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Our world and its resources are under ever increasing pressure, and we need enthusiastic, switched-on people with new ideas and innovative approaches to address these challenges.
An Advanced degree in the Natural Sciences from Western Sydney University will enable you to understand these competing pressures and contribute to the development of sustainable strategies to drive change.
Available campuses
APPLY NOW FOR 2024
At Western, we care how you do in all aspects of your life. We believe your future is unlimited and together the possibilities are endless.
As the uni named number one in the world two years in a row – 2022 and 2023 for our social, economic and environmental impact in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, apply today to discover your unlimited potential and start at Western in 2024.
Advanced Natural Science at Western

The Bachelor of Natural Science (Advanced) is a challenging program that includes advanced coursework, extension activities and fundamental research training. You will be linked to experienced academic researchers and take part in the University's exciting research activities.
Students in the Bachelor of Natural Science (Advanced) must follow one of the listed study programs:
Course structure
The course structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the units (subjects) you will be studying.
This major is available as part of the Environmental Management program.
Aquatic and marine environments play vital roles in providing food, water, recreation and other ecosystem services to human society, as well as providing habitat for important species that make up global biodiversity. This major will equip students with the background knowledge and training to work in aquatic and marine environments, to learn skills in inquiry and problem solving, so that they can contribute beneficially to management and/or conservation of waterways and oceans and the biodiversity within them.
This major is available as part of the Animal Science and the Environmental Management programs.
Conservation biology has emerged as a field of study from a synthesis of the ecological, demographic, genetic and societal risks faced by small natural populations. This major equips students with skills in fundamental biology, in the ecology of populations and communities, in population genetics and in the legal conservation framework to enable them to work in this area.
This major is available as part of the Environmental Management program.
This major in Environmental Consulting prepares graduates for jobs in environmental consulting companies, government environmental offices, land and water management agencies or non-government organisations. The natural resources boom and growing human population in Australia have created a demand for environmental specialists to conduct and prepare environmental assessments and impact statements. This major will provide you with broad skills in fauna, flora and habitat assessments, as well as, policy and regulation associated with planning and development in Australia.
This major is available as part of the Animal Science program.
The Zoology major trains students in how to best care for and protect our animals, by covering scientific knowledge of native wildlife, companion animals, and production animals. This major will allow students to develop scientific understanding of how animals function and interact with their environment; from their ecology and evolution; to physiology and biochemistry of tissues and major organ systems, as well as structure and function of biomolecules and cells. On-campus animal facilities include those for reptiles, small marsupials, small rodents, horses, sheep and cattle, as well as over 1000ha of native, rural and aquatic habitats.
Fees and delivery
Fees: Varies depending on units selected. View available units in our handbook.
For further information on University fees, please visit Fees and University Costs.
Delivery: On campus
Fees: AUD $32,000*
Delivery: On campus
Start your unlimited journey today.
Your career
As a Natural Science graduate, you can look forward to career opportunities including:
- Animal journalist
- Environmental consultant
- Wildlife ecologist
- Wildlife conservation officer
- Animal technician
- Guide / police dog handler
Your career

Animal Welfare Officer
Act as an advocate for the welfare of animals, ensuring animals are provided shelter and care and promote responsibility animal ownership.

Life Scientist
Life Scientists examine the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of humans, animals, plants and other living organisms to better understand how living organisms function and interact with each other.

Quarantine Officer
Quarantine Officers Inspect incoming animals, plants, and animal and plant products to ensure compliance with laws and regulations to prevent the spread of unwanted pests and diseases.

State-of-the-art research facilities
Our Freshwater Turtle Research Facility sees more than 2000 eggs hatch each season. The facility combines indoor aquatic rooms with glasshouse and laboratory facilities for enhanced learning.
Apply now and start your unlimited journey.
*The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.
** Lowest Selection Rank