Nature Tourism
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Nature Tourism
Length
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Campuses
Bendigo
Course description
Nature tourism involves the study of natural environments, human-nature relationships, and the practice of nature guiding and environmental interpretation. Preparing students for various professional roles in nature tourism, this course features sequences in nature tourism, environmental studies, education theory about leading groups in the outdoors, and outdoor and field naturalist practice.
Students complete specialist studies in nature tourism, environmental studies, and land management. They also take electives from other disciplines such as economics, marketing, geography and biology.
Course structure
First year emphasises basic concepts in environmental studies. Second and third year content develops expertise and teaching skills in natural history. Students also study environmental interpretation theory and practice, natural heritage and tourism studies, environmental studies, and education for sustainability. Students take five electives or a sequence of studies in an area of interest in order to meet the entry requirements for teaching methods for a secondary teaching qualification.
Students undertake approximately 80 days' practical work over three years, including an extended three-week study of the Murray River environment by canoe in second year.
Subject details
Major areas of study
Nature tourism, environmental studies, outdoor education, ecotourism
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC.
For more infomation, call La Trobe's Future Students Centre on 1300 135 045 or send an email to study@latrobe.edu.au
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Students should allow A$1500 - A$2000 to purchase suitable outdoor field equipment such as a sleeping bag and wet weather gear. These items may be purchased from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Students are encouraged to bring any camping gear they may already have and to wait until they have commenced the course before purchasing any new gear.
Middle Band
Re-ranking is based on English (any), Outdoor and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography and Biology. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Selection
ATAR n/a (current for 2011)
Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Written English.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants without a Year 12 study score or TAFE or university results must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form detailing prior educational experience and reasons for interest in the course.
Non-Year 12 applicants encouraged to complete a La Trobe Outdoor and Environmental Education Supplementary Information form. For a copy call (03) 5444 7285 or download from: www.latrobe.edu.au/education/outdoors/study-pathways
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 25 in English (ESL) or 20 in English (any).
Semester starts
Semester 1 (March)
Industry experience
The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
- Industry project (university-based, for academic credit)
Additional information
ATAR n/a
Career opportunities
Graduates can work as nature guides and environmental planners in the nature tourism industry, land management agencies, and other settings such as school camps, environmental centres and in providing services for disadvantaged constituencies.
Professional recognition
Graduates are qualified to work as camp guides in primary or secondary school camps (depending on electives). Those who want to to qualify to teach in primary or secondary schools can apply to La Trobe's one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Education.