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BA (Hons) Adventure Education

University of the Highlands & Islands, United Kingdom
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Course Overview

Adventure Education providers, including the Outward Bound Trust®, to pursue a satisfying career as a professional adventure practitioner. 

Provide safe experiences, promoting learning to help others to discover, reflect, and develop. Use your knowledge, understanding, and skills to plan, prepare, and lead activities in potentially challenging and wild locations, while maintaining strong links to all levels of the education curriculum. Learn how to create experiences that will last a lifetime, as part of the vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts at Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

General Eligibility

  • 3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above OR

  • 2 A levels at grade C or above

  • You will also be expected to be able to demonstrate an interest in, and a commitment to, practical outdoor activities, and preferably have an interest in a professional career in the outdoor sector

  • Personal practical outdoor experience is advantageous but not essential

  • Applicants with other relevant qualifications and/or experience will be considered on an individual basis

  • This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours work permit for international students

What You'll Study

1 Year 1

Core modules are:

  • Foundations of outdoor learning (S1)

  • Adventure Geography: the Scottish perspective (S1)

  • Introduction to professional adventure practice (S1)

  • Introduction to sports coaching and leadership (S2)

  • Adventure education journeys (S2)

You will also choose one further option module:

  • Ecological principles, biodiversity, and identification skills (S1 or S2)

  • Activity performance and skill acquisition (S1 or S2)

  • Adventure markets: products and services (S2)

2 Year 2

Core modules are:

  • Nature and learning (S1)

  • Social theory for adventure education (S1)

  • Adventure operations and risk management (S1)

  • Outdoor learning and teaching practice (S1 + S2)

  • Understanding adventure (S2)

You will also choose one option module which may include:

  • Work placement: team working and communication (S1 + S2)

  • Facilitation and reviewing in outdoor education (S2)

  • Technology and social media in adventure practice (S2)

3 Year 3

Core modules are:

  • Planning international expeditions (S1)

  • Investigation: personal and social development in adventure education (S1)

  • Anthropology of place: adventure education and cultural perspectives on nature (S2)

  • Research skills (S2)

You will also choose two option modules which may include:

  • Adventure therapy (S1)

  • Geomorphology: reading the landscapes of outdoor practice (S1)

  • Climate change (S1)

  • Work placement: industry-specific skills (S1 + S2)

  • International expedition leadership (S2)

4 Year 4

Core modules are:

  • Critical perspectives of adventure education (S1)

  • Perceptions of risk and decision-making (S1)

  • Inclusive adventure (S2)

  • Applied adventure education practice (S2)

You will also choose one of the following double-credit research project modules to follow through the year:

  • Dissertation 

  • Professional adventure project (legacy project or major expedition venture)

Language Requirement

  • IELTS6.0
  • TOEFL80
  • PTE58
  • Duolingo00
  • Applicants must have an IELTS score- 6.0 or equivalent

  • English (PTE) Academic-58 average with 51 in each component

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT4-Min 80 or above with min 18 in each section

Additional Information

Special features: *Access to outstanding adventure facilities set amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK *Receive tailored outdoor-activity skill development and professional NGB training and assessment with the School of Adventure Studies' 'practical credits system': continuous professional skills development throughout your degree and beyond *Be part of a vibrant and active diverse student community of outdoor enthusiasts, based at the School of Adventure Studies in Fort William, the hub of the Outdoor Capital of the UK *Live and work at the foot of Ben Nevis, in a region that is unique for its rich variety of outdoor opportunities *Easily transfer between adventure programs within the School of Adventure Studies: BA (Hons) Adventure Tourism Management; BSc (Hons) Adventure Performance and Coaching; and BA (Hons) Marine and Coastal Tourism *Excellent links and work-placement opportunities with many adventure-based businesses and institutions in Scotland, the UK and internationally *Residential field trips, clubs, international expeditions, and many other opportunities to enhance your skills and experience in adventure activities Additional costs: Personal Outdoor Equipment and Clothing All essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialist equipment can be accessed from our comprehensive stores, but students will need to purchase their own personal clothing, waterproofs and footwear for most activities (with the exception of very specialised footwear such as winter boots). As a professional practitioner you are also expected to consider purchasing your own personal equipment as your involvement and skills grow. Excellent deals on prices from a range of suppliers are available for students. Module costs: Introduction to Sports Coaching and Leadership (core, year 1): this includes an opportunity to complete training for a UK National Governing Body qualification in climbing, paddlesports, or mountain biking. The course is free of charge but you will need to pay for your own membership and registration fees with the relevant NGB. This cost can range from approximately £50-£100, depending on the NGB. Adventure Education Journeys (optional, year 1): there is a mandatory residential experience in this module at Outward Bound Loch Eil, costing approximately £80 for 3 days full-board. This cost is 50% subsidized by the School of Adventure Studies. International Expedition Leadership (optional year 3): this involves undertaking an international expedition, which is subsidized by UHI West Highland. Depending on the specific plan, you should budget for up to £1000. There may be opportunities to gain funds to support this expedition through grant funding sources or sponsorship, which would be your responsibility to obtain.

Ready to get started?

For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.

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