A dual degree designed for people who want to work in sustainable and animal-based tourism will be offered through USC Fraser Coast in 2018.

Applications are now open via QTAC to study USC’s Bachelor of Animal Ecology/Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) at its Fraser Coast campus, starting Semester 1 next year.

USC lecturer and Animal Ecology Program Coordinator Dr Scott Burnett said the growing global tourism industry offered impressive growth opportunities in sustainable and animal-friendly tourism.

“Wildlife tourism is a major drawcard for the Fraser Coast, which makes this double degree a perfect fit with the region,” Dr Burnett said.

“It is a hands-on, industry-oriented program to provide future tourism leaders with the tools to deliver and promote first-class ecotourism experiences with animals, while maintaining and enhancing the environmental integrity of the habitats these animals rely on.”

The four-year degree develops analytical, management and research skills to assess the sustainability-related impacts of tourism, and how these link with animal conservation, biodiversity and animal behaviour.

“Students will apply this knowledge and skills through industry projects and fieldwork in locations such as Fraser Island and Stradbroke Island to develop a solid foundation for their chosen careers.”

About 20 degrees and study programs will be offered at USC’s Fraser Coast campus in 2018, including Nursing Science and first-year subjects in Environmental Science, Social Work and Psychology.

Information on studying at USC.

— Clare McKay