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.
Graduates work professionally as:
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.
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.
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
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.
Students who have already completed the TAFE Certificate IV are awarded 32 points of credit upon admission.
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.
Many subjects have a compulsory residential school of two to four days duration for distance education students.
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 opportunities include an Honours year and also:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science
Master of Applied Science
Doctor of Philosophy
| Study through | Albury-Wodonga |
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| Fee information | Australian & New Zealand students This course is not available to international students |
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| Admission rank cut-offs | ATAR + criteria |
Choose your preferred method. Make note of the admission code as you will need this to complete your application. More information on application closing dates.
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| Apply online | Australian and New Zealand students Admission code:
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| Mail your application | Australian and New Zealand students |
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The course comprises 18 core subjects and a six subject minor in Outdoor Recreation or Planning and Policy option. Students undertaking the Outdoor Recreation minor undertake the TAFE Certificate (32 points) and a specified number of restricted electives (16 points). Students undertaking the Planning and Policy minor select six subjects from restricted electives.
Students wishing to undertake the Outdoor Recreation option will combine CSU subjects with the Australian National Training Authority Outdoor Recreation Certificate IV which includes10 to15 weeks of vocational training in bushwalking and navigation, rock climbing and abseiling with optional specialisations in ski-touring and snow camping, canoeing and in mountain biking.
Students wishing to concentrate on the management and planning aspect of ecotourism industries should choose the Planning and Policy option. Students can move from one area to the other within the first year without penalty.
An indicative course structure and enrolment pattern are available in the CSU Handbook.
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
Previous studies include:
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.
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:
All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.
Acceptable tests for English proficiency
Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:
An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University’s requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.
You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:
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.
All full-time on campus applicants must complete a Student Profile form to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and interest in outdoor recreation pursuits. The form must be submitted to the School of Environmental Sciences by 31 October of the year prior to commencing your studies. Applicants can access the form online or request the form by phoning 1800 334 733. Late applicants should contact the University before submitting the form.
If you add CSU's Bachelor of Applied Science (Adventure Ecotourism) to your preferences after 30 September of the year prior to commencing your studies, phone 02 6051 9850 to request the form.
In addition to the Student Profile form, applicants' ATAR (or equivalent) plus a strong performance in subjects relevant to the course will also be taken into account.
For all inquiries about Charles Sturt University courses, please contact info.csu on:
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Telephone: 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) |