Outdoor Courses
Click on the links below for course content, entry requirements, further information and printable summary sheets.
Outdoor Education – Foundation Degree
Location: Penrith
This field is experiencing unparalleled growth. A range of new job opportunities exists in the outdoor education, recreation and community sector. This vocational course – designed to meet the needs of employers – gives you an ideal platform for entry. This foundation degree is a hands-on approach to learning outdoors - in addition to studying a wide range of modules, from outdoor adventure operations to equipment technology and small business management, you will take part in variety of practical activities and work towards completion of national governing body awards. Exciting extra-curricular activities and international field trips provide the opportunity for further practical experience.
[Course Content]| [Entry Requirements]| [Summary Sheet (pdf)]|
Outdoor Studies - Foundation Degree (Full-time or Part-time)
Location: Ambleside
This Foundation Degree is an introduction to Outdoor Studies aimed at people who hope to, or are already working in the Outdoor Industry. The course starts in September and can be taken as a Full time degree (over 2 years) or a Part time degree (over 3-5 years).
The course combines work-based learning in the outdoor industry with theory and practice and seeks to challenge and develop you personally so as to be a more effective practitioner. The modules are delivered using an experiential approach and much of the teaching and learning takes place outdoors. Additionally, embedded within the course are opportunities to work towards professional qualifications such as National Governing Body awards, first aid and Institute of Outdoor Learning professional accreditations. Graduates can progress to the Outdoor Professional Practice Top Up BA/BSc Degree.
[Course Content]| [Entry Requirements]| [Summary Sheet (pdf)]|
Sustainable Rural Recreation - Foundation Degree
Location: Penrith
Rural recreation is an important part of contemporary leisure provision in the UK and abroad. This vocational programme teaches the practical skills, technical knowledge, planning, plus the operational and environmental considerations that professionals working in sustainable rural recreation need. As a student on this course you will acquire practical business skills which relate to developing rural recreation which is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Your studies will involve rural recreation both in Cumbria and other parts of the UK.
[Course Content]| [Entry Requirements]| [Summary Sheet (pdf)]|
Outdoor Education – BA (Hons) Top Up
Location: Penrith
The use of the outdoors as a medium for recreation, education, health and fitness or as therapy, has grown considerably in recent years. This final-year top-up degree strengthens your position of work and allows you to study at postgraduate level. This course is designed for those who have a foundation degree or HND in outdoor education or an appropriate subject. The core of the course is based on experiential outdoor education, with skills coaching in the practical context and a research dissertation. There are options in international outdoor education, contemporary issues, philosophy and ideology, outdoor management development and environmental education.
[Course Content]| [Entry Requirements]| [Summary Sheet (pdf)]|
Outdoor Leadership – BA (Hons)
Location: Penrith
The course not only equips you to follow a career in the outdoor industry; it also helps you gain a transferable set of skills required by most employers. The Outdoor Leadership BA (Hons) is well established, increasing in numbers each year. We equip you with the practical skills and academic knowledge that an outdoor leader needs, including technical, practical skills and transferable skills such as leadership, communications, team working, liaison, self-awareness and flexibility. The course helps you become more self-motivated and confident, so you can use your skills effectively both during your time at University and later on in your career.
[Course Content]| [Entry Requirements]| [Summary Sheet (pdf)]|
BA/BSc Outdoor Studies
including BA in Recreation Management, BSc in Performance and BSc Environment
Location: Ambleside
The outdoors is becoming an increasingly important part of people's personal and professional lives; career opportunities and professional pathways are opening up every day in the fields of environmental study, education, development training, outdoor skills training, leisure and recreation. This innovative three-year degree combines academic and practical study of the outdoors to meet personal and professional development needs and aspirations. There is a common first year entry with 4 exit awards, 2 BSc’s in Environment and Performance and 2 BA’s in Recreation Management and Arts and Humanities.
[Course Content]| [Entry Requirements]| [Summary Sheet (pdf)]|
Outdoor Professional Practice – BA/BSc Top Up
Location: Ambleside
Many students who have completed foundation degrees, HND’s or DipHE’s in Outdoor Studies and related areas decide to continue their studies and to gain an honours degree. The outdoors is used in many professional contexts and this exciting and accessible course, located in the beautiful mountain town of Ambleside, offers a choice of modules to develop your professional practice in line with your own areas of interest. Students will study alongside the BA/BSc students and, depending on choice of modules, will gain a BA or BSc.Many students who have completed foundation degrees, HND’s or DipHE’s in Outdoor Studies and related areas decide to continue their studies and to gain an honours degree. The outdoors is used in many professional contexts and this exciting and accessible course, located in the beautiful mountain town of Ambleside, offers a choice of modules to develop your professional practice in line with your own areas of interest. Students will study alongside the BA/BSc students and, depending on choice of modules, will gain a BA or BSc.
[Course Content]|
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Otter image courtesy Nathan Varley, NPS Photo