About sustainability and outdoor education
Our sustainability and outdoor education programmes are unique in Australasia. With a future focus, our programmes move beyond traditional models of learning in order to give you the knowledge and confidence to influence and inspire others to live life to the full, and to care for the planet.
Share your passion for sustainability, knowledge of geography and outdoor education and their relationship to our health and well-being. A career as an outdoor instructor, adventure or eco-tourism guide, conservation worker or environmental educator will provide you with broad opportunities both here and overseas.
NB: If you’re still at high school, a Dual Enrolment programme at Ara can equip you with skills while you continue your education at school. Find out more here.
Studying sustainability and outdoor education
Well regarded for delivering high end applied programmes, our education professionals have extensive sector experience and are passionate about their role in helping you learn. They know the demands of working in this field and share their knowledge, experience and industry connections to ensure you have substantial training hours both on and off-campus.
Our qualifications provide you with the opportunity to gain industry qualifications or participate in an internship as part of the programme.
You can choose to study a range of programmes, from certificate level courses through to our graduate qualifications.
In New Zealand, the Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education is the only outdoor education degree that includes sustainability as a major component.
Programmes
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Master of Sustainable Practice
Programme code: Become a leader in sustainable practice. |
level9 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeMaster’sDegree | sortOrder1030 | Agriculture,Architectural_studies,Business,Engineering_technology,Sport_and_outdoors,Travel_and_tourism,Nursing and Human Services,Food_and_hospitality |
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Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Practice
Programme code: Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be a change-maker in sustainability. |
level8 | ProgrammeIsOfTypePostgraduateDiploma | sortOrder1030 | Sport_and_outdoors,Languages |
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Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice
Programme code: Gain foundational knowledge and specialist skills in sustainable practice. |
level8 | ProgrammeIsOfTypePostgraduateCertificate | sortOrder1030 | Sport_and_outdoors |
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Graduate Diploma in Sustainability and Outdoor Education
Programme code: Applicants for this programme must already hold a Bachelor Degree Gain advanced professional development with a holistic approach in education for sustainability and outdoor education. |
level7 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeGraduateDiploma | sortOrder1010 | Sport_and_outdoors,Science |
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Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education
Programme code: Develop and share your passion for health and wellbeing, sustainability, outdoor education and New Zealand's geography. |
level7 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeDegree | sortOrder1030 | Sport_and_outdoors,Science |
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New Zealand Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-Skilled) - Pending Approval (Timaru Delivery)
Programme code: Prepare for an adventurous career in the outdoors. |
level5 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeDiploma | sortOrder1040 | Humanities,Sport_and_outdoors,Travel_and_tourism |
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New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4)
Programme code: Learn how to lead others confidently in outdoor pursuits. |
level4 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Sport_and_outdoors |
Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Practice

Programme Code: CH4068 Level: 8 Credits: 120 Starts: February, July
Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice

Programme Code: CH4069 Level: 8 Credits: 60 Starts: February
Graduate Diploma in Sustainability and Outdoor Education

Programme Code: CH4032 Level: 7 Credits: 120 Starts: February, July
Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education

Programme Code: CH4025 Level: 7 Credits: 360 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-Skilled) (Timaru Delivery)

Programme Code: NZ3766 Level: 5 Credits: 120 Starts: February
New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4)

Programme Code: NZ3765 Level: 4 Credits: 120 Starts: February, July