Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership

Undergraduate | 2026

Degree hero banner
Mode
Mode
Mode
Your study is primarily delivered on campus
On Campus
Start date icon
Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February, July
Duration icon
Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load. Part-time study is not available for international students.
3 year(s) full-time
Program code
Program code
BOENL
Study as icon
Study as
Full-time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
Indicative annual fees
Published fees are for international students starting in 2026. Fees are based on the total number of units studied in this program on a full-time annual basis. Adelaide University also accepts applications for programs commencing after the advertised year. Tuition fees for these later years are likely to be higher.
$50,500
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
English Language Requirements icon
English language requirements
IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications
CRICOS Code icon
CRICOS code
115741G
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

  • Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

  • Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

  • IELTS Overall 6.5
  • IELTS Reading 6.0
  • IELTS Listening 6.0
  • IELTS Speaking 6.0
  • IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

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? 

program overview

Overview

When you study the Bachelor of Outdoor 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 environmental education programs. 

What you'll learn

With the Bachelor of Outdoor 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 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:

  • 102 units for Core courses, and
  • 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
  • 36 units for Electives

Complete 102 units comprising:

  • 102 units from Program core

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
Course code
BIOL1004
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
Course code
ENVI1001
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
Course code
SCIE1001
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Foundations of Outdoor Leadership
Course code
SPOR2005
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Sustainable Ecosystems
Course code
BIOL1014
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Ecological Issues
Course code
BIOL1032
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Caring for Country
Course code
ENVI1006
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Group and Team Leadership (UniSA)
Course code
HLTH1047
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Life on Earth A
Course code
BIOL2036
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement (UniSA)
Course code
ENVI2011
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Leadership in Terrestrial Environments
Course code
HLTH3009
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Life on Earth B
Course code
BIOL2037
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Coastal Environments
Course code
BIOL2065
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management 2
Course code
ENVI2008
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Outdoor, Wilderness and Adventure Education
Course code
HLTH3010
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Leadership in Aquatic Environments (UniSA)
Course code
HLTH3025
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Leadership in Recreation and Sport
Course code
SPOR3010
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
Course code
BIOL1004
Units
6
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
Course code
ENVI1001
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
Semester 2
Course name
Sustainable Ecosystems
Course code
BIOL1014
Units
6
Course name
Ecological Issues
Course code
BIOL1032
Units
6
Course name
Caring for Country
Course code
ENVI1006
Units
6
Course name
Group and Team Leadership (UniSA)
Course code
HLTH1047
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Life on Earth A
Course code
BIOL2036
Units
6
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement (UniSA)
Course code
ENVI2011
Units
6
Course name
Leadership in Terrestrial Environments
Course code
HLTH3009
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Life on Earth B
Course code
BIOL2037
Units
6
Course name
Coastal Environments
Course code
BIOL2065
Units
6
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management 2
Course code
ENVI2008
Units
6
Course name
Outdoor, Wilderness and Adventure Education
Course code
HLTH3010
Units
6
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name
Leadership in Aquatic Environments (UniSA)
Course code
HLTH3025
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Leadership in Recreation and Sport
Course code
SPOR3010
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Professional Practice in Outdoor Leadership (UniSA)
Course code
HLTH3026
Units
6

Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Professional Practice in Outdoor Leadership (UniSA)
Course code
HLTH3026
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
Course code
BIOL1004
Units
6
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
Course code
ENVI1001
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
Semester 2
Course name
Sustainable Ecosystems
Course code
BIOL1014
Units
6
Course name
Ecological Issues
Course code
BIOL1032
Units
6
Course name
Caring for Country
Course code
ENVI1006
Units
6
Course name
Group and Team Leadership (UniSA)
Course code
HLTH1047
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Life on Earth A
Course code
BIOL2036
Units
6
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement (UniSA)
Course code
ENVI2011
Units
6
Course name
Leadership in Terrestrial Environments
Course code
HLTH3009
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Life on Earth B
Course code
BIOL2037
Units
6
Course name
Coastal Environments
Course code
BIOL2065
Units
6
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management 2
Course code
ENVI2008
Units
6
Course name
Outdoor, Wilderness and Adventure Education
Course code
HLTH3010
Units
6
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name
Leadership in Aquatic Environments (UniSA)
Course code
HLTH3025
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Leadership in Recreation and Sport
Course code
SPOR3010
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Professional Practice in Outdoor Leadership (UniSA)
Course code
HLTH3026
Units
6

