Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education
Education studies
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Combine a passion for the outdoors with leadership, education, and sustainability skills in this unique Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education at Ara. Develop the expertise needed for roles in outdoor instruction, education, and environmental advocacy.
NZ$30,558
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Develop outdoor leadership and facilitation abilities
Learn to confidently lead, communicate, and make decisions in outdoor environments by applying practical leadership and facilitation skills.
Apply sustainability in practice
Understand and implement principles of sustainability, culture and environmental awareness within outdoor and community contexts.
About This Course
This degree prepares you to lead, teach, and facilitate in outdoor and sustainability-focused contexts. Students gain real-world experience through fieldwork, technical skill development, work-integrated learning, and theoretical studies in leadership, risk management, sustainability, geography, and responsive practice. Graduates are equipped to engage communities, schools, and organisations with meaningful outdoor learning and sustainable solutions.
Course Content
- Outdoor education leadership
- Facilitation skills
- Land- and water-based outdoor technical skills
- Risk assessment and safety management
- Teaching and learning in outdoor contexts
- Sustainability principles and practice
- Geography of Aotearoa New Zealand
- Te Ao Māori and culturally responsive practice
- Place-responsive environmental education
- Hauora (wellbeing) in outdoor settings
- Inquiry and research methods
- Work-integrated learning in community and industry settings
- Advanced rock climbing
- Sea kayaking
- Surf and beach education
- Bush walking
- Mountain biking
- Leadership and decision making
- Resource management policy and planning
- Global and local sustainability challenges
- Capstone project
Entry Requirements
Build towards these roles
Outdoor Recreation InstructorOutdoor EducatorProgramme CoordinatorEnvironmental Education FacilitatorAdventure Tourism GuideYouth Development FacilitatorOutdoor Education Teacher TrainerEnvironmental AdvisorCommunity Programme Leader
