Outdoor Education
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Outdoor Education
Length
3 years full-time
Campuses
Bendigo
Course description
This course aims to qualify students for careers in outdoor education, adventure guiding, environmental education or related fields. It strongly emphasises environmental knowledge and practical experience.
Core fieldwork subjects include Bushwalking, Paddling, Cross-Country Skiing, Rock Climbing, and Naturalist Studies. Theoretical studies investigate how knowledge is shaped by new environments and how the environment, in turn, is shaped by our thoughts and practices. The program encompasses environmental science studies and outdoor education concepts drawn from psychology, education, eco-psychology, environmental ethics and eco-philosophy.
Course structure
First year emphasises basic concepts in environmental studies and facilitates a personal and theoretical understanding of outdoor education. Second and third-year studies develop expertise and teaching skills in two elected environmental activities, and cover outdoor education theory and environmental studies.
Students take three electives or a sequence of studies in an area of interest in order to meet the entry requirement for teaching methods for a secondary teaching qualification. They also undertake a minimum 130 days' practical work over three years.
Subject details
Major areas of study
Outdoor education, environmental studies, environmental interpretation, outdoor leadership and guiding
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC
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 already have and to wait until they have commenced the course before buying 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 85.45 (2011)
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 80 or above will receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs will be considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Non-Year 12 applicants are 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.
- Workplace experience for academic credit
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to find various roles in Australia and overseas, such as outdoor education teacher (on completion of a Graduate Diploma in Education), outdoor education leader in industry and community-based programs. Previous graduates have found work in schools, at camps, in outdoor travel, and with land management authorities and commercial outdoor companies.
Professional recognition
When combined with a fourth year of study (Graduate Diploma in Education), the course is accredited and recognised by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) for teaching in primary and secondary schools.