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Start dates
March
July
Delivery mode*
In person
(Bedford Park, City)
Imagine being at the forefront of protecting our planet's incredible biodiversity. The Bachelor of Science (Biodiversity and Conservation) at Flinders University is your gateway to making a real impact.
From studying endangered species to developing innovative conservation restoration strategies, this course offers a comprehensive and solutions-orientated dive into biodiversity and conservation.
Join us and turn your passion for nature into a rewarding career that makes a difference.
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
The Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2025
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate)
As climate and biodiversity challenges grow, demand is rising for scientists who understand ecosystem repair and conservation.
Graduates work in conservation management, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity policy, land management, threatened species protection, and ecological consulting.
Salary
$92.5K
average salary in Australia*
Jobs growth
1,100
jobs projected annually in Australia
Ecologists apply scientific expertise to manage and protect ecosystems and biodiversity.
They lead projects to protect and manage ecosystems, monitor populations of species, and model future environmental scenarios to inform land use and conservation decisions.
This career suits individuals with strengths in fieldwork, ecological analysis, and applied science.
Perfect for: Science-minded individuals with a passion for data and the natural world.
Rehabilitation specialists lead the recovery of ecosystems impacted by land use, including mining, agriculture, and urban development. They design and implement science-based rehabilitation plans to restore ecological function and biodiversity into degraded ecosystems.
This role is in demand across the mining and resources sector, particularly to meet regulatory and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. Ideal candidates are those focused on restoration ecology, with interests in soil, plant, and ecosystem management.
Perfect for: Individuals passionate about hands-on restoration, habitat management, and long-term sustainability.
Jobs growth
7.3%
5-year projection
Salary
$98K
typical salary in Australia
Advise industry, government, and community groups on how to manage biodiversity and meet environmental regulations. Conduct ecological surveys, assess impacts, and design mitigation and rehabilitation strategies. Ideal for students with strong skills in analysis, reporting, and communication.
Monitor, manage and protect Australia’s most at-risk flora and fauna. You’ll develop and implement recovery plans and work closely with ecologists, landholders, and community groups. A strong fit for students focusing on conservation biology and threatened species.
Shape the policies that protect biodiversity and guide land and water management. Work with government, NGOs and international groups to ensure environmental decisions are science-based and sustainable. Ideal for students who combine their biodiversity and conservation studies with an interest in policy and governance.
This degree combines immersive fieldwork, practical lab skills, and ecological theory to prepare you for a career in biodiversity science and conservation.
You’ll explore topics from genetics and ecosystem dynamics to climate change, ecosystem restoration, and land management.
Through hands-on projects, research opportunities, and a final-year placement or research project, you’ll graduate equipped with the solutions to real-world biodiversity challenges.
In your first year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics.
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In your second year, you'll study core topics and one elective topic of your choice. You'll also get hands-on experience with placement opportunities and build industry connections.
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In your third year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics. You'll also get hands-on experience with placement opportunities and undertake an industry project.
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
The Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2025
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate)
Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.
Photo credit: SATC
International Student Services (ISS) is the first point of contact for international student support. The university also offers everything from cultural, health, and wellbeing services, to academic support.
Take a virtual tour of our campuses, guided by your fellow international students.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you'll find out about events, club memberships, and extracurricular activities.
Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation.
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.
Course Coordinator Associate Professor Martin Breed
Martin is a leading restoration ecologist whose work bridges science, policy and community. His research tackles global environmental challenges — from repairing damaged ecosystems to understanding how biodiversity supports human health.
He’s worked with the UN, WHO and IUCN, and leads a research group that uses cutting-edge genomics and soil science to improve restoration outcomes, especially under the pressures of climate change. Martin is also the course coordinator for the Biodiversity and Conservation degree and is passionate about equipping students with the skills and optimism to restore our planet’s ecosystems.
Teaching Specialist
Dr Narelle Hunter
Narelle is an award-winning lecturer who brings energy and innovation to first-year biology and STEM teaching. With a background in science education and a PhD from Flinders, she’s passionate about helping students build strong scientific literacy — from understanding core biology concepts to communicating research clearly and confidently.
