Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Outdoor education uses real-world experiences in natural environments to help people learn, grow and develop. Whether it's building confidence, leadership, teamwork or environmental awareness, outdoor educators create meaningful learning experiences that connect people with place.
In this degree, you'll develop skills in outdoor leadership, teaching and facilitation, sustainability, risk management and culturally responsive practice. Through fieldwork, technical training and work-integrated learning, you'll gain the experience and confidence to lead safe, engaging and purposeful outdoor learning in schools, community programmes and environmental organisations.
Key features
- Lead with confidence:
Build leadership, communication and decision-making skills through outdoor experiences.
- Learn beyond the classroom:
Develop your skills through field trips, camps and immersive outdoor learning.
- Gain real-world experience:
Complete work-integrated learning with schools, community and industry organisations.
- Create positive change:
Explore sustainability, culture and place to make a meaningful impact.
What you'll learn
- Outdoor education leadership
- Facilitation skills
- Land- and water-based outdoor skills
- Risk assessment and safety management
- Teaching and learning in outdoor contexts
- Sustainability principles and action-focused practice
- Geography of Aotearoa New Zealand
- Te Ao Māori and culturally responsive practice
- Place-responsive outdoor and environmental education
- Hauora and wellbeing in outdoor settings
- Inquiry, research and project processes
- Work-integrated learning in community and industry settings
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:
- Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
- Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/
Additional Requirements
In addition you need to:
Hold a current two-day Comprehensive First Aid Certificate. First Aid training can be completed through any authorised provider.
Consent to Disclosure of Information:
- Applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on your placement.
- The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of Department. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
Alternative Requirements
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
English Requirements
What if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.