Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Outdoor Adventure BSc (Hons) at Ulster University equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in outdoor adventure activities. The program focuses on developing leadership and coaching skills, alongside personal competence in outdoor activities. It combines lectures, workshops, and practical sessions with independent study, and includes a professional work placement in the second year. Graduates have diverse career options in outdoor adventure and recreation, educational, youth development, travel, environmental, charity, social enterprises, and businesses.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objective
- This program equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in outdoor adventure activities.
- Focuses on developing leadership and coaching skills, alongside personal competence in outdoor activities.
- Designed to be an immersive and challenging program that integrates theory with practical application in the outdoors.
Program Description
- 3-year full-time program delivered in partnership with Tollymore National Outdoor Centre.
- 2-week long residential courses per year at Tollymore in the Mourne Mountains.
- Combines lectures, workshops, and practical sessions with independent study.
- Teaches leadership and coaching in land and water-based outdoor adventure activities, enabling students to achieve industry qualifications and build work experience.
- Includes a professional work placement in the second year, providing real-world application of learned knowledge and skills.
- Students are expected to have an interest in outdoor adventure and ideally have, or be in the process of obtaining, a relevant national governing body coaching award.
- Entry is competitive and a selection process involving personal statements and an interview is often employed.
- All students are required to complete a health check before starting the course.
Outline:
Year One
- Fundamentals: Environmental Systems, safety, risk and benefit in outdoor education, personal performance skills, introduction to outdoor coaching and leadership, fundamentals of movement in outdoor adventures.
Year Two
- Advanced Topics: The atmosphere, contemporary structure of the outdoor adventure sector, applied outdoor coaching and leadership practice, professional placement, organizational leadership in sport and recreation.
Year Three
- Integration and Applications: Research and Professional Skills, critical interpretation of your context, sports innovation and entrepreneurship, expedition studies, advanced professional practice in outdoor adventure.
Assessment:
- Combination of assignments, presentations, practical assessments and reflective writing.
- Assessments are designed to evaluate both subject knowledge and practical application
- Reflective assignments encourage self-directed learning and personal development.
- Practical assessments gauge individual skill, leadership, and coaching abilities in outdoor activities.
- Professional placements allow for assessment of real-world application and knowledge integration.
Teaching:
- Highly qualified and experienced staff with active backgrounds and industry recognition in the outdoor adventure sector.
- Immersive and active learning approach that emphasizes hands-on experience in outdoor activities.
- Opportunities to achieve professional outdoor adventure qualifications.
- Industry partnerships and guest lectures provide practical insights into the professional world.
- Focus on developing leadership, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation skills.
Careers:
- Diverse career options in outdoor adventure & recreation, educational, youth development, travel, environmental, charity, social enterprises, and businesses.
- Opportunities as outdoor activity instructors, guides, youth workers, educators, expedition leaders, social entrepreneurs, and business professionals.
- Potential for further study in postgraduate programs and research pathways in outdoor adventure and related fields.
Conclusion
The Outdoor Adventure BSc (Hons) program at Ulster University provides a comprehensive and practical education for those passionate about pursuing careers in the exciting and dynamic field of outdoor adventure.
Ulster University
Overview:
Ulster University is a public university in Northern Ireland with campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry, and a dedicated Sports Village. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research opportunities. The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation, ranking in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact.
Services Offered:
Ulster University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available at all campuses.Sports Services:
The university boasts a dedicated Sports Village with various facilities and memberships.Student Union:
The Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU) offers a variety of support services and social activities.Student Wellbeing:
The university provides support services for student mental health and well-being.Digital Services:
Students have access to online resources and services through the university portal.Library Services:
The university library offers a wide range of resources and support for learning, teaching, and research.Employability and Careers Advice:
The university provides guidance and support for students seeking employment opportunities.Global Partnerships:
The university offers opportunities for international students and partnerships with other institutions.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Ulster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
Strong sense of community:
Each campus fosters a welcoming and supportive environment.Active student life:
UUSU organizes various social events, clubs, and societies.Access to facilities:
Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and accommodation.Opportunities for personal development:
The university offers various programs and activities to enhance students' skills and well-being.Key Reasons to Study There:
High-quality education:
Ulster University offers a wide range of programs taught by experienced academics.Strong research focus:
The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation.Vibrant campus life:
Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience.Excellent support services:
The university provides comprehensive support services for students' academic and personal needs.Career-focused approach:
The university emphasizes employability and provides career guidance to students.Academic Programs:
Ulster University offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties, including:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Life and Health Sciences
Ulster University Business School
The university is particularly strong in areas such as:
Nursing and Healthcare
Business and Management
Engineering and Technology
Arts and Humanities
Other:
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
- Ulster University is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
- The university has a dedicated website for alumni and supporters.
- The university offers a range of online courses and resources.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- A Levels: CCC in any subject.
- Applied General Qualifications: RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 suite) with an overall profile of MMM.
- Scottish Highers: Grades CCCCC.
- Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DDD.
- Access to Higher Education (HE): Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course) or overall profile of 45 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course).
- GCSE: GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language.
International Overseas Students (outside the EU):
- The same academic requirements as EU students apply.
- English Language Requirements: Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Other English language tests and equivalent IELTS scores are also recognized.
Additional Entry Requirements:
- An interest in outdoor adventure is expected.
- Ideally, have or be in the process of obtaining a relevant national governing body coaching award.
- Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
- Pass HND with overall Merit to include 15 Distinctions in Level 5 credits.
- Pass HNC with overall Merit to include 45 Distinctions in Level 4 credits.
- A selection process will be employed if the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available places.
- All successful candidates are required to complete a Health Check before starting the course.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International Overseas Students: Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5 is required. Other English language tests and equivalent IELTS scores are also recognized.