Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies
The first of its kind in Queensland, this program teaches the skills to work with people, engaging them in active lifestyles and helping them appreciate nature. This program gives you a broad, versatile education in outdoor environmental studies. In addition, you will study one of two major areas, health and physical education or marine science.
In this program you will:
- Attend more than 35 outdoor environmental studies fieldwork days in the Sunshine Coast area, including K'gari
- Become equipped with skills, knowledge, and experience to journey safely with participants in a range of environments, observing human relationships with nature
- Select from areas including tourism management, restoration and conservation, indigenous studies, sustainability, or biological science
Note: this program does not qualify you to teach in schools. If you want to qualify as a teacher, consider UniSC’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies.
NEW MAJOR
Now you can choose to follow a pathway into MARINE SCIENCE as a major, to study topics such as marine vertebrates, coastal and marine ecology and sustainable aquaculture, and more.
Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career that educates and inspires others.
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSP Annual feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
Career opportunities
- Adventure tourism guide
- Ecotourism guide
- Environmental interpretation guide
- Outdoor guide
- Outdoor recreation officer
- Sports coach
Memberships
Graduates may be eligible to become members of:
- National Outdoor Recreation Leadership Scheme
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 23
- Total units
- 288
- Duration
- 3 years 3 years
- CRICOS code
- 094768G
- UniSC program code
- ED312
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses (3) 36 units
OES100 Outdoor Living and Travel Skills
OES101 Foundations of Outdoor Environmental Studies
OES104 Learning in Australian Landscapes
Developing courses (1) 12 units
OES240 Leading Groups in Outdoor Environments
Graduate courses (1) 24 units
OES302 Outdoor Environmental Studies Extension(24 units)
Major (8) 96 units
Select 1 major from:
Health and Physical Education
Marine Science
Minor courses (8) 96 units
Select 2 minors from:
English
Mathematical Studies
Tourism Management
Marine Science
Geography
Sustainability
History
Environmental Management
Biological Sciences
Indigenous Studies
Elective courses (2) 24 units
Select a total of (24 units) elective courses from the undergraduate elective course options.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in program structure
- Complete no more then 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses (120 units)
- Complete 35 days Outdoor Environmental Fieldwork on K'gari and other natural environments on the Sunshine Coast and other locations as required
- Students considering a Master of Teaching after graduating from this program should select electives that extend their discipline knowledge in one of their minors
In order to commence field education placement for OES302, you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card throughout your program, issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements
- Travel to attend field education placements
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Students will need to be aware of the physical components and location requirements of the program. If you have a disability, medical condition or any concerns that may affect your potential participation in some of the practical components of the program, you are invited to discuss your options with the program coordinator
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
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| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
|---|---|---|
Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 50.00 |
| Moreton Bay | 50.00 |
- Recommended prior study
- For the Health and Physical Education Major - Health and Physical Education; For the Marine Science Major - Science
- Recommended prior preparation
- It is recommended that students obtain First Aid and CPR certificates.
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies - Inherent Academic Requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$14,112 - 2025 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$27,900
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 013261 |
| Moreton Bay | 014261 |
Student story
“The teaching staff and their approaches are the best part about UniSC, and I loved taking the learning outside into real environments so often.”
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.