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Introduction
The MA Outdoor Education programme has been developed to meet the needs of practitioners and graduates working in the broad area of outdoor learning in the UK and further afield. It brings together theory and practice 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 understand a range of key issues including the importance of outdoor places to learning, health & well-being in nature and the impact of (digital) technology on outdoor learning. These are examined within the broader national and international policies and approaches of nations to understand how outdoor practices reflect/challenge social changes.
The cost of the programme is £7,500 and can be paid in instalments over the length of the programme. The programme is only offered for part-time study (3 years) to increase accessibility for students.
Why choose this course?
• Socio-cultural approach to Outdoor Education to better understand why we have the outdoor sector that we have, as well as possible alternatives.
• Course learning experiences include a combination of experientially focused weekend workshops, Skype tutorials, and e-learning materials.
• Practical experiences include Mountain Bothy, Solo camping, walking/cycling for health, and coasteering experiences.
• Creative assessment tasks including 1 to 1 discussions, seminars and local research projects.
• Strong links to local and national outdoor sector employers, expeditions, and training.
• Applied research focus.
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
• 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
Modules
Part I:
PGCert, PGDip & MA
• Adventure, Technology and Ecology in Outdoor Education (30 credits; core)
• Philosophical & Cultural Perspectives on Outdoor Education (30 credits; core).
PGDip & MA
• Health, Well-being & the Outdoors (30 credits; optional)
• Master’s Internship in Health, Outdoor Education and Physical Literacy (30 credits; optional)
• Master’s International Study (60 credits; optional)
• Research Methods in Health, Outdoor Education and Physical Literacy (30 credits; optional).
MA
• Master’s Dissertation in Health, Outdoor Education and Physical Literacy (60 credits; core).
Entry Criteria
Graduate applicants must, as a minimum, hold a 2.1 undergraduate degree qualification.
Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree are also welcome to apply and consideration is given to professional and recreational experience, other educational awards, written and verbal communication skills and career aspirations
Prior to applying perspective applicants should consider the following;
Are you inspired by the potential of Outdoor Education to offer an alternative approach to learning and teaching?
Are you motivated to learn from other cultures?
Do you want to improve your understanding and expertise to develop the work you do or move on to new opportunities?
Do you want to make a difference to the lifestyle, health and well-being of others?
Are you looking to gain a higher level academic qualification to enhance your career prospects?
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
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
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