Program Overview

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Graduate Diploma in Sustainability and Outdoor Education

Overview

Advance your professional development in sustainability and outdoor education with this one-year full-time graduate programme. Combining theory and practice, this programme is designed for established teachers, outdoor educators, and instructors, or for graduates of other degrees looking to retrain.

What Will I Study

The programme consists of a mixture of compulsory and elective courses, some of which can be done by distance learning. You will learn how to implement sustainable practice, journey-based environmental science, contemporary issues in sustainability and outdoor education, resource management, practical skill development and instruction, and a course that focuses on the topic of your choosing.

Pathway

• Part-time up to 3 years
• Full-time - 1 Year

Details

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $8,310 - $9,225 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree

Additional Requirements

• Hold a current two-day Comprehensive First Aid Certificate
• 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

Alternative Requirements

• Equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience may be considered for alternative entry

English Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
• 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
• Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Core Courses

• Not specified

Elective Courses

Level 6

• Advanced Rock Climbing (BSOE607) - 15 credits
• Advanced Whitewater Kayaking (BSOE608) - 15 credits
• Advanced Sea Kayaking (BSOE609) - 15 credits
• Surf and Beach Education (BSOE611) - 15 credits
• Advanced Bush Walking (BSOE612) - 15 credits
• Advanced Mountain Bike (BSOE613) - 15 credits
• Special Topic (BSOE614) - 15 credits
• Atea: Identity, Place and Language (BSOE619) - 15 credits
• Leadership and Decision Making (BSOE622) - 15 credits
• Te Wao Nui: Land-Based Systems and Envi... (BSOE626) - 15 credits

Level 7

• Contemporary Issues (BSOE701) - 15 credits
• Special Topic (BSOE709) - 15 credits
• Adventure Therapy and People Development (BSOE715) - 15 credits
• Geographies of Climate Change (BSOE717) - 15 credits
• Teaching and Learning 3 (BSOE721) - 15 credits
• Applied Instruction (BSOE722) - 15 credits
• Capstone Project (BSOE724) - 30 credits
• Sustainable Practices in a Changing World (BSOE725) - 15 credits

Career Opportunities

On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to return to your employment with an enhanced understanding of contemporary practice, or seek new opportunities teaching social studies and outdoor education. Work in the fields of outdoor instruction, environmental education, adventure or eco-tourism, community health, recreation, and conservation are also open to you with this graduate diploma.

Study Pathways

You could further your studies with postgraduate programmes such as a Master's degree.

Recommended School Subjects

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

Programme Details

• Type: Graduate Certificate / Diploma
• Code: CH4032
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa: Yes
• International application close date: 19 Dec
• Credits: 120
• 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: CH4032-STRU

Funding Assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.