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Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education

Starts: February 2027
Madras Street
International Close Date: 6 January for February start; 2 June for July start

Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career in leadership, sustainability and adventure.

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

Fees for 2026

International Fee
$26,572 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$392.50 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2026

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/

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.

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.

What if English is not my first Language?

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
  • 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.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Funding your studies

If you experience financial hardship during your studies, you may be eligible for funding, scholarships, and awards to help you continue your education.

Find out more

Career opportunities

  • Outdoor recreation instructor
  • Outdoor educator
  • Programme coordinator
  • Environmental education facilitator
  • Adventure tourism guide
  • Youth development facilitator
  • Outdoor education teacher trainer

Study pathways

Pathways into this qualification

  • New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Open pathway)
  • New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multiskilled)

Study options after this qualification

  • Master in Sustainable Practice
  • Graduate teacher training (specialising in social studies, health and outdoor education)

Recommended school subjects

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Education
  • Biology
  • Geography
  • Social Studies

Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education

Full-time - 3 Years (Part-time options available)

Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career in leadership, sustainability and adventure.

Information
Type Degree
Code CH4025
Next starts February 2027
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
International application close date 6 January for February start; 2 June for July start
Credits 360
Level 7
Additional Equipment/Fees Advised before enrolment
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
Available Part time Yes
May be eligible for Fees Free? Yes
Reference CH4025-STRU

Fees for 2026

International Fee
$26,572 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$392.50 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2026
Enquire Now View Dates & Apply
Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education - Yr 1 - Feb 2027 - Christchurch
Start date: 15 February 2027
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Additional Entry 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.

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.

Apply for credit recognition

Documents

Area of Interest

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