Bachelor of Applied Science (Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Applied Science (Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism) provides you with the ability to conduct a range of outdoor education and recreation activities, including those associated with the outdoor education curriculum in schools, adventure and fitness programs, and tours of wild and remote areas of Australia.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism) are employed by outdoor adventure companies, recreation and outdoor education centres, schools, the Department of Sport and Recreation and in the nature tourism industry.

Graduates combine their skills and knowledge in outdoor recreation and education with foundation knowledge of physical, biological and social sciences to design and conduct outdoor recreation and education activities. This knowledge consists of a combination of competencies and degree knowledge recognised nationally and internationally by a range of employers.

More about career opportunities

What will I learn?

This course focuses strongly on field instruction and real-world situations. Studies about the natural environment and tourism are underpinned by a strong focus on sustainability and the visitor experience. Students choose one of the two areas of specialisation:

Why study this degree?

CSU is well-known for its innovative approach to education, offering practical, hands-on courses, supported online to provide you with accessible, world-class education.

To make sure you have the skills and abilities to use the equipment and conduct the activities required in the workplace, you will benefit from:

• a course taught by dedicated professionals with many years of collective experience in the industry
• the opportunity to gain practical experience from the first year of the course using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities on campus in a rural setting
• small class sizes
• a library and world-class learning platforms that cover a broad range of literature and learning materials.

The course is recognised as a leading course in its field by Ecotourism Australia. CSU works in close association with industry, professionals and government to ensure courses meet and support their needs. This is why CSU received a five-star rating for 'Getting a Job' in the graduate outcomes category of the Good Universities Guide.

More about workplace learning

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Workplace learning

CSU works in close association with industry, professions and government to ensure courses meet and support industry needs. Learning is contextualised in a way that empowers and motivates students, assisting them to develop key skills and knowledge required for employment, further education and active participation in their communities.

Workplace learning at CSU allows you to:

• learn through practical and/or field experience. This gives relevance to what you are learning and enables you to construct your own understanding of the course material
• have opportunities to undertake a range of field experiences. There are many opportunities to participate in voluntary and paid field expeditions to areas such as the Australian alps, Mungo National Park and North Head, Sydney
• be supported in doing professional practice. Students are supported in taking at least six weeks of full-time work placement in Australia or overseas. This ensures all students receive first-hand experience of what it is like to work in their profession. Placement opportunities in Australia range from the Tasmanian wilderness to Australia's far north
• travel to places around the world. Each year CSU runs a number of international field trips to locations such as Cambodia, East Timor and Nepal. These are part of your degree in your final year of study. International experience and exchange is also encouraged through CSU Global.
  

Admission requirements

Applicants must apply for this course through UAC for full-time on campus study. Distance education students apply direct to CSU.

Applicants should also complete a Student Profile Form outlining their relevant interests and experience. In addition to the Student Profile Form, applicants' ATAR (or equivalent) and a strong performance in subjects relevant to the course will be taken into account.

• Access the form online
• Request the form by phoning 1800 334 733

Principal's Report Entry Program applicants

Students applying for this course through PREP should submit the additional application form direct to CSU with their PREP application.

Note:

Late applicants should contact the University before submitting the form.

If you add CSU's Bachelor of Applied Science (Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism) to your preferences after the main UAC closing date, phone 02 6051 9850 to request the form.

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

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This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2