Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 70.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 70.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
- Graduate ready to become a recognised leader in outdoor education, adventure therapy, ecotourism and environmental interpretation.
- Develop in-demand skills and knowledge in broadly applicable areas such as health and wellbeing, environmental leadership, social justice and sustainable living.
- Engage with more than 400 hours of practical experience and fieldwork in a wide range of real-world settings throughout your studies.
- Undertake early-career professional development in outdoor education and leadership from your first year of study.
- Study courses providing outdoor leadership accreditation.
- Study with South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate skills in environmental science.1
- Learn from nationally recognised outdoor leaders and educators with a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in environmental sciences and management.2
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Agriculture and Environmental Studies – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
As the only degree of its kind in South Australia, the Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership combines foundational environmental science and outdoor leadership concepts to equip future outdoor education professionals with a broadly applicable set of skills and knowledge.
This unique degree equips you will develop foundational skills and knowledge for a rewarding career in nature-based tourism, environmental interpretation, experiential education, adventure therapy or adventure-based leadership. Develop the reflective, evaluative and critical-thinking skills required to implement and lead culturally aware and environmentally sustainable outdoor experiences.
You can tailor your studies to your specific career goals with five specialisation options including community engagement and sustainability, management, counselling, Aboriginal cultures, and biology.
Further your studies by choosing from over twelve postgraduate programs including Master of Environmental Science, Master of Social Work, Master of Aboriginal Studies or a Master of Teaching.
What you'll learn
This degree explores an integrated range of industry-relevant topics balancing core concepts of bioscience and social science. Through your studies, you’ll develop core knowledge and skills in biodiversity, ecology, coastal environments, earth systems, sustainable ecosystems and caring for Country.
Your final year will strengthen your understanding of professional practice and advanced environmental science, as well as develop your specialised management skills to transition you into the workforce.
As well as placement opportunities within leading industry environments, you can apply your learned skills through intensive fieldwork including:
- leading an introductory kayaking or canoeing experience for UniSA students
- planning and implementing a four-day experiential learning program
- conducting interpretive experiences such as a ‘Water Workshop’ at a primary school
- undertaking a week-long immersive field trip including a day of service learning in areas such as the Nantawarrina Indigenous Protected Area
Develop in-demand research skills alongside world-class researchers during your degree, focusing on areas such as species study, laboratory analysis of soils and contamination, sampling, field-based data collection, and critical analysis of human-nature interactions.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership
Gain a competitive edge with this unique and experiential degree, tailored to meet growing industry demand for outdoor adventure guides, educational practitioners and environmental leaders.
UniSA's curriculum is based on well above world-class research in environmental sciences and management,1 with a focus on experiential learning. You'll develop a holistic understanding of bioscience and social science concepts to become a recognised leader in growing professions such as outdoor education, adventure therapy, ecotourism and environmental interpretation.
UniSA gives you the freedom to align your studies with your interests and career goals. You can major in ecosystem sciences or select courses in the areas of community engagement and sustainability, management, counselling and interpersonal skills, Aboriginal cultures and biology.
Apply your learned skills and knowledge during more than 400 hours of intensive and immersive industry placement and fieldwork, including the opportunity to lead groups in outdoor programs and undertake self-reliant adventure trips.
Depending on your courses studied, you may be eligible to register for qualifications such as a Bushwalking Assistant Leader with Bushwalking Leadership South Australia, a Paddle Supervisor with Paddle Australia, or as a Rock-climbing Assistant Guide with the South Australian Rockclimbing Education Association (SAREA).
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Your career
The field of outdoor environmental leadership presents an exciting career opportunity. Employment in arts and recreation services is projected to grow by 10.1 over the next five years.1
Outdoor environmental leaders are employed in a wide range of settings, with the versatility of expertise applicable to the global industry of nature-based leadership and environmental interpretation. Graduates can embark on exciting careers such as:
- Outdoor education practitioner: facilitate nature-based outdoor learning experiences for personal and group development, health and wellbeing, environmental learning, sustainability and social justice.
- Community development officer: design, implement and lead initiatives and collective solutions to address issues associated with recreational, health, housing and other community welfare matters.
- Ecotourism guide: plan and lead culturally aware and environmentally sustainable experiences to assist with nature-based therapy and responsible tourism practices.
- Outdoor adventure instructor: provide adventure-based learning experiences with accreditation in bushwalking, kayaking and rock-climbing.
- Youth worker: collaborate with social workers, psychologists and support agencies to provide therapeutic outdoor experiences for at-risk youth and community members.
- Environmental interpretation officer: provide guidance and consultation for human interaction with natural environments and educate visitors and tourists in areas of cultural and conservationist significance.
By choosing two human biology electives, you can undertake the Master of Teaching (Secondary) and be able to teach Biology, Environmental Science and Outdoor Education up to Year 12. Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) and Master of teaching (Primary), are also options. Visit 'How do I become a secondary teacher?' for more information.
1Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
- You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Health (Sport)
- UniSA College Diploma in STEM (Science and the Environment)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (STEM)
- SAIBT Diploma of Health Science
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
SAIBT Diploma of Health Science
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
Outdoor and environmental leadership students get to study in UniSA’s dedicated biology laboratory as part of their studies. You'll also have access to UniSA Sport gym facilities, including a rock-climbing wall and pools. Plus, enjoy a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, libraries, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.
Your program director
I am excited to collaborate with some amazing researchers and teachers to deliver this degree that combines a passion for the outdoors and the environment where students graduate industry-ready and with excellent postgraduate options. Graduates will take on the challenge to develop individuals and communities to promote knowledge and positive relationships essential for the well-being and future of individuals, society and our environment.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
