Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage)

What is this course about?

CSU’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) provides you with the in‐depth knowledge and skills required to manage Australia’s National Reserve System ‐ particularly how to conserve these unique landscapes and the plants and animals they contain for future generations.

This is the oldest and most respected park management course in Australia. 

Graduates of CSU’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) are employed by park agencies and in local governments as park rangers, wildlife officers undertaking specific wildlife conservation programs, interpretive officers conducting outdoor education programs or as specialists in cultural and Indigenous heritage. A number of graduates are also employed by local governments to manage parks, grounds and ovals.

As a graduate, you will apply your skills and knowledge in biophysical, ecological and social sciences to protected area management, the conservation of flora and fauna, and cultural heritage management. You will use your expertise in strategic planning, critical thinking and people management to effectively balance conservation and recreational values and assist visitors and the community appreciate and contribute to the conservation of our natural heritage.

What will I learn?

This course has an emphasis is on real-life experiences, field studies and vocationally focused training in conservation, park management, recreation, and heritage conservation. You may choose between specialisations in wildlife and conservation, indigenous and cultural heritage, or visitor services and open space management.

Indigenous and Cultural Heritage

Students in this specialisation gain in-depth cognitive and technical skills in the conservation and management cultural heritage and in working with Indigenous communities. Graduates find generally employment as rangers, aboriginal heritage officers, heritage consultants, and within museums.

Visitor Services and Open Space

In this specialisation you will develop in-depth cognitive and technical skills in the planning and delivery of tourism opportunities and visitor education programs. Graduates generally find generally employment as rangers, interpretive officers, open space planners and recreation officers.

Wildlife and Conservation

This specialisation is for students seeking to obtain in-depth cognitive and technical skills in the conservation and management of biodiversity. Graduates find generally employment as rangers, threatened species officers, wildlife officers, and botanists.

Note: CSU's Bachelor of Environmental Science is only available by distance education.
For on campus study at CSU's internationally recognised sustainable Albury-Wodonga Campus, applicants should refer to the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management.

Why study this degree?

CSU’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) has been training rangers for more than 30 years. With the continued involvement of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to develop the course, our curriculum is focused on teaching the key skills park managers require - a strong understanding of the environment and an ability to communicate with people using these environments.

More about Career opportunities

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

We develop holistic, far-sighted people who help their communities grow and flourish. We give students the ability to influence the world for the better. CSU students benefit from: 

• a course taught by dedicated professionals with many years of collective experience in the field
• the opportunity gain practical experience from the very beginning using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities that emphasise sustainable design
• a library and world-class learning platforms that provide a broad range of literature and learning materials.

More about Workplace learning

Graduation requirements

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points. Students may choose to exit with the Associate Degree in Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) after successfully completing 16 subjects (equivalent to two years of full-time study).

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 has an excellent reputation for providing quality education delivered by dedicated academics with relevant industry experience.

CSU works in close association with industry, professions and government to ensure courses meet and support industry needs. CSU contextualises learning in a way that empowers and motivates students, while assisting them to develop key skills and knowledge required for employment, further education and active participation in their communities. At CSU, you will:

• 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. We provide this through practical, real world assessment tasks as well as through field trips so you can learn the skills that environmental managers need
• 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. There are also subjects that are solely centred around field ecology and/or special study topics
• be supported in doing professional practice. You will be 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. International experience is also encouraged through CSU's Student Exchange Program.