Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science Major
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science Major
-
Upcoming start dates
Semester 2 - 13 Jul 2026
November Summer School - 09 Nov 2026
Semester 1 - 15 Feb 2027
-
Qualification
Bachelors
-
Duration
3 years full-time
-
Credits
360
-
Location
Lincoln University Campus
Planet Earth is under pressure. Freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are degrading, soils are depleted, and biodiversity is in retreat. The scientists who can diagnose these problems and design real solutions are among the most needed professionals of your generation.
At Lincoln University, you train to become one of them.
Lincoln uniquely sits at the heart of New Zealand's agricultural economy. We recognise that feeding a growing world and caring for the land that makes it possible are not opposing ambitions, but reconciling them is one of the great challenges of our time. Understanding those connections from the inside, with genuine insight into how the primary sector works, is what sets you apart as a Lincoln graduate.
The challenges are real. They are rooted in how we use the land. Come and be part of the solution at Lincoln University!
How you’ll grow
- You'll learn from internationally recognised scientists working at the frontier of New Zealand's most pressing environmental challenges.
- Your campus is embedded in a landscape where productive land use and environmental stewardship play out in real time, every day.
- You are grounded in the natural processes that drive soil and water systems, the science of ecosystem function and restoration, and what it takes to use land better.
- With flexible electives spanning economics, policy and society, you build the broader perspective that turns knowledge into impact.
Future-proofed career opportunities
As a graduate of this programme, you step into roles in:
- environmental consulting
- resource management
- freshwater restoration
- land rehabilitation, and
- sustainability roles across the primary industries themselves.
The work you do as an environmental scientist – reading a landscape, interpreting a river's health, building trust with landowners and communities, making judgements in complex situations – demands embodied expertise that no algorithm can replicate.
These are careers built on being present, skilled and trusted, making them among the most durable a science graduate can pursue.
The Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) has given me a grounding in all the necessary areas, but has the flexibility to let me focus on areas that I’m particularly interested in (like soil and water) I feel really well set up to launch my career and do some good.
Jennifer Tregurtha
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science major
Upon successful completion of this degree programme, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science with an Environmental Science major.
Programme information
University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.
If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about entry requirements here.
*If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.
Recommended preparation
- Biology (highly recommended)
- Chemistry (highly recommended)
- Physics
- English
- Geography / Social Studies
- Māori Studies
- Maths / Statistics (highly recommended)
- PE / Outdoor Ed
Summary of Regulations
All of the following:
- Pass at least 360 credits (24 courses)
- Pass all compulsory courses
- Complete no more than 165 credits (11 courses ) at the 100 level
- Complete at least 75 credits (5 courses) at the 300 level
- Complete 15 credits (1 course) at 300-level with a ECOL, ERST, MAST, SOSC or WATR prefix
- Meet the requirements for this Bachelor of Science major.
- Please refer to the Academic Calendar for all of the suggested electives for the Bachelor of Science.
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)*
There are also options for starting in summer semesters. But the range of courses available would be limited.
*Please obtain course advice if you’re considering this option.
There may be an opportunity to add an additional major or minor to your study programme. Please refer to the programme course advisor for further information.
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field. Attributes in italics apply to the Major, the others apply to the BCom core courses.
Knowledge
- Examine biotic and abiotic systems and processes relevant to understanding the natural and managed landscape (terrestrial and aquatic).
- Investigate the impacts of land management activities on soil and water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Evaluate the science that underpins the sustainable use of water and soil resources for food production and economic growth.
- Discuss approaches to maintaining agro-ecosystem function and quality.
- Understand how the behaviour and abundance of surface and ground water in different landscapes combine to inform sustainable water use across a range of spatial and temporal scales.
- Develop, apply and critically appraise and interpret models used to address scientific and management questions.
Skills
- Apply the scientific method and correctly interpret the results of scientific studies.
- Utilise statistics in the design of experiments and data analysis.
- Collect, synthesise and critically review information and data across a wide range of disciplines.
- Communicate information effectively in both written and oral form using a range of audience appropriate media.
- Learn independently: having generic skills of acquiring information and learning resources.
- Apply the interpersonal and decision-making skills needed to function as an effective member of interdisciplinary teams that include different specialties, foci and cultures.
- Demonstrate an ability to relate to a diverse range of backgrounds and communities, and to respect their values and culture.
