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Entry requirements and pathways
Recent school leavers
ATAR requirements (compulsory)
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Bendigo campus
59.55 2024 lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors)
based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). Learn more about our processes
View the ATAR distribution report for the Bachelor of Outdoor and Sustainability Education [PDF, 216.2 KB].
Prerequisite
VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Selection criteria
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are not currently studying an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent)
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or
- do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
Refer to the La Trobe University STAT page page for further information.
Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
Selection rank adjustments
Subject adjustments
VCE: A study score of 25 in English other than EAL equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in English (EAL) equals 4 points per study. A study score of 20 in Biology, Environmental Science, any Humanities, any LOTE or Outdoor And Environmental Studies equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Aspire Programs
Our Aspire Early Entry Program provides you with an early conditional offer into your chosen course at La Trobe.
At La Trobe, there’s more than one way into uni. We have multiple streams to choose from so if you’ve given back to your community, achieved good results in Year 11 or taken extra university studies, you could take the stress out of Year 12 exams with an early conditional offer into your dream course.
Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry
The Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry program uses your performance in year 11 to secure you an early conditional offer into a range of courses at La Trobe. Once you have secured your place at La Trobe you can take advantage of our other Aspire pathways to unlock access to our most prestigious courses.
Get started
Aspire Early University Study
The Aspire Early University Study program rewards Year 12 students who’ve done additional studies at La Trobe with an early conditional offer into their dream course. The Early University Study stream has two options to help get your university goals back on track.
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Pathways
A pathway is simply an alternative way for a student to get into their dream course - if direct entry isn't an option.
We've listed the 'pathway method and outcome' - which is how you can transfer into the area you want to study, assuming you meet the entry requirements (e.g. minimum WAM). You'll also find an estimate of how long it could take you to graduate, from the start of your pathway to the completion of your dream degree.
| Preferred course | Alternative pathway courses | Pathway method & outcome | Years to graduate including the Pathway course (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Outdoor and Sustainability Education | Bachelor of Arts | Apply for transfer into preferred course | 5 years |
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Outdoor and Sustainability Education, students must complete a total of 360 credit points across 3 years.
Students choosing the Outdoor education major are unable to take, in addition, an optional Outdoor education major or minor. Students choosing the Climate change major are unable to take, in addition, an optional Climate change major.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Major
- 30 credit points from chosen Optional major or minor
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Major
- 30 credit points from chosen Optional major or minor
Year 3 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Major
- 60 credit points from chosen Electives or optional major
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| WOMINJEKA LA TROBE: INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LITERACY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION | ABS0WOM | 1 | 0 |
| ECOLOGIES OF COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS | OED1NS | 1 | 15 |
| FRAMING CULTURAL IDENTITIES | EDU1004 | 1 | 15 |
| READING AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES | OED1RAL | 1 | 15 |
| WAYS OF KNOWING NATURE | OED1WKN | 1 | 15 |
| LEADING GROUPS IN OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS | OED2OLA | 2 | 15 |
| MODELS OF APPLIED LEARNING | EDU2001 | 2 | 15 |
| SAFETY IN OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS | OED2OLB | 2 | 15 |
| UNDERSTANDING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER EDUCATION | EDU2005 | 2 | 15 |
Course majors
A major is a sequence of related subjects studied in your course. To attain a major, this sequence must add up to 120 credit points. In some courses, you need to complete at least one major from your course's discipline to attain your degree.
| Course majors | Major code |
|---|---|
| Climate change Open access | MJR-CLC01 |
| Outdoor education | MJR-OED01 |
Open access majors
If there is room in your degree for more than one major, you may wish to complete an open access major from another discipline area.
La Trobe open access majors and minors offer an opportunity to customise your degree with cross-discipline studies and work integrated learning.
View our open access majors
Course minors
A minor is an optional sequence of related subjects studied in your course. To attain a minor, this sequence must add up to 60 credit points. A minor can be undertaken in a similar or different interest area in your course or major's discipline and, in some cases, taken from a different discipline. Up to two minors can be chosen in place of an optional second major or standalone elective subjects.
Open access minors
| Course minors | Minor code |
|---|---|
| Outdoor education | MNR-OED01 |
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available.
Work-Based Learning
Compulsory placements (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will participate in one or more supervised Work Based Learning (WBL) placements designed to allow you to practice newly acquired skills, behaviours and knowledge while integrating theory with practice. The placements will immerse you in professional work culture, enabling you to develop and further enhance your skills. WBL provides you with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience at one or more of our local, interstate or international industry partners or agencies. WBL placements will generally be arranged by the College based Placements Operation Team or Experiential Learning Team at La Trobe University. The number of hours undertaken can vary considerably, depending on the requirements of the course. Students may incur additional costs and it may be necessary to travel or relocate to complete a specific placement. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information.
