Single degrees
Bachelor of Arts (Outdoor Education) – Bendigo (RBAOE)
Outdoor education is the study of the relationships humans have with nature through outdoor experiences. The program is designed for motivated students who seek careers in outdoor education, adventure guiding, environmental education or related fields. A strong emphasis is placed on environmental knowledge and gaining practical experience. The course combines practical fieldwork outdoor activities with theoretical studies. Core fieldwork subjects include: bushwalking, paddling, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, and naturalist studies. 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 science studies and outdoor education concepts drawn from psychology, education, eco-psychology, environmental ethics and eco-philosophy. Students undertake a minimum of 130 days of practical work over three years.
Graduates from the course are employed by schools, at camps, in outdoor travel and by land management authorities and commercial outdoor companies. When combined with the Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary or Secondary) the course leads to a teaching qualification in either primary or secondary schools. Graduates may also go on to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Outdoor Education), and/or to Masters and Doctoral study.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Arts (Outdoor Education) has been accepted by the Victorian Institute of Teaching for recognition as preparation for teaching in primary and secondary schools when combined with a fourth year Graduate Diploma in Education.
Admission requirements
Students should satisfy the normal university entrance requirements, including a study score of at least 20 in Units 3 and 4 of English.
Special requirements
Special entry applicants or students who have completed year-12 more than 12 months prior to application are encouraged to submit a Supplementary Information Form. Special entry applicants may also be required to sit for the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) in Written English.
Students should ensure they are aware of the physical components and location requirements of the course. Students with a disability, medical condition or any concerns which may affect potential participation in some of the practical components of the course are invited to discuss their options with the course coordinator.
Course structure
The course is a three year full-time program. It consists of 360 credit points of study.
First year
Compulsory subjects:
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code |
|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Ways of Knowing Nature | OED1WKN |
| TE-SEM-1 | Outdoor Living and Travel Skills | OED1AOL |
| TE-SEM-1 | Field Experience A | OED1AFE |
| TE-SEM-1 | Reading Australian Landscapes | OED1RAL |
| TE-SEM-2 | Worldviews and the Environment | OED1WE |
| TE-SEM-2 | Naturalist Studies | OED1NS |
| TE-SEM-2 | Introduction to Winter Environments | OED1BFE |
| TE-SEM-2 | Outdoor Environments | OED1OEE |
Second year
Compulsory subjects:
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code |
|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-S | Field Experience C | OED2FEC |
| TE-SEM-1 | Safety in Outdoor Environments | OED2OLB |
| TE-SEM-1 | Environment Elective 1 * | |
| TE-SEM-1 | Elective (not environment elective) | |
| TE-SEM-2 | Australian Culture and Land | OED2ACL |
| TE-SEM-2 | Leading Groups in Outdoor Environments | OED2OLA |
| TE-SEM-2 | Environment Elective 2* | |
| TE-SEM-2 | Elective (not environment elective) |
*Outdoor Environment Electives:
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code |
|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Bush Environments | OED2BE |
| TE-SEM-1 | Rock Environments | OED2R |
| TE-SEM-2 | Local Environs Study | OED2LES |
| TE-SEM-2 | River Environments | OED2RE |
| TE-SEM-2 | Winter Alpine Environments | OED2WAE |
Third year
Compulsory subjects:
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code |
|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Education in the Outdoors | OED3EO |
| TE-SEM-1 | Field Experience D | OED3FED |
| TE-SEM-1
TE-SEM-1 |
Teaching Environment Elective 1# Elective (not environment elective) |
|
| TE-SEM-2 | Teaching and Program Development | OED3TPD |
| TE-SEM-2 | Field Experience E | OED3FEE |
| TE-SEM-2
TE-SEM-2 |
Teaching Environment Elective 2# Elective (not environment elective) |
#Teaching Environment Electives:
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code |
|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Teaching in Bush Environments | OED3TBE |
| TE-SEM-1 | Teaching in Rock Environments | OED3TR |
| TE-SEM-2 | Teaching in River Environments | OED3TRE |
| TE-SEM-2 | Teaching in Winter Alpine Environments | OED3TWA |