Course description
Programme
An outdoor-education programme has been conducted in its present or similar form for over 30 years at the University, and the programme has an international reputation for its academic and professional quality. The diploma programme has provided a conceptual and practical training for many of those now influential in the profession, while the MSc is unique in Europe and one of the few in the world. Over many years staff in the outdoor-education section have developed a programme structure which addresses the key features of the discipline: outdoor activities/skills, personal and social education and environmental education. Most of those who work in the field do so within education (ie school/local authority), community education or charitable trusts which adopt similar professional standards. As such the expectation of any academic or professional programme in outdoor education is that it will comply with the principles which underpin the main legislative instrument in the sector, the Activity Centres (Young
Persons Safety Act) 1995, and meet the standards of the profession and its professional body (the Institute for Outdoor Learning).
Learning Outcomes
Students who follow this programme will be able to develop knowledge and understanding of:
* the "natural environment" to be able to assist those in their charge to learn sound practice and concern for the natural heritage, while developing an appreciation for landscape quality and the natural world;
* various interpretations of the "environment" (eg scientific, social, cultural, political, economic) to enable them to consider tensions between these perceptions and consequent actions as an educational issue with their students;
* the holistic nature of experiential learning outdoors and hence the opportunities provided by interdisciplinary work in these educational areas;
* the skills, knowledge and judgement necessary to conduct groups safely and ethically in a range of outdoor environments in a variety of weather conditions;
* the relationship between Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education and a range of other subject areas studied in educational, community and social settings;
* the range of contemporary perspectives on and arrangements for work with young people outside school settings;
* conceptual, operational and regulatory issues in Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education to enable them to play critical and leading roles in its development within education and the community;
* academic and professional issues in the field in both the UK and international contexts;
* the importance of critical examination of issues in the field and be aware of approaches and techniques appropriate for doing so.
How You Will Be Taught
The Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education Programme employs a lecture/seminar approach to the bulk of the academic courses and students are encouraged to participate fully in discussions etc. Whenever possible practicals and field visits are included in courses. Students are expected to prepare themselves for academic courses by reading suggested programme literature and to continue this process throughout the course. Although the required elements of the Professional Development Programme are modest, students are expected to be fit to participate. Because of the obvious safety issues associated with education outdoors, any health or fitness issues should be discussed with the Programme Director
