Updating Results
Menu

The University of Western Australia (UWA)

  • 22% international / 78% domestic

Conservation Biology

  • Non-Award

Learn how to manage and research threatened species and ecological communities with a major in Conservation Biology. Conservation biologists work to prevent the extinction of the world's plant and animal species.

Key details

Degree Type
Non-Award
Duration
3 - 4 years full-time
Course Code
MJD-CONBI
Study Mode
In person

About this course

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.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you're interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Minimum entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements

Below you'll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
  • 75.5
Monash University Foundation Year
  • 254
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 324
Trinity College Foundation
  • 280
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
  • 61
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 56
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 75
Below you'll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
  • 75.5
Monash University Foundation Year
  • 254
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 324
Trinity College Foundation
  • 280
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
  • 61
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 56
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 75
Admission requirements
For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.
Admission requirements
Mathematics requirement

This major requires a certain level of Mathematics. If you do not meet this level, you can take additional Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy this requirement.

WACE prerequisite: Mathematics Methods ATAR

Mathematics requirement
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
English competency

Study locations

Albany

Perth

Career pathways

Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways
Conservation Biology graduates may have the opportunity to be employed by government agencies (e.g. Department of
Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
, CSIRO), botanic gardens and zoos, conservation-related industries (e.g. WWF, Greening Australia, WA Museum, Gondwana Link etc.), universities (teaching and research) and a variety of other organisations (e.g. mining industry, local government, private companies, community and natural resource management groups).
Career Pathways Conservation Biology graduates may have the opportunity to be employed by government agencies (e.g. Department of
Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
, CSIRO), botanic gardens and zoos, conservation-related industries (e.g. WWF, Greening Australia, WA Museum, Gondwana Link etc.), universities (teaching and research) and a variety of other organisations (e.g. mining industry, local government, private companies, community and natural resource management groups).
Further Study
As human pressures on our natural environment are at an all-time high, the need for experienced conservation biologists to attempt to reverse the declines in ecosystem functioning and health, and in species population sizes, is increasing. You will undertake rigorous scientific research related to the conservation of threatened flora, fauna or ecological communities. Research projects can vary from studying aspects of a rare species biology or ecology, to experiments investigating different threat mitigation strategies, or an economic analysis of the costs and benefits of different management techniques. You will develop your practical and theoretical skills in conservation-related research by conducting your own research project, and participating in units on conservation genetics, conservation planning, restoration ecology, and data analysis. Honours in Conservation Biology can lead to many careers including (restoration) ecologist, conservation biologist, environmental impact assessor, DEC flora or fauna officer, government policy writer and consultant, consultant for mining companies, science journalist, laboratory technician or field research officer.
Further Study As human pressures on our natural environment are at an all-time high, the need for experienced conservation biologists to attempt to reverse the declines in ecosystem functioning and health, and in species population sizes, is increasing. You will undertake rigorous scientific research related to the conservation of threatened flora, fauna or ecological communities. Research projects can vary from studying aspects of a rare species biology or ecology, to experiments investigating different threat mitigation strategies, or an economic analysis of the costs and benefits of different management techniques. You will develop your practical and theoretical skills in conservation-related research by conducting your own research project, and participating in units on conservation genetics, conservation planning, restoration ecology, and data analysis. Honours in Conservation Biology can lead to many careers including (restoration) ecologist, conservation biologist, environmental impact assessor, DEC flora or fauna officer, government policy writer and consultant, consultant for mining companies, science journalist, laboratory technician or field research officer.

Course structure

Level 1
Core

Take all units (24 points):

Bridging

Bridging units must be successfully completed within the first 48 points of study. Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete MATH1721 or SCIE1500. Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete MATH1720 and either MATH1721 or SCIE1500. Note: MATH1721 should be taken if also considering majors or minors that require it for progression to level 2 (e.g. Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science):

Level 2

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at The University of Western Australia (UWA).
77.4%
Overall satisfaction
81.6%
Skill scale
63.8%
Teaching scale
54.3%
Employed full-time
$52k
Average salary
Data source

Copyright 2025 © OpenLearning
In collaboration with governments, educational institutions and stakeholders, StudyPerth provides a leadership role in building the profile of international education in WA and overseas.