Studying The Environment and Animals In One Of The World's Most Biodiverse Regions
Explore Environmental and Wildlife Sciences at UQ
From protecting endangered wildlife and restoring ecosystems to understanding the impacts of climate change, the next generation of scientists will play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future.
At The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, students can explore these challenges through a diverse range of programs spanning environmental science, conservation, marine biology, wildlife science, animal studies and sustainable agriculture. Studying in Queensland means learning in one of the world's most biodiverse and environmentally significant regions. From the Great Barrier Reef and ancient forests, to farms, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems, students have access to an extraordinary range of natural settings that provide context for learning, fieldwork and scientific discovery.
Whether you're looking for flexibility or specialized studies, UQ offers programs designed to help students develop multidisciplinary knowledge, practical skills and a deeper understanding of the connections between people, animals and the environment.
Learning Beyond the Classroom Through Research and Fieldwork
Learning at UQ extends well beyond the classroom. Through fieldwork, research experiences, industry placements and access to specialist facilities, students gain first-hand experience applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges, conducting ecological surveys, analyzing environmental data, studying animal behavior or working alongside industry partners.
Students also learn from researchers working at the forefront of environmental and conservation science. At UQ's Heron Island Research Station, researchers are investigating how coral reefs respond to environmental change and developing new approaches to support reef resilience in a warming world. UQ scientists are also harnessing new technologies, such as AI, to improve wildlife monitoring and help address biodiversity loss. They work alongside governments, industry and environmental organizations to develop solutions for conservation and sustainable food production.
Launch Your Career in Environmental and Conservation Sciences
Graduates pursue careers in conservation, environmental consulting, wildlife management, marine science, government, research and sustainability, while others continue into honors and postgraduate research. Recent graduate Ben Houseman, for example, now works with Queensland's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, monitoring water quality in Great Barrier Reef catchments and helping track the impacts of sediments, nutrients and pesticides on waterways. Whatever path they choose, UQ graduates are united by a commitment to understanding the natural world and contributing to solutions for some of the most significant environmental challenges of our time.
If you're passionate about wildlife, oceans, ecosystems, and the future of our planet, join UQ and NSHSS for the Protecting Our Planet & Animals: Explore Your Future in Australia webinar on September 21, 2026. Discover the diverse range of UQ science programs available in environmental studies at UQ.