FAQ's for the Outdoor Education specialisation in the Bachelor of Education
What equipment will I need?
For Outdoor Education units that require equipment, specific activity equipment (climbing, paddling) will be provided by the University or outside provider. No personal equipment for outdoor activities will be provided.
Please use the information below, as well as that given in class, to inform purchasing decisions. Students are also encouraged to seek advice from local businesses when purchasing equipment. Having a good knowledge of equipment is essential to being an outdoor educator, so in purchasing your own equipment, you will be on your way.
In the first two Outdoor Education units (undertaken in the Bachelor of Education with the Outdoor Education major), students will be required to have their own personal equipment for a day out and about. This means a day pack, hat, sunscreen, closed in shoes and suitable raincoat.
In the second, third and final years of study (undertaken in the Bachelor of Education with the Outdoor Education major), students will be required to have their own personal camping equipment for overnight bushwalking. This means
- Waterproof jacket ($50-$600)
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- Must be fully waterproof, preferably long enough to cover shorts and sit on when being worn, and have a hood with enough room to cover a beanie. It should be able to seal at the wrists and pulled in at the waist. Pockets are also essential. Plastic coats, ponchos or spray jackets are not acceptable.
- Waterproof pants ($30-$200)
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- Need to be loose fitting ideally large enough to put on without removing boots – zips help.
- Bushwalking back pack suitable for 8 day bushwalk 70-80 litres ($200-$600)
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- Pack needs to fit student well and be adjustable. All equipment for an 8 day journey needs to fit inside the pack.
- Sleeping mat ($30-$200)
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- Can be made of closed cell foam, or for more comfort a self inflating mat may be used.
- Hiking boots ($100-$500)
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- Need to be well fitting and worn in prior to the expedition. They need to cover the ankle for support when carrying a pack and moving over uneven terrain.
- 3-4 season sleeping bag ($100-$800)
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- Needs to keep you warm on the coldest night. Tasmania provides a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, you need to be prepared for cold nights. The sleeping bag must have a hood, and when choosing between down and synthetic bags, down bags are lighter and warmer than synthetic ones.
- Gaiters ($20-$150)
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- Protect lower leg, keeping seeds out of boots, reduce affect of snake bite. Knee high preferably.
- Thermal underwear ($20-$150)
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- Polypropylene or similar fabric and wool are suitable. Cotton thermals are not acceptable.
- Stove ($50 - $300) & Fuel Bottle
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- Stoves vary in price, weight and fuel type. Stoves need to be lightweight, and you need to be able to share your stove with others when you cook in small groups.
- Warm clothing ($50 - $400)
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- Warm clothing is essential, and fleece/wool jumpers keep you warm when wet. A down jacket and or vest adds warmth, but is expensive.
- Compass ($20-$100)
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- A compass is essential, we recommend you purchase a simple compass.
- Maps ($10-$30)
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- You will be required to purchase relevant maps for units that require them. It is recommended that you laminate these to increase the life of the map. Alternatively, a map case could be purchased to keep your map dry.
IMPORTANT – you do not need to OWN all this equipment before you start classes. Many of the above items can be hired through local businesses. The prices show approximate costs - you don’t need to choose the most expensive.
How much will it cost?
The main costs encountered will be with the purchase of personal equipment, travel to and from field activities, and food and disposables while on field trips. The costs outlined above to give you an idea of approximate costs. You do not need to own the most expensive items, and many items can be hired from local businesses.
Additional fees may be charged to cover course costs (e.g. climbing, paddling etc) and levies will be charged for some units.
Will my prior experience be counted towards recognised prior learning?
The Bachelor of Education - Outdoor Education Specialisation and Bachelor of Physical Activity Studies articulate with the following TAFE/Polytechnic courses with the following credit arrangement:
Completed Course
Recognised Prior Learning/Credit
Certificate III Fitness
1 student elective
Certificate IV Fitness
2 units - to be advised
Certificate III Outdoor Recreation
1 student elective
Certificate IV Outdoor Recreation
2 units - to be advised
Certificate III in Tourism (Guiding and Outdoor Recreation)
1 student elective
Certificate IV in an unrelated area
1 student elective
Diploma/Advanced Diploma in unrelated area
2 student electives
The eApplications process asks if applicants want credit for previous study. Please indicate 'yes' and ensure that certified copies of your certificates of completion are provided to the admissions office.
For more information on credit, otherwise known at UTAS as the double advantage, please see the double advantage website.
What is the amount of time required outside normal lecture times (weekends etc?)
Each unit contains field components that may require you to be available on weekends or for extended periods. These dates are advised to students prior to each semester starting and vary according to units. Throughout the Outdoor Education major you will have approximately 20-30 field days. These are additional to the Professional Experience placements.
How big will my class size be?
In first year units, class size will be approximately 90 – 120 students, with tutorials of up to 30 students. Tutorials are organised according to enrolment, so Outdoor Education students enrolled in the major will be in the same tutorial. From second year onwards, class size reduces to 12-24 students in a unit.
How much experience do I need?
You do not need to come to the course with experience, however it is of great benefit to you if you do come with prior experience in outdoor education/recreation and/or any of the activity areas (climbing, paddling, bushwalking). However, many students have come into the course with limited/no experience, and through personal commitment to involvement in these activities have graduated with appropriate skill levels.
Whether or not you come with prior experience, Outdoor Education is an area that requires constant commitment to developing outdoor skills (bushwalking, climbing, paddling etc) in order to remain current and competent in these areas.
Do I need to do anything outside University requirements to improve my employability?
A commitment to being involved in improving personal skills in the many outdoor skill areas would be of great benefit to improving employability. Gaining qualifications in skill areas of interest (e.g. climbing, paddling etc) would also benefit graduates. While some skill training is offered in the course (particularly in the elective units ESP216 & ESP226), students are required to invest their own time to improve these skills.