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Bendigo
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Bachelor of Outdoor and Sustainability Education course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Year 3
After completing 3 years of full-time study
You can exit with a Bachelor of Outdoor and Sustainability Education
Course intended learning outcomes
- Describe and analyse aspects of the relationships between place, knowledge, meaning making and experience
- Discuss and evaluate the ideas and sociocultural beliefs that have shaped the way people perceive and interact within a more-than-human world
- Articulate and evaluate philosophies, trends and issues that inform outdoor and sustainability education
- Demonstrate understanding of curriculum considerations and educational philosophies underpinning outdoor and sustainability education, including the ability to critically examine aims and purposes of outdoor experiences
- Demonstrate safe living and travel skills on a variety of extended journeys in outdoor environments
- Apply suitable safety planning and risk management specific to outdoor and sustainability education
- Design, implement and evaluate safe and educationally coherent outdoor and sustainability education programmes in consultation with external agencies
- Critically reflect on, and evaluate theoretical perspectives of programme design, curriculum and pedagogical approaches in the context of one's own learning and teaching practice
Bachelor of Outdoor and Sustainability Education career opportunities
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge for a range of careers, including roles in education, land and resource management, adventure tourism, and environmental conservation.
Potential job titles include:
- Outdoor adventure guide
- Instruct and guide individuals and groups in outdoor adventure activities such as mountaineering, trekking and white-water rafting.
- Park ranger
- Play a vital role in maintaining and protecting national and state parks, historic sites, nature reserves and conservation areas.
- Natural resource manager
- Find practical solutions to manage and rehabilitate our natural environment and help manage our natural resources in a sustainable way.
- Community environmental educator
- Help increase community understanding of sustainability and issues affecting our natural environment.
Want to bring the outdoors to the classroom? Graduates of this degree could be eligible to apply for entry into the Master of Teaching (Secondary) to become a fully registered teacher.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for domestic students
Estimated fees per year (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
$8,249 (CSP) per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth supported places (CSP):
The estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
To get a more accurate estimation, you can use the fee calculator to calculate your course fees and study load (EFTSL: Equivalent full-time study load)
How your fees are calculated
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. This estimated cost is provided as a guide only – the actual cost will vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- the time it takes to do your course based on your study load (full-time/part-time)
- approved credit for prior learning
If part-time study is permitted, your annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of subjects taken per semester.
Fee help
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (the student contribution), is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual subjects, not the overall course.
Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
HECS-Help Loan
HECS-HELP is the Australian Government’s Higher Education Loan Program. It enables you to borrow the amount of your student contribution and then pay that loan back once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level. A HECS-HELP loan is not means tested.
HECS-HELP is available to eligible Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders who are enrolled in a CSP. As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Please note that additional costs are incurred from Essential requirements and additional costs.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
Before you apply
If you are applying for multiple courses you will need to apply through UAC or VTAC (Semester 1 only). If you are applying for one course, you may be able to apply direct.
Applying for a Bachelor's degree
Current Year 12 students living in Victoria
Book a 1:1 consultation
If you’re a Year 12 student from Victoria, you’ll lodge an application via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Current Year 12 students living in NSW
Find out how
If you’re a Year 12 student from New South Wales, you’ll lodge an application via UAC. Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Bachelor of Outdoor and Sustainability Education |
|---|---|
| VTAC code | 2100212161 (CSP) |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025) |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Bendigo |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Majors | |
| Prerequisite | English (Please refer to admission requirements for details) |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2024 fees Estimated cost per year if studying full time $8,249 (CSP) per 120 credit points.Actual fees may vary depending on subject choice; Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
ATAR requirements
* based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
Bendigo campus
Lowest selection rank 59.55
Estimate your ATAR
ATAR calculator*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students).
About the Bachelor of Outdoor and Sustainability Education
La Trobe's Bachelor of Outdoor and Sustainability Education takes you beyond the classroom. Get hands-on outdoor experience and build a deeper understanding of sustainability and environmental education.
Enjoy opportunities to build and enrich your outdoor adventuring skills while you explore nature. You could spend more than 70 days on field trips* and extended outdoor journeys while building a vital understanding of research on climate change and experiential learning. From bushwalking to kayaking, you'll prepare to lead groups while they explore outdoor environments and you develop your skill in outdoor learning.
You'll also be ready to help foster respect and appreciation for the world around you. Explore the social and scientific aspects of sustainability, including Indigenous understandings of our environment, and learn how to manage and teach outdoor education programs.
Whether you want to guide adventures or educate the community, we'll help you be ready for your future. You'll develop the skills and confidence to lead, teach and communicate in any situation.
You'll learn:
- Natural environment knowledge and sustainability
- Learn about Australia's diverse range of native flora and fauna and our complex relationship with it.
- Educational skills
- Explore how to successfully create and deliver educational experiences about sustainability and the natural environment.
- Outdoor adventure guiding
- Explore the outdoors and build your skills in leading groups on adventure experiences.
- Outdoor safety and risk management
- Discover how to safely plan for leading groups of people in natural environments.
- Leadership, teamwork, and communication
- Learn by experience as you develop strong transferable skills that are applicable in any career.
*The number of field trip days is dependent on the major selected.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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