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Bachelor of Ecotourism

Fast facts

Course type: Undergraduate degree 
Course length (full-time equivalent): 3 years 
Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER): 60.40
Location: On campus 

Course overview

The Bachelor of Ecotourism combines the study of:

  • earth sciences and biology, complemented by selected topics from archaeology, geography and environmental studies
  • tourism and business material, including the practical skills required to successfully manage a tourism venture.

Extended fieldwork in national parks and remote areas is included and you'll spend 4 weeks on work experience during the summer breaks following 1st and 2nd year. 

Students develop critical thinking skills and the ability to deliver technical information in an accessible, jargon-free way.

What will I study? 

Refer to the program of study.

What is Ecotourism?

The national industry body Ecotourism Australia defines Ecotourism as, ‘Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation'.

Ecotourism normally involves educating people about the natural environment by interpreting and explaining nature. It often has a degree of overlap with adventure tourism.  

Why study Ecotourism at Flinders?

  • Introduced at Flinders in 1996, after consultation with the tourism industry and relevant government agencies, our Bachelor of Ecotourism has previously been a joint winner of the South Australian Tourism Award for Best Industry Education with the Flinders Bachelor of Cultural Tourism.
  • Our course is firmly based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering rather than - as is common at other universities - within a business, tourism or hospitality school. This means our course has a unique science emphasis, focusing on the importance of the natural sciences and related conservation issues.
  • Flinders is an excellent base for the Ecotourism program because there are a wide variety of habitats within easy reach of the campus. Students gain experience in a broad range of ecosystems such as marine and freshwater, arid lands and forests.
  • A strong research program complements our teaching. For example, we have assessed the role of the National Ecotourism Accreditation Program in the industry and the impacts of a tour that takes tourists to swim with sea lions and dolphins. As a part of the course, students conduct small research projects on the environmental and social impacts of ecotourism and the implementation of effective interpretation through signage and brochures.

Combined degree options

Combine with

Duration (full-time equivalent) 

Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise  4 years

Refer to Ecotourism combined degrees for further information.

Career opportunities

What can I do with my Bachelor of Ecotourism degree?  

Study a language

Flinders also offers all students the opportunity to major in a language in conjunction with any undergraduate course. The Diploma in Language is designed to provide students with competence in a chosen language that adds greater portability to their qualifications. You will complete a total of 1 extra year of study and graduate with both your chosen degree and the Diploma in Language. You can apply for this at time of enrolment.

Entry requirements

Domestic students

International students

Prerequisites: None Prerequisites: None 
You can qualify for undergraduate courses through:
  • year 12 qualifications
  • mature age entry (STAT)
  • TAFE/VET qualifications
  • higher education transfers.

Flinders also offers a range of special access schemes.

Refer to undergraduate study applications

English language requirements 

Applications

Domestic students 

International students 

SATAC code: 214121CRICOS code: 020921D
Mid-year entry: Yes Mid-year entry: Yes
Apply through: SATAC Uniweb  Apply through: International Office  

Credit transfer

Refer to credit transfer for further information.

Annual fees

Place type

Domestic students 

International students 

Commonwealth supported - Student contribution amount  $5,358N/A 
Full fee paying N/A$19,300

Note: Domestic student fees are indicative only. Further information: How are these fees calculated?

Further study options

Publications

Domestic students 

International students 

Ecotourism (PDF 644KB) 2008-2009 Undergraduate International Prospectus (PDF 2MB)

Contact

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Hotline: 1800 803 131 (local call cost)
Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au

School of Biological Sciences
Course Coordinator: Dr Sonia Kleindorfer
Tel +61 8 8201 5232
Email sonia.kleindorfer@flinders.edu.au

General domestic students information

Web: Prospective students

Enquiries: Admissions/Prospective Students Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (08) 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost)
Fax (08) 8201 2580
Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au

General international students information

Web: International students

Enquiries: Ask Flinders