La Trobe University > Courses > Outdoor education

Outdoor education

Why study outdoor education?

Outdoor education is the study of relationships humans have with the natural world through outdoor experiences. You’ll study concepts drawn from education, outdoor leadership, safety management, natural and cultural history, environmental interpretation, tourism, and natural resource management.

We have a 30 year history of teaching outdoor education. With a common first year across the Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation Education, you have the flexibility to apply to transfer programs at the end of first year if you want to change your focus. Alternatively, you can choose to combine physical, health and outdoor education in one course.

The courses are based on the Bendigo Campus, with practical teaching taking place in natural environments across Australia. In any given week you could find yourself bushwalking in the Alps, canoeing on the Murray River, studying natural history in the Grampians, sea kayaking at the Whitsunday Islands, exploring the cliff environments of Mount Arapiles, or walking the Broome coastline with Traditional Owners.

Be part of our close-knit student and staff community at one of the largest providers of outdoor and environmental education in the world.

Find out more about the Department of Outdoor and Environmental Education.

Career opportunities in outdoor education, nature tourism, outdoor recreation and physical and health education

Our graduates are highly sought-after by a wide range of workplaces.

Graduates are prepared for careers in outdoor and environmental education services with schools, school camps and environment centres, community environmental education, as interpreters and guides in national parks, land and natural resources management, environmental interpretation for government or corporate sector, sustainability and ecology community education, adventure guides, and nature tourism operations.

You may choose to register as a teacher by completing a Master of Teaching, which will allow you to teach in government, Catholic and independent schools, both nationally and overseas (subject to course entry and teacher registration requirements).

Courses

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Doctor of Education (Professional Doctorate)

Location: Melbourne Albury-Wodonga

Start dates: Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Duration: 4 years4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Doctor of Philosophy (Education)

Location: Melbourne Albury-Wodonga Bendigo

Start dates: AnytimeAnytime

Duration: 4 years4 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Your study experience

Practical work and field trips

Each program includes field trips and practical work experience. You’ll typically complete between 25 and 50 days of practical experience each year, with most courses including a three-week expedition. You’ll have the opportunity to develop expertise in local Box-Ironbark environments, the Australian Alps, the Murray-Darling basin, the Grampians or the Victorian coast. Also available are elective extended trips to South-West Tasmania, Broome, the NSW Alps during winter, and the Whitsunday Islands.

Watch student videos of some of our field trips here.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. View all staff from the School of Education.