Online Course Brochure
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Bachelor of Applied Science (Adventure Ecotourism) BAppSc(AdvEcotourism)
CSU’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Adventure Ecotourism) equips graduates with skills in leadership, business and conservation ensuring a thorough grounding for future career in the adventure ecotourism industry.
About the course
This unique course allows students to specialise in one of two areas of expertise in adventure ecotourism. The Outdoor Recreation option provides students with 10 to 15 weeks of professional training in bushwalking and navigation, rockclimbing and abseiling, with optional specialisations in canoeing, ski touring and ski camping and mountain biking. Sea kayaking and whitewater rafting may also be available. The Planning and Policy option concentrates on the broader understanding of conservation and ecology, indigenous issues and tourism.
The course aims to provide education in the area of ecologically sustainable tourism by fostering an understanding and appreciation of the relationships between the natural and cultural environment, conservation and tourism.
Graduates will be equipped to work in the rapidly expanding areas of nature and adventure tourism. A fully supported work placement program ensures all students receive first-hand experience of what it is like to work in an ecotourism business.
Where it will take you:
Graduates work professionally as:
- adventure ecotourism instructors
- ecotourism guides or operators
- ecotourism and/or outdoor development trainers
- consultants
- recreation managers
- interpretive planners and environmental educators
- recreation coordinators
- tourism consultants
- tourism managers
- tourism planners
Professionals teaching you
The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience, including management of parks and recreation areas, coordinating ranger programs, designing and undertaking guiding programs, recreation planning and government consultancies including visitor services, wildlife management and environmental impact assessments.
Your course is recognised by industry
The course was developed in conjunction with Tourism Training Victoria and the Victorian Tourism Operators Association. The course is recognised by Ecotourism Australia as a leading course in its field.
The latest facilities
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
- fully-equipped ecological laboratories
- computer network with internet access
- a modern, environmentally friendly campus incorporating a range of design principles and technologies which are relevant to the 'ecologically sustainable' nature of the course
- field excursions to ecotourism locations and operations
- field-based exercises such as camping, bushwalking, leading tours, wildlife monitoring and trapping, cultural heritage site assessment and practical skills development.
Practical experience
In addition to the practical and field components of most of the university subjects and the industry placement component of the course, there are many opportunities to participate in voluntary and paid field expeditions. In addition, all students are eligible to participate in the Arid Zone Field Ecology course, which takes place in June each year, and in School-based international field trips to locations such as East Timor and Nepal. International experience is also encouraged through CSU’s Student Exchange Program.
Credit
Students who have already completed the TAFE Certificate IV are awarded 32 points of credit upon admission.
TAFE component
Students undertaking Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation will complete units in adventure programming and guiding, legal issues, workplace safety, wilderness first aid and emergency care, and information and communication technologies.
Students undertaking Outdoor Recreation Certificate IV will complete units in guiding skills, health and safety, emergency care and planning, training and assessment, competency in rock climbing, abseiling, bushwalking, with optional specialisations in canoeing, ski touring and ski camping and mountain biking. Sea kayaking and whitewater rafting may also be available.
Residential school
Many subjects have a compulsory residential school of two to four days duration for distance education students.
Graduation requirements
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points, comprising the credit package of 32 points awarded for completion of the TAFE Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation and 160 points completed during enrolment in the Bachelor degree course.
Further study
Further study opportunities include an Honours year and also:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science
Master of Applied Science
Doctor of Philosophy
Ask a question about this course.
For answers to common inquiries, please read the Frequently Asked Questions page.
This online course brochure is for prospective students. If you are a currently enrolled student, please consult the Charles Sturt University handbook