Our planet is facing critical challenges, including climate change, habitat loss, environmental degradation, species extinction, and overpopulation.
By studying geography, earth sciences, or environmental sciences at the University of Melbourne, you will learn from passionate academics and collaborate with industry leaders, preparing you for a career across various impactful fields.
Your career path could lead to urban landscape management, environmental policy, or environmental law. Alternatively, you might focus on science-based environmental management, conservation, or climate science. No matter where your interests lie, there are numerous opportunities for you to make a meaningful difference.
Upon completing your studies, you will be equipped to join the workforce in private environmental and planning firms, or consultancies. You can also pursue roles in government departments focused on conservation, planning, housing, transport, international aid, or hydrology.
Industry/market salary guide
104,000
is the average geologist salary
$146,609
is the average experienced geologist salary
2,809
advertised geography jobs in 2023
3,548
advertised climate science jobs in 2023
27,764
advertised environmental jobs in 2023
Source: au.talent (2026) and EmployMe (2023)
Where do our graduates go?
Geography job titles include: Ranger, environmental officer, animal health officer, environmental health and safety officer, environmental advisor, senior environmental advisor, environmental project officer, project officer, and property officer.
Geography employers can include: State and federal government departments, Environment Protection Authority, Parks Victoria, Linfox, BHP Billiton Limited, Water NSW, and Waterco.
Climate Science job titles include: Sustainability officer, scientist, climate change and environmental officer, senior strategic consultant, assistant director, project and contract coordinator agriculture, chief executive officer, sustainability manager, and program officer.
Climate Science employers include: State and federal government departments, KPMG, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, Allianz Australia Limited, Waterco, Environment and Heritage Group, and higher education universities.
Environment and Environmental Science job titles include: Environmental advisor, environmental officer, environmental health and safety officer, environmental coordinator, project manager, project officer, environmental manager, field officer, environmental specialist, and environmental consultant.
Environment and Environmental Science employers can include: State and federal government departments, Linfox, Downer Group, Ventia, Waterco, Environment and Heritage Group, Compass Group PLC, and Environment Protection Authority.
"My advice for future students is talk to your peers, your lecturers, and anyone around you. Tell them what you are passionate about and learn what they are passionate about. I talked to my lecturers about my interests - that's how I got the research assistant role at Melbourne Climate Futures.
"A lot of graduates from my cohort went to work as environment consultants, as well as the public health and ecosystem management sector."
Becca Liu
Master of Environment
Get your career started
Study geography at the University of Melbourne to develop problem-solving and analytical skills in conservation and social processes. Find out how to build disaster-resilient cities, understand why famines and forced migration happen, and examine the ecology and biogeography of our region to take into your professional career.
By studying climate science or earth and environmental sciences at the University of Melbourne, you will learn ways to tackle environmental challenges, learn from leaders in their fields, and build skills in communication, policy, and planning. Build the skills you need to enter in-demand environmental industries.