Course description
Programme
The Certificate programme provides a broad theoretical coverage of the field of outdoor education. The diploma extends this with further academic study and a professional development programme (involving practical activities: eg rock climbing, a teaching placement and an expedition), providing a broad base for a professional career in outdoor education.
Learning Outcomes
The emphasis is on practical experience in the field to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding and judgement necessary to guide and conduct groups safely on a range of outdoor ventures. Students will gain intellectual skills through critically assessing theoretical, professional and academic issues surrounding outdoor education and transferable skills such as environmental literacy and oral communication. They will also gain practical skills through instructional training in a range of outdoor pursuits and by living in a variety of residential situations.
How You Will Be Taught
This programme employs a lecture/seminar approach to the bulk of the academic courses and students are encouraged to participate fully in discussions and presentations etc. Whenever possible practicals and field visits are included in the course.
Much of the practical work takes place at our residential outdoor Woodlands Centre (Kingussie), which offers access to the Cairngorms and other mountain ranges, and at Firbush Centre on Loch Tay.
The MSc in Outdoor Education comprises the successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Outdoor Education plus the Dissertation. It is internationally regarded as the leading Masters programme in the field of Outdoor Education.
The Dissertation is a major study demanding of the course member a high level of individual application and commitment to research and enquiry. It provides the course member with the opportunity to identify, reflect on and explore a topic that has implications for his/her own professional development. The Dissertation will involve a critical interrogation of the relationship between professional practice, academic theory and the design, ethics and interpretation of research.
Academic courses
* Outdoor Environmental Education: Concept-based Practice
* Personal and Social Outdoor Education
* Professional Practice and Experiential Learning
* Community Building and the Social Context of Outdoor Education
* Interpreting the Landscape
* Ecology and Field Studies
Assessment
Progression to the Dissertation stage is dependent on successfully meeting the Postgraduate Diploma's academic and practical requirements (six academic courses and the PDP) and satisfactorily completing a 5000 word Dissertation proposal. The Masters Dissertation is 15,000-20,000 words.
Professional Development Programme
* Six week-long outdoor activity courses: open-canoeing, rock climbing, inland kayaking, summer hill-walking, winter mountaineering, orienteering
* A five-week professional placement
* A two-day specialist outdoor first aid course
* A 14-16 day expedition