- Apply sound scientific methods in the field and laboratory.
- Critically evaluate science in a real world context through exposure to industry and sectors which utilise this science.
Values
- Develop knowledge of the key principles and practices underpinning sustainable development, and a willingness to engage with environmental sustainability.
- Critically review the issues associated with the ethical implications of scientific research.
- Cultivate a sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship.
- Cultivate an awareness of the importance of cultural and indigenous knowledge.
-
Entry requirements
University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.
If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about entry requirements here.
*If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.
Recommended preparation
- Biology (highly recommended)
- Chemistry (highly recommended)
- Physics
- English
- Geography / Social Studies
- Māori Studies
- Maths / Statistics (highly recommended)
- PE / Outdoor Ed
-
Regulations and fees
Summary of Regulations
All of the following:
- Pass at least 360 credits (24 courses)
- Pass all compulsory courses
- Complete no more than 165 credits (11 courses ) at the 100 level
- Complete at least 75 credits (5 courses) at the 300 level
- Complete 15 credits (1 course) at 300-level with a ECOL, ERST, MAST, SOSC or WATR prefix
- Meet the requirements for this Bachelor of Science major.
- Please refer to the Academic Calendar for all of the suggested electives for the Bachelor of Science.
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
-
Intake semesters
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)*
There are also options for starting in summer semesters. But the range of courses available would be limited.
*Please obtain course advice if you’re considering this option.
-
Additional major
There may be an opportunity to add an additional major or minor to your study programme. Please refer to the programme course advisor for further information.
-
Graduate Attributes
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field. Attributes in italics apply to the Major, the others apply to the BCom core courses.
Knowledge
- Examine biotic and abiotic systems and processes relevant to understanding the natural and managed landscape (terrestrial and aquatic).
- Investigate the impacts of land management activities on soil and water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Evaluate the science that underpins the sustainable use of water and soil resources for food production and economic growth.
- Discuss approaches to maintaining agro-ecosystem function and quality.
- Understand how the behaviour and abundance of surface and ground water in different landscapes combine to inform sustainable water use across a range of spatial and temporal scales.
- Develop, apply and critically appraise and interpret models used to address scientific and management questions.
Skills
- Apply the scientific method and correctly interpret the results of scientific studies.
- Utilise statistics in the design of experiments and data analysis.
- Collect, synthesise and critically review information and data across a wide range of disciplines.
- Communicate information effectively in both written and oral form using a range of audience appropriate media.
- Learn independently: having generic skills of acquiring information and learning resources.
- Apply the interpersonal and decision-making skills needed to function as an effective member of interdisciplinary teams that include different specialties, foci and cultures.
- Demonstrate an ability to relate to a diverse range of backgrounds and communities, and to respect their values and culture.
- Apply sound scientific methods in the field and laboratory.
- Critically evaluate science in a real world context through exposure to industry and sectors which utilise this science.
Values
- Develop knowledge of the key principles and practices underpinning sustainable development, and a willingness to engage with environmental sustainability.
- Critically review the issues associated with the ethical implications of scientific research.
- Cultivate a sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship.
- Cultivate an awareness of the importance of cultural and indigenous knowledge.
Programme Structure
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
-
Semester 1 courses
-
{{ 'ENSC 101' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ENSC 101' | last-word }}
Introduction to Earth and Ecological Sciences
15 credits
-
{{ 'BIOS 110' | except-last-word }} {{ 'BIOS 110' | last-word }}
Biological Sciences
15 credits
-
{{ 'PHSC 101' | except-last-word }} {{ 'PHSC 101' | last-word }}
Chemistry IA
15 credits
-
Elective
Semester 2 courses
-
Semester 2 courses
-
{{ 'PHSC 103' | except-last-word }} {{ 'PHSC 103' | last-word }}
Environmental Physics
15 credits
-
{{ 'SOSC 106' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SOSC 106' | last-word }}
Soil Science I
15 credits
-
{{ 'ECOL 103' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ECOL 103' | last-word }}
Ecology I: New Zealand Ecology and Conservation
15 credits
-
Elective
Year 2
Semester 1 courses
Semester 2 courses
-
Semester 2 courses
-
{{ 'QMET 201' | except-last-word }} {{ 'QMET 201' | last-word }}
Biometrics
15 credits
-
{{ 'SOSC 222' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SOSC 222' | last-word }}
Soil Science II
15 credits
-
{{ 'SOSC 223' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SOSC 223' | last-word }}
Physical Landscapes: formation and function
15 credits
-
Elective
Year 3
Semester 1 courses
-
Semester 1 courses
-
{{ 'SCIE 393' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SCIE 393' | last-word }}
Advanced Field Research
15 credits
-
Elective
-
Elective
-
Elective
Semester 2 courses
- Compulsory courses
- Elective courses
Please note: ENSC 302 Environmental Pollution, is taught in even-numbered years only. If you are due to finish your studies in an odd-numbered year, you must take it in your 2nd year.
