Think across social and scientific perspectives

The world faces urgent environmental challenges. Tackling them requires us to think differently and collaborate across different perspectives.

Critically examine the relationships between social and environmental problems. Understand their causes and effects—how people and the planet affect each other. Address these complex issues by connecting social and scientific perspectives. Depending on your interests, your study may span across areas including the social and earth sciences, humanities, business, education, and design. You’ll consider how Indigenous environmental knowledge can guide approaches to environmental problems and solutions.

Graduate ready to apply your knowledge to environmental issues—from local questions of how we live with our environment, to global challenges like climate change and inequality. You’ll bring new, innovative solutions to environmental problems in areas like policy, sustainability, and community action.

What you’ll learn

During your study you’ll build your understanding of the social and physical dimensions of environmental change.

You’ll examine new possibilities and solutions for complex environmental issues.

You’ll study topics including:

  • people's relationships with the environment, focusing on Aotearoa New Zealand
  • the physical processes shaping the earth, such as erosion, shifting tectonic plates, and weather events that produce hazards
  • theories of social change for more equitable and just worlds.

You’ll also explore how these topics interrelate:

  • Learning about the earth’s physical processes, you’ll consider how the way we organise society influences their impacts.
  • Exploring ways of promoting sustainability, you’ll consider the limitations of popular ways of thinking about environmental issues.

How you’ll study

Alongside lectures, labs and tutorials, you’ll get to experience the Wellington region through different kinds of fieldwork.

As you progress through your studies, you’ll have opportunities to engage with employers and community groups. This might include working on an externally-funded summer research project. Or, you could collaborate with other students to investigate a social–environmental challenge identified by a local organisation that works with the University.

Year breakdown

First year

Take core courses across a range of topics in environment and society. You’ll develop skills and knowledge you can build on throughout the rest of your degree.

Second year

Build on your first year of study and focus on your major.

Third year

Work on a project with a team of interdisciplinary students studying the Bachelor of Environment and Society. Your project will address challenges related to an external organisation or inspired by current environmental and societal issues.

Build on the subject expertise each team member brings from their own major. Working together will help you build skills in collaboration and communication. You’ll get insights into diverse approaches and perspectives.

Degree support and advice

We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.

If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.

If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.

Future Student advisersTītoko—Student Success
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How our degrees work

Flexible, or structured? Learn more about the different types of undergraduate degrees at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

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At a glance

Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington · Flexible
Level of study
Undergraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework

Domestic fees

$8,468.00
per year (2026 estimate)
Plus an estimated NZ$1,285 Student Services Fee per year.

Estimated international fees

See fees in your local currency:
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
Find out more

Important dates

2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Apply to study
Taught by
Faculty of Science and Engineering
We provide this information to help you plan your degree. Your actual costs and length of study may be different, depending on the courses you choose. We confirm your final costs at the time you enrol.
Need help planning your study? Talk to us

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for domestic students

  • Requirements for students who completed secondary school in:

If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.

To be accepted into this qualification, you need:

A New Zealand university entrance qualification or equivalent. 

Degree requirements

Excerpt from the regulations for the BEnvSoc

View all the regulations for this qualification

For this degree, you need to complete 360 points, including the following core courses:

You also need to complete the requirements of at least one major subject.

Important information

  • A minor is made up of at least 60 points at 200 level or above from courses listed in the major requirements for that subject area. At least 15 of these points must be at 300 level, and not counted towards a major or another minor.
  • There are a number of subjects in the BEnvSoc with specific minor requirements. Contact our future student advisers to learn more about studying these subjects. If you’re already a student here, contact a student adviser.
  • He Herenga Tāngata / Engaging with Māori in Professional Practice (MAOR 126) is not required if you complete a major or minor that includes a requirement for at least 20 points of MAOR courses.

Major requirements

Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.

Explore more degree options by adding an optional second major or minor. How our flexible degrees work.

Major subjects and requirements

Explore your major options below.

BEnvSoc subjects

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Second major subjects

You can choose to add an optional second major from within the BEnvSoc or from another degree. Explore your options for a second major below.

Filter for inside or outside major
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21 of 105 major subjects shown

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Minor requirements

Add another dimension to your degree by choosing an optional minor. Most major BSc subjects are available as minors.

