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
- 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
Required courses (8)
Select 4 required courses from:
OES100 Outdoor Living and Travel Skills
OES101 Foundations of Outdoor Environmental Studies
OES104 Learning in Australian Landscapes
OES215 Coastal Outdoor Environmental Interpretation
OES240 Leading Groups in Outdoor Environments
ANM102 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
ANM104 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
ENS120 Introduction to Environmental Management
SET111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
PLUS select 4 recommended courses from:
ANM103 How Animals Work: Form and Function
ENS103 Earth's Surface Processes
ENS223 Environmental Impact Assessment
ENS282 Coastal and Marine Ecology
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SUS101 Foundations of Sustainability
SUS201 Measuring Sustainability
SUS202 Communicating Sustainability
GEO100 Changing Planet Earth
GEO201 Hydrology and Geomorphology
OR select 4 courses electives from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: Semester of offer is subject to change
Note: Program structures are subject to change. 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:
- Successfully complete 96 units as outlined in the Program Structure
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 which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- 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