Diploma in Outdoor Environmental Studies | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Diploma in Outdoor Environmental Studies

Looking for a career that combines environmental studies, exploration and adventure.

This diploma equips you with the skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the leadership of transformative outdoor environmental experiences in natural settings as a guide and scientific interpreter. You'll participate in fieldwork on Fraser Island and other locations on the Sunshine Coast, learn how to navigate diverse terrain using non-motorised modes of travel, develop an understanding of environmental management objectives, and learn about unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.

This program is only available to International students

Study location
  • Sippy Downs
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
088627D
Commence
Semester 1 and 2
Study mode
Face to face delivery supported by online resources offered in an official teaching period
Total courses
8
Total units
96
Program length (full-time)
1 year
Semester tuition fee 2016
A$11,800
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$23,600
Footnotes
  • Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
  • * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
  • Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
  • This program is only available to International students

This diploma equips you with the skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the leadership of transformative outdoor environmental experiences in natural settings as a guide and scientific interpreter. You'll participate in fieldwork on Fraser Island and other locations on the Sunshine Coast, learn how to navigate diverse terrain using non-motorised modes of travel, develop an understanding of environmental management objectives, and learn about unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.

Courses that involve field trips may require a degree of physical fitness and mobility. Some items of personal equipment will need to be provided/purchased by the students.

Students will complete 20-40 days of supervised outdoor environmental studies fieldwork (depending on elective choices) in local natural environments and the Fraser Island World Heritage Area.

The University will meet most costs of the field trips, but students will be required to pay for their own food. Students may also elect to participate in some additional private trips to refine their skills, knowledge and experience.

Recommended prior study

English and at least one of the sciences.

Additional entry information

International students who have completed studies relevant to the program are eligible for up to four courses credit based on the previous completed studies.

Applicants from a non-English speaking background must attain an IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.0 with minimum of 5.5 in each subtest.

Career opportunities

Graduates will be suited to pursue careers as leaders in outdoor education, outdoor environmental studies, and/or entry-level environmental management positions.

Membership

Upon completion students may be eligible for partial/full registration with the National Outdoor Recreation Leadership Scheme administered by the Outdoor Council of Australia, depending on courses completed.

Program structure

For students commencing 2016
Complete 8 courses:

Complete a minimum of 4 required courses from the following (List A):

OES100 Second Language Teaching Methodologies
OES101 Interlanguage Phonology
OES104 Language, Culture and Second Language Learning(available Semester 2, 2016) *
OES215 Professional Learning(available Semester 2, 2016) *
OES240 Curriculum Development and Evaluation
ANM102 Leadership for Learning Communities
ANM104 Assessment: Principles and Practices
ENS120 Interlanguage Phonology
SET111 Language, Culture and Second Language Learning

PLUS select up to 4 recommended courses from the following (List B):

ANM103 Research Methods in Education
ENS103 Designing an Education Research Proposal
ENS223 Professional Learning(available Semester 2, 2017)
ENS282 Curriculum Development and Evaluation
SCI102 Pedagogies for Engagement
SUS101 Contemporary Issues in Education
SUS201 Second Language Acquisition and Learning
SUS202 Second Language Teaching Methodologies
GEO100 Research Methods in Education
GEO201 Professional Education Project

OR
up to 4 courses electives
from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

* Subject to final approval

Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.

Total units: 96

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must complete 8 courses:

  • Complete a minimum of 4 courses from List A.
  • Complete up to 4 courses from List B  OR up to 4 courses from either Faculty.
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
  • Courses that involve field trips may require a degree of physical fitness and mobility. If you have a disability, medical condition or any concerns that may affect your potential participation in some of the practical components of the program, you are invited to discuss your options with the program coordinator.
  • Some items of personal equipment will need to be provided/purchased by the students themselves. This would include:
    Personal sleeping mat, personal sleeping bag, walking shoes/boots, Backpack, Torch, Daypack.
  • The University will meet most costs of the field trips, but students will be required to pay for their own food. Students may also elect to participate in some additional private trips to refine their skills, knowledge and experience.
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.