Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education
Develop and share your passion for health and wellbeing, sustainability, outdoor education and New Zealand's geography.
This degree provides a unique combination of theory and practice to ensure you graduate with a sound understanding of contemporary social and cultural issues, geography and sustainability, and a proven capability in outdoor education. It is a broad degree that allows you to tailor your learning to meet the needs of a variety of career aspirations.
During your studies, you’ll engage with the natural landscape to develop an in-depth understanding of sustainability, and what it means to our society now and for the future. You’ll explore flora and fauna, and consider social geography with the human influences and impacts on our environment including how decisions on land use are made.
You’ll also develop the personal skills and learn effective methods for teaching, guiding and helping other people to engage with and respect our spectacular outdoor settings and instruct activities within it.
Essential studies include health and physical education, geography, environmental science, professional practices, leadership and safety. These are mixed with elective courses to foster your personal strengths and interests in adventure pursuits like rock climbing and ropes courses, white water and sea kayaking, surfing and winter back country touring.
In addition to your degree you can further enhance employment opportunities by gaining at least two industry awards such as New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association Leader Award, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand Award, Wilderness Advanced First Aid Award and Avalanche Awareness Award.
You’ll need to participate in field trips off-campus and outside Christchurch. Specialist equipment is provided, however personal clothing and equipment are necessary (a list is provided on request).
In our most recent graduate survey, 80% of 2016 Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education graduates were in employment (Ara Graduate Outcome Survey, 2016).
Part-time up to 6 years.
Fees for 2021
University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:
- Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
- Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4) or equivalent
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Outdoor Education Pathway or equivalent
Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/
provide a first aid certificate (Red Cross Comprehensive or St John's Workplace) which is current at the time the programme starts.
Consent to Disclosure of Information. Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on their placement.
- Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
On successful completion of this degree you can seek work as an environmental educator, outdoor instructor, adventure or ecotourism guide, or take your skills into community health, recreation or conservation.
Study pathways
You can continue your studies and enter graduate teacher training, specialising in social studies, health and outdoor education. You can also continue on to Masters study.
Recommended school subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Biology
- Geography
- Social Studies
Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education
Develop and share your passion for health and wellbeing, sustainability, outdoor education and New Zealand's geography.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Degree |
| Code | CH4025 |
| Next Starts | February 2021 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | 6 January for February start; 2 June for July start |
| Credits | 360 |
| Level | 7 |
| Additional Equipment/Fees | Advised before enrolment |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Available Part time | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | CH4025-STRU |
Fees for 2021
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreAdditional Entry Requirements
provide a first aid certificate (Red Cross Comprehensive or St John's Workplace) which is current at the time the programme starts.
Consent to Disclosure of Information. Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on their placement.
- Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website
Credit Recognition
If you have work experience in this area, or a relevant prior qualification, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 289 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 231 KB
- Sustainability Outdoor Ed Additional Requirements PDF, 48 KB
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