Elective courses
Elective courses (15 credits each) that would complement the environmental Science major well are listed below:
Recommended elective options for Environmental Science major
Year 1
Semester 1
MAST 104 Te Tiriti O Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi)
LINC 101 Land, People and Economies
Semester 2
PLSC 104 Plant Science I
ERST 201 Environmental Analysis
Year 2
Semester 1
ERST 202 Environmental Analysis with Geographic Information Systems
ERST 203 Environmental Monitoring and Resource Assessment
SOSC 224 Soil Management
Semester 2
WATR 201 Freshwater Resources
ECOL 293 Field Ecology Methods
ERST 201 Environmental Analysis
Year 3
Semester 1
WATR 301 Water Resource Management
SOSC 340 Advanced Soil Management
QMET 306 Experimentation
ERST 340 Environmental Planning
Semester 2
SOSC 301 Advanced Soil Science
ERST 310 GIS and Applications in Natural Resource Analysis
ERST 313 Catchment Management
Additional majors
If you want to be credited with another major in addition to Environmental Science, the following options are recommended:
- Water Management Major (additional major)
OR
- Conservation and Ecology Major (B.Sci named major).
You can complete a double major for the Bachelor of Science by taking a programme of study which includes the course requirements for two separate majors, eg: Environmental Science Major and the Conservation and Ecology Major; OR the Environmental Science Major and the Water Management Major.
The courses you should take in addition to the core courses of the Environmental Science Major are listed below for both options.
Water Management courses to take with core Environmental Science courses
Year 1
Semester 1
One of :
MAST 104 Te Tiriti O Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi)
LINC 101 Land, People and Economies
Semester 2
ERST 201* Environmental Analysis
Year 2
Semester 1
ERST 203 Environmental Monitoring and Resource Assessment
AND one of:
MAST 104 Te Tiriti O Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi)
LINC 101 Land, People and Economies
Semester 2
ERST 201* Environmental Analysis
Year 3
Semester 1
WATR 301 Water Resource Management
AND one of:
LWST 302 Resource Management Law
ERST 340 Environmental Planning
Semester 2
ERST 313 Catchment Management
* Prerequisite for 3rd year soft-core option ERST 340. Take in an odd-numbered year
Conservation and Ecology courses to take with core Environmental Science courses
Year 1
Semester 2
PLSC 104 Plant Science I
Year 2
Semester 1
ECOL 202 Biological Diversity
ECOL 204 Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Semester 2
ECOL 293* Field Ecology Methods
Year 3
Semester 1
WATR 301 Water Resource Management
AND one of:
ENTO 304 Insect Ecology and Diversity
PLPT 305 Plant Diseases
Semester 2
ECOL 302 Applied Ecology and Conservation
ECOL 309 Agroecology
ECOL 293* Field Ecology Methods
* In odd-numbered years only
This degree structure is indicative only. A course advisor will help you to select your electives and plan your degree. You can check out our courses to see what electives might interest you.
Programme contacts
Key information for students
Compare qualification and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Need more info?
Email us on grow@lincoln.ac.nz
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
Lincoln University endeavours to ensure that the information published on its website is accurate and up-to-date. However, such information is subject to regular review and can change without notice. Entry to programmes may be limited and staffing, programmes and courses may be varied or discontinued at any time.
The University makes no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy of such information and does not accept any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or content of this information.
Students and prospective students are advised to check with the relevant Faculty or Department before applying to enrol in a particular course or programme. International students should also check relevant policies, fees and procedures with our Enrolment Office.
If you believe any of the information held on our websites is incorrect please use the contact us link to get in touch with us.