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 Life Crisis
Animal Ecology courses:
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
ANM100 The Child Client
ANM102 Communication and Thought
ANM103 Animal Ecology Field Course
ANM104 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
LFS100 Animal Form, Function and Evolution
SCI102 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
ANM201 Cell Biology
ANM203 Biodiversity and Ecology
ANM301 Animal Ecophysiology
ANM302 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
ENS213 Animal Behaviour
ENS222 Global-Change Ecology
ENS282 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
ENS316 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS317 Coastal and Marine Ecology
Tourism, Leisure and Event Management courses:
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
BUS101 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
BUS102 Coastal Conservation Planning
BUS104 Exploring Business Research
BUS105 Introduction to Economics
BUS106 Discovering Management
BUS108 Marketing Essentials
TSM102 Accounting for Business
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
BUS203 Introduction to Informatics
IBS220 The World of Tourism, Leisure and Events
TSM200 Business Law and Ethics
TSM223 Cross-Cultural Management
BUS306 World of Events
BUS320 Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
TSM300 World of Work: Your Pathway to Employment
TSM313 Business, Governance and Society
TSM315 Tourism, Leisure and Sport Policy and Planning
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.