Some subjects are only available as minors. While most minors require 60 points at 200- and 300-level, there are a few minors with specific requirements.

Minor subjects and requirements

Start planning your study

Use the tiles to find out how you could include the selected minor in your degree. Not all major and minor combinations are available, so talk to us before you lock down your plan of study. Talk to us.

BEnvSoc minor subjects

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Showing 116 of 116 minor subjects

21 of 116 minor subjects shown

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Build your degree

Core courses

At the heart of the BEnvSoc are nine core courses that give you a foundation to understand the connections between people and their environments.

These include a mix of:

  • human geography
  • environmental social science
  • earth science
  • te ao Māori
  • analytical skills
  • research design, fieldwork, and analysis.

Choosing your major

You’ll also study a major in a specific area.

Develop your capacity for action in an area that matches your talents and interests. You can choose to major in one of the following subjects:

  • Climate Science
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Design for Social Innovation
  • Development Studies
  • Earth Science
  • Education for the Environment
  • Environmental Design
  • Environmental Humanities
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Sustainability and Ethics in Business.

Add another major or minor subject

The BEnvSoc offers flexible study options to study in more than one area. Explore how different subjects relate to gain a wider skillset, and expand your career opportunities.

You could add to your study with a:

  • second major from the BEnvSoc degree
  • major from another undergraduate degree
  • minor from the BEnvSoc
  • minor from any other Bachelor’s degree.

Find out about the ways you can structure your study and which minors and majors you could choose from.

Flexibility in our undergraduate degrees

Future careers

Through the BEnvSoc, you’ll develop specialist knowledge along with highly sought-after skills in:

  • environmental data collection and analysis
  • social and environmental research
  • critical thinking
  • collaboration.

Your career options will depend on your chosen major. As a graduate you can work in entry-level roles in areas such as:

  • environmental and social policy
  • community facilitation
  • science communication
  • environmental education
  • environmental science and monitoring
  • conservation management
  • migrant or refugee advocacy
  • emergency management
  • international affairs and aid
  • environmental design
  • sustainability planning and consulting
  • geotechnical analysis.

More career information

Find out more about careers in environmental science.

The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.

What can I do with my degree? Tahatū

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have first-year and school leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.


School-leaver scholarships

Scholarships for Science and Humanities

  • Protect our Islands Pasifika Award
    Worth: $5,000 - $7,500 Closing: 1 December, 2026

    Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...

  • C3 Scholarship
    Worth: $4,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

  • Averil Brent Scholarship in Science
    Worth: $3,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Search all scholarships

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.

Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Other scholarships

We also have specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.


School leaver scholarships

Scholarships for science and humanities

  • Protect our Islands Pasifika Award
    Worth: $5,000 - $7,500 Closing: 1 December, 2026

    Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...

  • Averil Brent Scholarship in Science
    Worth: $3,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

  • Jan Heine Research Scholarship in Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology
    Worth: $5,000 (subject to available funds) Closing: 30 September, 2027

    Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.

Search all scholarships

Postgraduate study

Completing the Bachelor of Environment and Society provides a foundation for further postgraduate study to develop specialist skills in science, humanities, design, education, or business—depending on your chosen major.

The BEnvSoc offers clear pathways into postgraduate research in environment and society-related topics, depending on your chosen subject. You can develop advanced skills and expertise in your subject area with one year of full-time study.

Postgraduate Environmental SciencePostgraduate Environmental Studies
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Accommodation

Live in accommodation close to campus at one of our:

  • catered halls of residence
  • self-catered apartments or flats
  • self-catered studios.

We provide care and support across our halls and flatting communities.

Explore University accommodation
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Get help to manage your finances

We can help you:

  • budget your money
  • manage your student loan or allowance
  • work out your accommodation payment schedule.

And if you're ever having trouble with money, talk with us. You could be eligible for government or community support, and we have a hardship fund for financial emergencies.

Financing your studyTalk to a student finance adviser
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Apply for a New Zealand study visa

You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.

You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.

Find out how to apply for a visa from Immigration New Zealand
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Wellington Global Exchange

If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.

Wellington Global Exchange
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Study Abroad and Exchange Programme

If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here. 

Study Abroad and Exchange

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū

Learn more