University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The honours year combines advanced coursework with a substantial supervised research project. Coursework typically covers topics such as population and community ecology, conservation biology, ecological modelling and statistics, experimental design, and advanced field methods. Depending on your project and chosen electives, you may also study habitat restoration, landscape ecology, aquatic ecology, species interactions, remote sensing and GIS applications in ecology.

The research component is the core of the programme: you will design and carry out an original research project under academic supervision, which culminates in a written thesis and an oral presentation. Practical training includes intensive fieldwork, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication skills.

• Advanced ecological theory and applications
• Field methods and experimental design
• Statistical techniques for ecological data and modelling
• Conservation and management of biodiversity
• Independent research project and thesis

Entry requirements

Entry to the honours year normally requires completion of a relevant three-year bachelor degree in science with substantial coursework in ecology, biology or environmental science. Applicants are expected to have achieved a level of academic performance that meets the Faculty of Sciences honours admission criteria and to demonstrate preparedness to undertake a substantial research project. Selection also considers the match between your research interests and available supervisors.

International applicants must meet the university's postgraduate entry criteria and demonstrate English language proficiency in line with standard university requirements. Specific prerequisites, supporting documentation and application processes are available from the University of Adelaide admissions information.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with strengthened research skills, field and laboratory techniques, and statistical and modelling abilities that are valued across environmental sectors. Common career pathways include:

• Environmental and ecological consultant roles (environmental impact assessment, biodiversity surveys)
• Conservation and natural resource management positions with government agencies, NGOs and parks services
• Research assistant or technician roles in universities, government research organisations, and private research institutes
• Positions in land restoration, wildlife monitoring, and invasive species management
• Progression to doctoral research (PhD) or other postgraduate qualifications in ecology, conservation science or environmental science

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers an honours programme embedded in a research-intensive environment, with access to experienced supervisors working across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecology. Students benefit from hands-on field opportunities in South Australia’s diverse environments, access to laboratory and GIS facilities, and collaborations with research centres and government and conservation partners.

Undertaking honours at Adelaide provides a strong platform for either professional ecological practice or further academic research, supported by mentorship, dedicated research infrastructure and an active ecological research community within the university.