologist
- Forensic scientist
- Geologist
- Geomorphologist
- Geospatial intelligence officer
- Geotechnical engineer
- Government lawyer
- Hazardous waste planner
- Health promotion officer
- Heritage officer
- Hydrologist
- Indigenous health officer
- International aid or policy advisor
- Map editor
- Marine or fisheries biologist
- Materials engineer or scientist
- Metallurgist
- Mining engineer
- Natural resource manager
- Oceanographer
- Policy adviser, analyst or project officer
- Politician
- Population analyst
- Prosecutor
- Public health program manager
- Ranger
- Refugee services advocate
- Research officer
- Social researcher
- Soil specialist
- Structural engineer
- Sustainability educator
- Town planner
- Transport engineer
- Veterinary researcher
- Water resource manager
Career options
UOW's Careers Central offers advice on the career options that study in a particular discipline can provide, including sample jobs, employers, key skills, professional associations and postgraduate study options.
Work while you study
UOW offers a number of services that can help make finding work that fits with your studies a little easier.
Employability Programs
See how UOW can help you connect with potential employers and learn the skills you need to launch your career successfully.