Bachelor of Outdoor Environment Leadership

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
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.
3 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
BOENL
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Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
Indicative annual fees
Commonwealth Supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Fee-Paying programs require the full tuition fees of your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis.
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
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Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
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Entry scores
Entry scores
The level of attainment required (including any rules or values) to qualify for consideration for admission.
2025 CUT-OFFS Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based):70 Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based):B,B,B
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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.

Work and life experience

  • Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
  • A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
  • Qualify for special entry
alt
Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

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
Ecological Issues 1
Course code
BIOL1032
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Outdoor Leadership Theory and Practice
Course code
SOCI2006
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Plant Identification 2
Course code
BIOL2049
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
Course code
BIOL2050
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Coastal Environments
Course code
BIOL2065
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Fire and Culture
Course code
EARTX300
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
Course code
ENVI1001
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
Course code
ENVI1010
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement
Course code
ENVI2007
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
Course code
ENVI2008
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Group and Team Leadership
Course code
PSIO3002
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
Leadership in Bush Environments
Course code
SPOR3005
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Leadership in Aquatic Environments
Course code
SPOR3006
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Outdoor Leadership for Country and Wellbeing
Course code
SPOR3008
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
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
Course code
BIOL2050
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
Leadership in Bush Environments
Course code
SPOR3005
Units
6
Course name
Plant Identification 2
Course code
BIOL2049
Units
6
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
Course code
ENVI2008
Units
6
Course name
Leadership in Aquatic Environments
Course code
SPOR3006
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 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
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
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
Course code
BIOL2050
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
Leadership in Bush Environments
Course code
SPOR3005
Units
6
Course name
Plant Identification 2
Course code
BIOL2049
Units
6
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
Course code
ENVI2008
Units
6
Course name
Leadership in Aquatic Environments
Course code
SPOR3006
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:

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
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
Course code
BIOL2050
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
Leadership in Bush Environments
Course code
SPOR3005
Units
6
Course name
Plant Identification 2
Course code
BIOL2049
Units
6
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
Course code
ENVI2008
Units
6
Course name
Leadership in Aquatic Environments
Course code
SPOR3006
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

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How to Apply

How to apply

Applications are open for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2026.

Not sure if you'll meet the entry requirements? Adelaide University offers a range of pathway options to help you start your study journey.

Explore Pathways

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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