Become a leader in animal-friendly tourism.
The growing global tourism industry offers incredible growth opportunities – particularly in sustainable and animal-friendly tourism. Tourists love seeing animals in their natural habitats, but local tourism operators also need to protect the animals and environments they rely on. This hands-on, industry-oriented program trains future tourism leaders with the skills to maintain and enhance environmental integrity alongside industry growth.
- 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.
The growing global tourism industry offers incredible growth opportunities – particularly in sustainable and animal-friendly tourism. Tourists love seeing animals in their natural habitats, but local tourism operators also need to protect the animals and environments they rely on. This hands-on, industry-oriented program trains future tourism leaders with the skills to maintain and enhance environmental integrity alongside industry growth.
- Learn how to assess the sustainability-related impacts of tourism, and how this links with animal conservation, biodiversity and animal behaviour
- Learn how animals are impacted by the environment and human interaction, and what we can do to protect their future
- Develop your analytical, management and research skills to better understand how to conserve animals and the environment, and how to engage with stakeholders in the scientific, public and business sectors
- Apply your growing knowledge and skills through fieldwork in locations such as Fraser Island and Stradbroke Island, and through industry projects designed to develop a solid foundation for your chosen career
Career opportunities
Ecotourism manager, ecotourism guide, wildlife manager, environmental educator, environmental consultant, environmental manager, policy officer, communications officer, researcher, museum curator
Membership
Graduates are eligible for membership / associate membership of the Ecological Society of Australia, Environmental Institute of Australia, Australian Mammal Society, Australian Marine Science Association, Society for Conservation Biology, Australian Wildlife Management Society, Australian Physiological Society, Australian Tourism Research Institute, Pacific Area Travel Association, Ecotourism Association of Australia, and the Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education.
Program structure
Core course (1) 12 units
COR109 Restoration Ecology
Animal Ecology courses:
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
ANM100 Population Ecology and Genetics
ANM102 Coastal Geomorphology
ANM103 Soil Mechanics
ANM104 Structural Engineering
LFS100 Engineering Project Management
SCI102 Design of Roads and Drainage
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
ANM201 Engineering Research Methodology
ANM203 Engineering Project 1
ANM301 Engineering Project 2
ANM302 Engineering Sustainable Design
ENS213 Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment systems
ENS222 Concrete Structures and Technology
ENS282 Sustainable Transport Systems
ENS316 Numerical Analysis
ENS317 Counselling Children and Young People
Tourism, Leisure and Event Management courses:
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
BUS101 Counselling and Mental Health
BUS102 Ethics and Reflective Practice
BUS104 Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Counselling
BUS105 Research Design: Methodology and Literature Review
BUS106 Counselling Interventions: Expressive Therapies
BUS108 Counselling and Addictions
TSM102 Assessment and Case Conceptualisation
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
BUS203 Professional Development 1
IBS220 Internship 1
TSM200 Research Project
TSM223 Supervision Practices
BUS306 Internship 2
BUS320 Professional Development 2
TSM300 Research Project
TSM313 Communication and Thought
TSM315 Animal Ecology Field Course
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
A program may not be offered in full at each location.
Total units: 384
Program requirements and notes
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program Notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit point per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Students in this program will be expected to purchase personal protective equipment (laboratory coat, safety glasses, closed footwear) for use during practical work at USC. Nominal contributions to cover costs of field trips and travel to workplace learning activities may be required.