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 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
Animal Ecology courses:
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
ANM100 Special Field Studies Topic
ANM102 Analytical Sciences
ANM103 Special Research Project A
ANM104 Workplace Learning I
LFS100 Elements of Design
SCI102 Introduction to Design and Concept
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
ANM201 Introduction to Interaction & UX Design
ANM203 Responsive Website Design
ANM301 Introduction to Cybersecurity
ANM302 Ethics in Digital Investigation and Cyber Security
ENS213 Introduction to Device & Network Security
ENS222 Cryptography, Blockchain and Security
ENS282 Communication and Thought
ENS316 Animal Ecology Field Course
ENS317 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
Tourism, Leisure and Event Management courses:
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
BUS101 Animal Form, Function and Evolution
BUS102 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
BUS104 Cell Biology
BUS105 Biodiversity and Ecology
BUS106 Animal Ecophysiology
BUS108 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
TSM102 Animal Behaviour
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
BUS203 Global-Change Ecology
IBS220 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
TSM200 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
TSM223 Coastal and Marine Ecology
BUS306 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
BUS320 Coastal Conservation Planning
TSM300 Exploring Business Research
TSM313 Introduction to Economics
TSM315 Discovering Management
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.