Complete 36 units comprising:

    Course name Course code Units
    course icon
    Course name
    Biology A
    Course code
    BIOL1011
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Biology B
    Course code
    BIOL1012
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Global Change and Human Health (UniSA)
    Course code
    BIOL1037
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Ecology
    Course code
    BIOL2031
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Evolution
    Course code
    BIOL2040
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Human Ecology and Global Change
    Course code
    BIOL3025
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Foundations of Human Resource Management (UniSA)
    Course code
    BUSI1032
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Organisational Behaviour (UniSA)
    Course code
    BUSI2036
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Managing Decision Making
    Course code
    BUSI3023
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Strategic Management (UniSA)
    Course code
    BUSI3069
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Organisational Leadership (UniSA)
    Course code
    BUSI3076
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Communication and Reciprocity
    Course code
    COMM2000
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Conservation Biology
    Course code
    ECOL3006
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Community Service Learning Project 1
    Course code
    EDUC4023
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Fire and Culture (UniSA)
    Course code
    ENVI1012
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Restoration Ecology
    Course code
    ENVI3005
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Professional Practice in Outdoor Leadership (UniSA)
    Course code
    HLTH3026
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Contemporary Aboriginal Issues
    Course code
    INDG1012
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Comparative Indigenous Studies
    Course code
    INDG1013
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Aboriginal Cultures (UniSA)
    Course code
    INDG1015
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Aboriginal Philosophy: Contesting Knowledge in Social Science
    Course code
    PHIL3011
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective
    Course code
    POLI1015
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Project Management: Principles and Strategies
    Course code
    PROJ2008
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Counselling Foundations
    Course code
    PSYC1005
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Group Work
    Course code
    PSYC1009
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Counselling Skills
    Course code
    PSYC2005
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Aboriginal Rights and Interculturality
    Course code
    SOCI1022
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Counselling Interventions
    Course code
    SOWK2000
    Units
    6
    course icon
    Course name
    Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services
    Course code
    SOWK2003
    Units
    6

    Course name Course code Units
    Year 1
    Semester 1
    Course name
    Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
    Course code
    BIOL1004
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Fundamentals of Climate Change
    Course code
    ENVI1001
    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
    Semester 2
    Course name
    Sustainable Ecosystems
    Course code
    BIOL1014
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Ecological Issues
    Course code
    BIOL1032
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Caring for Country
    Course code
    ENVI1006
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Group and Team Leadership (UniSA)
    Course code
    HLTH1047
    Units
    6
    Year 2
    Semester 1
    Course name
    Life on Earth A
    Course code
    BIOL2036
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement (UniSA)
    Course code
    ENVI2011
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Leadership in Terrestrial Environments
    Course code
    HLTH3009
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Course code
    -
    Units
    6
    Semester 2
    Course name
    Life on Earth B
    Course code
    BIOL2037
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Coastal Environments
    Course code
    BIOL2065
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Park and Ecotourism Management 2
    Course code
    ENVI2008
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Outdoor, Wilderness and Adventure Education
    Course code
    HLTH3010
    Units
    6
    Year 3
    Semester 1
    Course name
    Leadership in Aquatic Environments (UniSA)
    Course code
    HLTH3025
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Course code
    -
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Course code
    -
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Course code
    -
    Units
    6
    Semester 2
    Course name
    Leadership in Recreation and Sport
    Course code
    SPOR3010
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Course code
    -
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Course code
    -
    Units
    6
    Course name
    Professional Practice in Outdoor Leadership (UniSA)
    Course code
    HLTH3026
    Units
    6

    Ready to apply?

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    How to Apply

    How to apply

    Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026. 

    Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.  

    Find an Education Agent 

    Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents. 

    FAQs

    Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.


    Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

    Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

    In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

    Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university. 

    Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus. 

    You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

    You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

    • Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
    • Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities. 
    • Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
    • Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
    • Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
    • On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
    • Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
    • An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
    • Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
    • Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
    • A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
    • A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

    Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission. 

    Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

    Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

    • February for Semester 1  
    • July for Semester 2. 

    Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

    For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

    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.

    This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

    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. 
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