Outdoor Education (MA)

The MA Outdoor Education programme has been developed to meet the needs of practitioners and graduates working in outdoor education in the UK and further afield. It brings theory and practice together to develop a higher level understanding of outdoor education as a distinctively alternative form of learning.

The course is unique in the UK in adopting a sociocultural approach to better understanding a range of key issues including the nature of adventure, sense of place pedagogy, informal learning, facilitating experiential learning, relationships with nature and healthy outdoor communities. In addition, it supports students in conducting smallscale research studies to inform evidence-based practice.

Course Overview

• Blended learning delivery (two weekends per module plus tutorials and eLearning support)
• Creative and diverse assessment methods
• Eligible for postgraduate loan support
• Extensive outdoor sector networks and professional links
• Flexible study options with three exit awards to suit student requirements
• Full-time (1-2 years) and part-time (2-4 years) modes of study
• Internationally renowned guest speakers
• Outdoor and experiential focus to all outdoor weekend workshops
• Research active and published staff and students who are passionate about outdoor pedagogy
• Socio-cultural perspective on key issues
• Subsidised access to expeditions
• Subsidised NGB qualification opportunities

Assessment

The programme uses a range of assessment techniques designed to develop postgraduate level knowledge, skills and competencies. These include: seminar presentations, research proposals, research reports, essays, reflective journals, academic interviews and blogs.

All assessments link theory with practice and require students to undertake empirical research as the basis for further developing their critical skills and an evidence-based personal philosophy of Outdoor Education.

Career Opportunities

The degree would be of particular interest to outdoor professionals who are:

• Seeking career advancement as teachers, centre managers, youth workers, community development officers, environmental education officers, adventure guides, outdoor instructors and recent graduates.
• Wishing to undertake Continuing Professional development
• Considering further study at PhD level

It will be of particular interest to outdoor professionals who are:

• Inquisitive & critical in their outlook
• Inspired by the potential of Outdoor Education to offer an alternative approach to learning & teaching
• Motivated to challenge their own beliefs and learn from other cultures