Course description
About the course
CSU’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) has been training rangers for more than 30 years. With the continued involvement of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to develop the course, we know the key skills that all rangers require - a strong understanding of the environment around us, and the ability to interact with the human element. This is so that national parks can be enjoyed by as many people as possible, while at the same time some of the most unique environments on Earth are conserved and protected.
The course focuses strongly on field instruction and real-world situations. Studies in ecology, wildlife management, vegetation management and the earth sciences are complemented by studies of the human dimension to help you understand your role in conserving and protecting the natural environment, because you can’t manage the environment if you can’t manage people. A fully supported work placement program ensures all students receive first-hand experience of what it is like to work in a national park.
Where it will take you
Graduates gain positions with national park agencies as well as many other environmental industries to become:
* national park rangers
* wildlife officers
* environmental planners
* heritage officers
* land care and catchment management officers
* recreation planners
* environmental consultants
Professionals teaching you
The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience. Staff have expertise in wildlife management, fire ecology, vegetation management, Aboriginal heritage management, recreation design and planning and land care. They have worked as consultants and as managers within many government agencies. Several staff have also been appointed to advising bodies within agencies to address issues such as rare and threatened species management, visitor import management and the conservation of our inland waterways.
Your course is recognised by industry
The course is recognised by every conservation agency in Australia.
The latest facilities
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
* a library which covers a broad range of natural and cultural management literature
* access to an extensive computer network and the internet
* online support for distance education students
* friendly and approachable staff who help facilitate and provide guidance to students throughout their study
* a range of field-based equipment and software relevant to undertaking field study exercises
* fully-equipped laboratories
Practical experience
In addition to the practical and field components of most subjects, and the industry placement part of the course, there are also many opportunities to participate in voluntary and paid field expeditions. All students are eligible to participate in the Arid Zone Field Ecology course which takes place in June each year. Other opportunities have included: threatened species conservation in the Alpine National Park, Victoria; penguin research on Montague Island National Park, NSW; rare and endangered grassland conservation in Terrick Terrick National Park, Victoria; visitor experience studies in the Gammon Ranges National Park, SA. International experience is also available and encouraged through CSU’s Student Exchange Program.
Residential school
Many subjects have a compulsory residential school of two to four days duration for distance education students.
Science Scholarships
CSU's Science Scholarships are available for on campus applicants to this course, providing $4000 per annum for up to four years (subject to satisfactory progress). Once awarded the Scholarship, the money is the student's to spend in the way that assists them most.
Applicants must achieve a University Admissions Index (UAI)(NSW) or ENTER(VIC) of 80 and above (inclusive of the Regional Bonus) to be eligible to receive the Scholarship.
To apply, download the Science Scholarships application form, complete all sections, then return the form to the Scholarships Officer before the end of October in the year prior to commencing your studies.
Graduation requirements
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points.
Students will graduate from the Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) with the award BAppSc(ParksRec&Herit).
