Overview
Launch an exciting career in the great outdoors, with Victoria University's Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership.
This unique degree is designed to meet the needs of the outdoor-education and recreation sectors, helping you create a rewarding lifelong career.
You'll learn to apply your on-campus study through a range of activities in our outdoor labs. This practical experience combined with your knowledge of the natural environment, group leadership and planning will open up diverse career possibilities in the following industries:
- adventure tourism
- adventure sports
- environmental education
- outdoor adventure
- outdoor education
- outdoor recreation
- nature tourism.
We offer an exceptional opportunity to gain career experience through a paid internship with The Outdoor Education Group. This internship has been designed to work in tandem with your study, so you can apply best-practice theory to real situations.
Throughout the Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership program, the main themes will be explored through adventure-based activities such as:
- bushwalking
- canoeing
- cycling
- white-water rafting
- alpine activities
- rock-climbing.
Join VU for one of the most adrenaline-packed degrees in Australia!
Gain exceptional career experience
Apply for our innovative paid internship program to gain invaluable work experience while you study.
Our partnership with the Outdoor Education Group (OEG) gives us paid internships for 35 of our students, who will work part time for the second and third year of their degrees. When you graduate, there's an exciting opportunity to apply for a two- to three-year full-time contract with OEG.
If you decide not to take up the industry internship, you can select another complementary major or two minors and further specialise in a professional area of your interest or passion.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.
A campus with everything
Our Footscray Park Campus has everything you need, all set a pleasant stroll from the Maribyrnong River and parklands.
Facilities include:
- aquatic and fitness centre
- childcare services
- learning common spaces with WiFi, tables and chairs
- restaurants and cafés
- state-of-the-art lecture theatres.
Our library gives you constant access to online resources from wherever you are. It also has the following for your use:
- 14 group study rooms
- 15 laptops for loan
- 296 PCs and six Apple Macs
- printing, copying and scanning
- WiFi access.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call back
Get back to nature during your outdoor leadership degree
Careers
The Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership offers several career pathways:
- camp program manager
- environmental educator
- outdoor educator
- outdoor adventure guide, instructor or facilitator
- park ranger
- teaching (with additional Master of Teaching (Secondary Education))
- business owner
- eco and adventure tourism.
The nature-based outdoor economy offers many career opportunities. An industry-based report Outdoors Victoria and Sport and Recreation Victoria – Victoria’s nature based outdoor economy, indicates this industry is worth $7.4 billion annually to Victoria’s economy, employing 71,000 full-time jobs.
On graduation, you may continue on to our Master of Teaching (Secondary) to become a registered teacher.
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership, students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:
-
96 credit points of First Year Core units
-
96 credit points of Professional Core units
Plus one of the following:
Option A:
- 96 credit points of SMAOLI Outdoor Leadership Industry Internship Major studies
OR
Option B:
- 96 credit points of Major studies from the approved list
OR
Option C:
- 96 credit points of Minor studies from the approved list
Course structure and units
First Year Core Units
-
- Unit code
- AEK1106
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL1002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL1003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL1004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL1005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL1006
- Credits
- 12
Professional Core Units
-
- Unit code
- SOL2001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL2002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL2003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL2010
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL3000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SOL3003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SSM3002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SSM3101
- Credits
- 12
Majors
-
- Unit code
- NMAENV
-
- Unit code
- SMASAC
-
- Unit code
- SMAHUM
-
- Unit code
- SMAOLI
Minors
-
- Unit code
- SMIHEA
-
- Unit code
- SMISAC
-
- Unit code
- SMIGAM
-
- Unit code
- EMIAGL
-
- Unit code
- SMIADS
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Integrate knowledge and skills related to Outdoor Education, Recreation and Adventure Sports to become a leader in their area of expertise; | ||
| 2. | Develop evidence based practice in Outdoor Education, Recreation and Adventure Sports to support a diverse range of individual, group, community and stakeholder needs; | ||
| 3. | Demonstrate skill specific knowledge and technique in a broad range of outdoor adventure activities to use as a platform for the development of meta-skills related to Outdoor Education, Recreation and Adventure Sports; | ||
| 4. | Exhibit knowledge related to the natural and cultural history, land management, hydrology, geology, and ecology directly relevant to selected natural environments and outdoor experiences; | ||
| 5. | Synthesise information gathered from outdoor leadership research to develop knowledge and understanding of professional identity and practice; and, | ||
| 6. | Evaluate a diverse range of policies and procedures to enable the safe delivery and implementation of field based programs related to Outdoor Education, Recreation and Adventure Sports. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Health or Human Sciences, Training & Development, Community Sports or similar.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
Additional information
Due to the nature of the field teaching components of this course students should note that some unit delivery will take place outside of the normal university hours. Please note that SOL2010 Natural Environments 2 will be delivered during 2B4, however the field teaching will take place after the end of the 2B4 block due to environmental constraints.
Students wishing to undertake SMAOLI Outdoor Leadership Industry Internship major will be required to undertake a selection process, managed by the organisation offering the internship through their standard employment process, to ensure their suitability for the available internship options. This selection process will take place in the second half of the first year of study.
Students may incur a levy of approximately $2000 across the duration of the course for transport, accommodation and camping fees associated with field teaching. This levy will be charged at a unit level depending on the requirements specific to the unit.
Students will require a Working with Children Check and National Police Check to be eligible to undertake and participate in workplace visits, placements or projects. Use the following site links to obtain additional information:
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274
Students will need to undertake an industry standard first aid course and an industry recognised aquatic rescue course by the end of their first year to satisfy Industry risk management and VIT requirements. The Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) will determine the standard for these courses.
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Pathways from other institutions
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
SEDA Group, Australia
You will be guaranteed entry only.
SEDA Group, Australia
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Apply direct to VU
Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:
- you are a current VU student
- you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
