Diploma in Outdoor Environmental Studies
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.
In this program you will:
- Learn 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
- Complete supervised outdoor environmental studies fieldwork (depending on elective choices) in local natural environments and World Heritage Areas
This program is only available to International students
Location
CRICOS code
Duration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
Annual fee / Estimated total feeStart
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 8
- Total units
- 96
- Duration
- 1 year 1 year
- CRICOS code
- 088627D
- UniSC program code
- ED112
Required courses (8) 96 units
Select 4 required courses (48 units) from:
ANM102 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
ANM104 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
ENS120 Introduction to Environmental Management
OES100 Outdoor Living and Travel Skills
OES101 Foundations of Outdoor Environmental Studies
OES104 Learning in Australian Landscapes
OES215 Marine Science Education Fieldwork
OES240 Leading Groups in Outdoor Environments
SUS202 Communicating Sustainability
PLUS select 4 recommended courses (48 units) from:
ANM103 Animal Form, Function and Evolution
ENS103 Earth's Surface Processes
ENS223 Environmental Impact Assessment
ENS282 Coastal and Marine Ecology
GEO100 The Changing Planet
GEO201 Hydrology and Geomorphology
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SUS101 Foundations of Sustainability
SUS201 Measuring Sustainability
OR select 4 elective courses (48 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.
Note: Semester of offer is subject to change, not all courses will be available each semester.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
International students who have completed studies relevant to the program are eligible for up to four courses credit based on the previous completed studies.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Additional entry information
Applicants from a non-English speaking background must attain an IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each subtest.
- Recommended prior study
- English and at least one of the sciences
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) 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
- 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
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$24,000
- Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$24,000