Outdoor education is the study of the relationships humans have with nature through outdoor experiences. A strong emphasis is placed on environmental knowledge and gaining practical experience. The academic perspective centres on how knowledge is shaped by new environments and how the environment, in turn, is shaped by our thoughts and practices. The theoretical aspects of the program include environmental studies and outdoor education concepts drawn from psychology, education, eco-psychology, environmental ethics and eco-philosophy.
The course offers two choices of major study sequence. This major is designed for motivated students who seek careers in outdoor education, adventure guiding, environmental education, sustainability education, eco-tourism or related fields. Elective fieldwork subjects include: bush environments, water environments, winter alpine environments, rock environments, and naturalist studies. You will undertake at least 140 days of practical experience. Graduates from the course are employed by schools, at camps, in outdoor travel and by commercial outdoor companies. This major involves the study of natural environments, the practice of nature guiding, environmental interpretation, land management and outdoor and field naturalist practice. You will undertake at least 80 days of practical work and you will also take elective studies from other disciplines. Graduates may gain work as nature guides and planners in the nature tourism industry, land management agencies and in other settings such as school camps and nature centres. When combined with a Master of Teaching all majors can lead to a teaching qualification. Graduates may also go on to the Bachelor of Arts Honours (Outdoor Education), and/or to Masters and Doctoral study.