PgD Outdoor and Experiential Learning

Program Overview

This part-time PgD Outdoor and Experiential Learning program explores the outdoors through the lens of experiential learning, offering pathways in Outdoor & Experiential Learning, Bushcraft, and Health & Wellbeing. Delivered in-person at the Ambleside campus in the Lake District National Park, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, research skills, and professional development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This PgD Outdoor and Experiential Learning program is designed for individuals who are passionate about the outdoors and helping others develop their potential. The program challenges conventional understanding of outdoor education through the lens of experiential learning. It offers three pathways:

• Outdoor & Experiential Learning: Focuses on environmental empathy, social equality, adventurous journeying, embodiment, outdoor recreation, nature-culture philosophies, colonialism, globalization, and sustainable education.
• Outdoor & Experiential Learning (Bushcraft): Delves into both practical and theoretical aspects of the emerging academic field of Bushcraft, exploring its implications for education, therapy, commerce, and recreation.
• Outdoor & Experiential Learning (Health & Wellbeing): Offers a reflective exploration of the student's therapeutic relationship with the outdoors, emphasizing personal and planetary well-being.
It examines historical, traditional, and contemporary perspectives of nature-based psychotherapies and therapeutic landscapes.

Outline:

Content:

• Explores personal and social development through cultural, environmental, and outdoor educational theories.
• Extends understanding of outdoor and experiential learning principles that have recently branched into Health and Wellbeing and Bushcraft education.

Structure:

• Part-time program lasting 1-4 years.
• Offered at the Ambleside campus, located in the Lake District National Park.
• Delivered in-person.

Course Schedule:

• Starts in September.

Modules:

• Introduction to Outdoor and Experiential Learning: Examines the processes and definitions of Outdoor and Experiential Learning.
• The Reflexive Practitioner: Explores the concept of "world views" and their impact on professional practice.
• Know Your Place - Place Responsive Approaches to the Outdoors: Investigates how we and others create space and how different perspectives shape our place.
• Histories and Principles of Bushcraft: Explores the history and growth of bushcraft as a practice and ideology.
• Therapeutic Opportunities in the Outdoors: Provides a reflective exploration of individual therapeutic relationships with the outdoors.
(Includes a residential aspect).
• Independent Inquiry: Supports students in planning, conducting, and writing up applied research or evaluation projects within the field.
• Dissertation: Involves the design and execution of a substantial independent supervised research project.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods: A blend of formative and summative assessment tasks are used throughout the course.
• Assessment criteria: Students are expected to demonstrate critical analysis, evaluation, creativity, and autonomy in their assessments.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Combines lectures, seminars, and outdoor experiences.
• Faculty: The program is led by experienced and passionate educators who are experts in their respective fields.

Other:

• The program prioritizes hands-on and skills-based learning.
• It emphasizes the development of high-level research skills and evidence-based research.
• Students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some textbooks.
Additional costs may be incurred for field trips, membership fees, and other optional course components.
• Core textbooks are available through the University's library, but students may choose to buy copies of any texts used in the course.
• Students should budget for stationery and consumables, as well as printing and photocopying costs.

Tuition Fees 2024 - 2025 £4,480 - UK The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs. Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.