Why Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership?
Turn your love for nature and the outdoors into a rewarding career. Provide transformational outdoor experiences, promote healthy interpersonal relationships with others and nature. Inspire others to learn about our world and sustainable living. Become a conservation champion, lead eco-tourism initiatives or create programs that engage and protect our environment.
Explore exciting topics like biodiversity, ecology, coastal environments, sustainable ecosystems, adventure-based learning and outdoor leadership. Gain the knowledge and skills to build a greener, more connected community.
This unique program combines environmental science and outdoor leadership. You’ll be ready to pursue exciting roles in nature tourism, outdoor and environmental education, adventure therapy, or outdoor leadership.
Ready to lead the way in promoting a better world through the conservation of our planet?
Overview
When you study the Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership at Adelaide University, you’ll learn from Australia’s top outdoor and environmental educators. Our program is shaped by world-leading research in environmental sciences and management.
This degree equips you with essential skills and knowledge across health and wellbeing, environmental leadership, sustainable living and addressing social injustice. You’ll build the strategic thinking, scientific literacy and cross-cultural competence to make a real difference.
Get hands-on experience with over 400 hours of industry placement and fieldwork. You’ll have the chance to lead outdoor programs and take part in self-guided adventure trips, putting your skills and knowledge into action in real-world settings.
Graduate as a leader in outdoor and environmental education, adventure therapy and environmental interpretation. You'll be prepared for a range of careers, from guiding eco-tourism adventures to leading outdoor and environmental education programs.
Key features
Learn from nationally recognised outdoor leaders and educators. - Develop reflective, evaluative and critical-thinking skills.
- Practise designing culturally aware and environmentally sustainable outdoor experiences.
- Apply the knowledge you gain through intensive fieldwork.
- Build practical skills for employment through placement opportunities.
- Gain in-demand research skills alongside world-class academics.
What you'll learn
With the Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership, you’ll study a blend of bioscience and social science. This gives you a broad education in environmental and outdoor leadership.
You’ll study important topics like biodiversity, ecology, coastal environments, earth systems and sustainable ecosystems. Learn Aboriginal approaches to caring for Country, blending science with cultural understanding.
In your final year, you'll focus on professional skills and advanced outdoor and environmental leadership to prepare you for the job market.
Gain hands-on experience with exciting placements and fieldwork. You might lead kayaking or canoeing sessions, plan a four-day learning program, or run activities like a 'Water Workshop' for kids. A week-long field trip, including service learning in the Nantawarrina Indigenous Protected Area, will help you apply what you’ve learned.
You’ll also develop valuable research skills. You’ll work with top researchers on studying species, analysing soil and contamination, sampling, and collecting field data. This will help you understand human-nature interactions and contribute to real-world environmental solutions.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 108 units for Core courses, and
- 36 units for Electives
Complete 108 units comprising:
- 108 units from Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Outdoor Leadership Theory and Practice
|
Course code
SOCI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Plant Identification 2
|
Course code
BIOL2049
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
|
Course code
BIOL2050
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Coastal Environments
|
Course code
BIOL2065
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fire and Culture
|
Course code
EARTX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement
|
Course code
ENVI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Group and Team Leadership
|
Course code
PSIO3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Outdoor Leadership
|
Course code
SPOR2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Leadership in Bush Environments
|
Course code
SPOR3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Leadership in Aquatic Environments
|
Course code
SPOR3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Outdoor Leadership for Country and Wellbeing
|
Course code
SPOR3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Practice in Outdoor Leadership
|
Course code
SPOR3009
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Outdoor Leadership
|
Course code
SPOR2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Outdoor Leadership Theory and Practice
|
Course code
SOCI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Coastal Environments
|
Course code
BIOL2065
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Leadership in Aquatic Environments
|
Course code
SPOR3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement
|
Course code
ENVI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Plant Identification 2
|
Course code
BIOL2049
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
|
Course code
BIOL2050
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Leadership in Bush Environments
|
Course code
SPOR3005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fire and Culture
|
Course code
EARTX300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Practice in Outdoor Leadership
|
Course code
SPOR3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Group and Team Leadership
|
Course code
PSIO3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Outdoor Leadership for Country and Wellbeing
|
Course code
SPOR3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 36 units comprising:
- 36 units from University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Outdoor Leadership
|
Course code
SPOR2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Outdoor Leadership Theory and Practice
|
Course code
SOCI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Coastal Environments
|
Course code
BIOL2065
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Leadership in Aquatic Environments
|
Course code
SPOR3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement
|
Course code
ENVI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Plant Identification 2
|
Course code
BIOL2049
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
|
Course code
BIOL2050
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Leadership in Bush Environments
|
Course code
SPOR3005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fire and Culture
|
Course code
EARTX300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Practice in Outdoor Leadership
|
Course code
SPOR3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Group and Team Leadership
|
Course code
PSIO3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Outdoor Leadership for Country and Wellbeing
|
Course code
SPOR3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
The Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership at Adelaide University will give you a competitive edge as it’s tailored to meet growing industry demand for outdoor adventure guides, educational practitioners and environmental leaders.
You could work as an outdoor and environmental educator, facilitating nature-based learning experiences for young people. Perhaps you’ll be an ecotourism guide, tracking animals in their natural habitat, surveying invasive marine animals, or restoring habitat. Or you might work as an outdoor adventure instructor, taking travellers bushwalking, kayaking or rock-climbing through the great outdoors.
You may go on to further study in areas such as education, therapy, management or cultural work.
You could also be a:
- Youth worker specialising in outdoor programs
- Environmental interpretation officer
- Community development officer
- Conservation officer
- Sustainability consultant
- Park ranger
- Field researcher
- Environmental consultant
- Adventure therapist.
Industry trends
The outdoor and environmental leadership sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by several factors:
- Increased focus on sustainability and environmental conservation.
- Growing interest in nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation.
- Rising demand for experiential education and adventure therapy programs.
- Growth in school-based outdoor and environmental education.
There's also an increasing trend in adventure trips to remote areas worldwide. Australia's adventure tourism market is forecast to reach $33,519 million by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 21.0% from 2021 to 2027 (Allied Market Research).
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