She co-teaches key first-year biology topics and leads "Innovation in STEM", a hands-on topic focused on research skills and real-world science communication. Narelle also works nationally to improve STEM education, collaborating with teachers and academics to inspire the next generation of scientists.
High Impact Academic
Professor Corey Bradshaw
Corey is an internationally recognised ecologist whose research explores how climate and human pressures have shaped ecosystems — past, present and future. He leads Flinders University’s Global Ecology Laboratory and is a key researcher in national centres focused on Indigenous and environmental histories.
With a background in conservation biology, extinction modelling and climate science, Corey’s work informs environmental policy worldwide and appears in some of the most cited research in the field. He’s passionate about using data and theory to understand complex ecological systems — and helping students make sense of the big challenges facing our planet.
We know not everyone begins uni the same way, so we offer a variety of pathways into Flinders.
Use the dropdown to tell us a bit about you.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
If you’re in Year 12, taking the free uniTEST can help boost your chances of getting into Flinders.
Strong results in your Research Project B subject along with your Year 12 results can be considered for entry.
By using three of your best Year 12 grades, you can also gain a place in your course of choice.
Your school’s recommendation about your academic performance may be considered as part of your admission.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
If you’re studying at another university, you may be able to transfer to Flinders based on your Yr 12 results, current GPA or other factors.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
Even if you didn’t finish high school (Year 12), you may be able to study at Flinders through your TAFE/VET qualification.
You may be able to complete a TAFE SA course and have guaranteed entry into Flinders.
The TAFE/VET stud you’ve already done may be able to be used as credit towards a Flinders’ course.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
The STAT is a 2-hour multiple choice test that assesses your abilities.
If you completed Year 12 more than two years ago you can still use your results to apply.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Environmental Science is broader, covering pollution, water, and environmental systems. Biodiversity and Conservation focuses specifically on the science and practice of protecting and repairing life on Earth.
Yes! You’ll gain experience in real ecosystems through field trips, environmental surveys, and hands-on data collection.
Graduates go into ecology, conservation, rehabilitation, land management, and more—working with government, industry or NGOs.
You’ll study science fundamentals in first year, but support is available to help you build your confidence if those areas aren’t your strongest.
Yes—you can complete either a workplace placement or a research project in your final year.
Ecological consultancies, environmental NGOs, local councils, and state and federal government departments all seek grads with these skills.
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
---|---|---|
Highest rank to receive an offer | 95.20 | 99.95 |
Median rank to receive an offer | 76.17 | 80.42 |
Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 61.00 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2025 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
---|---|---|
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 44 | 37% |
Vocational education and training (VET) study | 5 | 4% |
Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 28 | 24% |
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 14% |
International Students | 18 | 15% |
All students | 118 | 100% |
Get in touch with us to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
The type of documents you will need for your international application depends on what course you are applying for and which country you are a citizen of. Course requirements are stated on each course webpage. Examples of documentation you might expect to provide for your international application include a copy of personal identification, academic transcripts or a resume.
Once you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter from Flinders University, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible as visa processing times can vary. You will receive your CoE letter after you have applied to study at Flinders, accepted your offer and paid the semester tuition fee.
No. Part-time study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
No. Online study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
If you don’t meet our English language or academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through our on-campus pathway provider Flinders University Academy. Alternatively, you can improve your English language proficiency through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
You can apply to study as an international student directly through Flinders University or an authorised agent in your country.
If you are from one of the countries listed here, you are required to apply via an education agent. If you reside onshore in Australia, you will not require an agent even if you are from the countries listed above.
Yes. As a student visa (subclass 500) holder, you and your dependents (family members) can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study is in session. If you have started a master degree by research or doctoral degree, this rule does not apply to you and working hours are not restricted.
Our dedicated International Student Services (ISS) team provide a range of programs supporting your enrolment, study and social life, as well as a referral service to facilities on campus and within the local community.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
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