Graduate Diploma in Sustainability and Outdoor Education

Sport & Recreation

A one-year graduate diploma combining sustainability and outdoor education, intended for teachers, outdoor educators, and those retraining from other degrees. Blends theory and practice, with field trips, distance learning options, and opportunities to specialise.

NZ$10,609

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 7 Certification (120 Credits)

Study Level

Advanced

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Blended study

This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions

Madras Street Campus, Christchurch

It will take a total of 1 year

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Advanced understanding of contemporary practice

Develop advanced knowledge and insight into current best practices in sustainability and outdoor education.

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Implementation of sustainable practices

Apply principles of sustainability in outdoor and educational contexts.

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Instruction and leadership in outdoor environments

Demonstrate practical skill and leadership in a range of outdoor activities (e.g., climbing, kayaking, bush walking).

What You're Signing Up For

This graduate diploma advances professional development in sustainability and outdoor education. It combines theoretical and practical learning for established teachers, outdoor educators, or graduates of other fields seeking retraining. Students engage in sustainable practice implementation, journey-based environmental science, resource management, and practical outdoor instruction. Electives allow students to tailor their learning according to interests and strengths. Field trips are integral, as is a capstone project or special topic focus. Graduates are prepared for enhanced roles in outdoor education, sustainability teaching, recreation, tourism, or environmental education.

Course Content

  • Sustainable practice implementation
  • Journey-based environmental science
  • Contemporary issues in sustainability and outdoor education
  • Resource management
  • Outdoor instruction and practical skill development
  • Advanced rock climbing
  • Advanced whitewater kayaking
  • Advanced sea kayaking
  • Surf and beach education
  • Advanced bush walking
  • Advanced mountain biking
  • Special topic
  • Identity, place and language (Atea)
  • Leadership and decision making
  • Land-based systems and environments
  • Contemporary issues
  • Adventure therapy and people development
  • Geographies of climate change
  • Teaching and learning
  • Applied instruction
  • Capstone project
  • Sustainable practices in a changing world

What you need to know first

Bachelor's degree

Current two-day Comprehensive First Aid Certificate

New Zealand Police vetting (may be required for placement)

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Education

  • Outdoor Recreation

  • Environmental Education

  • Adventure Tourism

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Teaching social studies and outdoor education

  • Outdoor instruction

  • Environmental education

  • Adventure tourism

  • Eco-tourism

  • Community health

  • Recreation

  • Conservation roles