| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership program at the University of Cumbria equips students with practical skills and knowledge in outdoor activities, leadership, and coaching techniques. Through a blend of theory and practice, students develop competency in mountaineering, sailing, caving, and paddling while exploring the Cumbrian outdoors. The program prepares graduates for careers in the outdoor sector, including outdoor leadership, adventure tourism, and environmental education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership program is designed for individuals with a passion for outdoor adventure, leadership, and environmental responsibility. The program emphasizes developing practical skills and knowledge in outdoor activities, leadership, and coaching techniques. It prepares graduates for a career in the outdoor sector.
Objectives:
- Develop outdoor and leadership skills, knowledge, and experience.
- Enhance competency in mountaineering, climbing, sailing, caving, and paddling.
- Explore the Cumbrian outdoors while developing academic, critical-thinking, and valuable life skills.
- Learn to successfully lead people using the latest coaching best practices.
- Acquire valuable commercial and entrepreneurial skills, enhancing employability.
Outline:
The program is a three-year full-time degree offered at the University of Cumbria's Ambleside campus. It seamlessly blends theory and practice, using a range of adventurous outdoor activities to promote learning.
Year One:
- Outdoor Adventure Skills and Learning (Water): Introduces fundamental water activities and explores the nature of adventure.
- Outdoor Adventure Skills and Learning (Land): Develops skills in land-based activities and examines principles of skill development.
- Living and Working in Groups Outdoors: Explores group dynamics and teamwork in outdoor settings.
- Outdoor Professional Development: Introduces the outdoor sector, its professions, and essential skills.
- Physiology and Psychology for the Outdoor Leader: Covers human performance and its implications for outdoor activities.
- Outdoor Leadership Theory and Practice 1: Examines the history and philosophy of outdoor leadership, and develops leadership skills.
Year Two:
- Outdoor Leadership Theory and Practice 2: Plans and evaluates a self-organized research expedition.
- Psychological Applications in Outdoor Contexts: Applies psychological theories to leadership in challenging outdoor environments.
- Coaching Individuals and Groups: Develops coaching skills for both individuals and groups in outdoor contexts.
- Evaluating Outdoor Leadership: Analyzes contemporary views of outdoor leadership.
- Research Design: Guides students in designing, conducting, and reporting independent research.
- Traditional and Innovative Approaches to Outdoor Education (Optional): Explores various approaches to outdoor learning, such as adventurous learning, place-based education, and environmental education.
- Sustainable Outdoor Event Management (Optional): Provides practical experience in designing, planning, and delivering sustainable outdoor events.
- Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Health (Optional): Examines the interrelationships between ecological, social, and personal health and well-being.
Year Three:
- Dissertation: Allows students to conduct in-depth research on a chosen topic related to outdoor leadership.
- Coaching and Facilitation in Outdoor Environments: Develops coaching skills for facilitating learning and skill development in outdoor activities.
- Outdoor Leadership Theory and Practice 3: Critiques the outcomes of outdoor programs and the role of the leader.
- Commerce and Employment in the Outdoor Sector (Optional): Explores employment opportunities in the outdoor sector and develops relevant skills.
- Outdoor and Environmental Education (Optional): Examines theory and practice of outdoor and environmental education in formal and non-formal settings.
- Therapeutic Opportunities (Optional): Explores the therapeutic potential of nature-based interventions.
Assessment:
Assessment methods are designed to be creative, balanced, and engaging. They include:
- Essays
- Reports
- Practical tasks
- Poster projects
- Portfolios
- Oral presentations Assessment methods are closely linked to module aims and learning outcomes. The department emphasizes "assessment for learning," aiming to improve student understanding and performance.
Teaching:
The program emphasizes a blended approach of theory and practice, using outdoor activities to promote learning. Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Field trips
- Practical sessions The program's staff team aims to develop students' critical understanding of practice and research within the field while balancing technical and interpersonal skills.
Careers:
The program prepares students for careers in various outdoor-related fields, including:
- Outdoor leadership
- Adventure tourism
- Environmental education
- Conservation
- Wildlife management
- Coaching
- Event management
Other:
- The program is taught at the Ambleside campus, located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake District National Park.
- The program emphasizes a risk vs. benefit approach to working in outdoor settings.
- Students have the flexibility to shape their degree according to their interests and career goals.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
- Tuition Fees 2024 - 2025 £9,250 - UK £13,575 - International
- 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.
University of Cumbria
Overview:
University of Cumbria is a public university located in the northwest of England. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its commitment to supporting local communities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health, education, arts, science, and business.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Access to academic staff, student finance advice, and accommodation services.Student Life:
A vibrant campus experience with facilities, student support, and opportunities for extracurricular activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa guidance, fees and finance information, and cultural integration support.Research:
Opportunities for postgraduate study and engagement in research projects across various fields.Business & Employer Services:
Support for businesses and employers, including CPD training, apprenticeship programs, and recruitment services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Cumbria offers a diverse campus experience with multiple locations across Cumbria and London. Students can expect:
Beautiful Campuses:
Campuses located in scenic areas, including the Lake District and historic Carlisle.Community Focus:
A strong sense of community with opportunities to engage in local initiatives and events.Facilities:
Access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, studios, and sports centers.Student Support:
A dedicated student support team providing guidance and assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
Emphasis on practical skills development and real-world experience through placements and internships.Strong Industry Links:
Close partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.Focus on Employability:
High graduate employment rates, with a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers.Unique Locations:
Campuses located in inspiring and diverse settings, offering a unique learning experience.Academic Programs:
University of Cumbria offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in the following areas:
Health:
Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, and Health and Social Care.Education:
Teacher Training, Early Years Education, and Special Educational Needs.Arts:
Film, Theatre, Photography, Fine Art, and Creative and Media Arts.Science and Environment:
Wildlife Conservation, Forestry, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science.Business and Leadership:
Business Management, Tourism, Law, Forensics, and Policing.Sport and Rehabilitation:
Sports Science, Sports Coaching, and Rehabilitation.Other:
The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has received various accreditations for its commitment to these values. It also actively participates in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and has a strong focus on knowledge exchange and impact.
Entry Requirements:
- UCAS Tariff points: 104-120
- A-levels: BBD - BBB
- BT-levels: M - All subjects are accepted for entry to this course
- Access to HE: 30 Credits at Distinction, 6 at Merit and 9 at Pass
- CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: BOCR
- Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: MMM - DDMS
- Scottish Highers: BBBC - AABB
- Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – A2, B1x3
Alternative routes:
- Integrated Foundation Year: This option is available for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements.
Fair Admissions:
- The university assesses applications holistically, considering qualifications, work experience, personal statement, and references.
- Conditional offers may be reviewed if students do not meet the required grades/UCAS tariff scores, taking into account mitigating circumstances.
Selection Criteria:
- Demonstrated commitment to the program.
- Personal statement reflecting motivation for choosing the course and relevant experience.
Contextual Admissions:
- The university considers contextual factors, such as postcode region, estranged status, care leaver status, caring responsibilities, and receipt of free school meals, when making admission decisions.
- Offers at the bottom of the UCAS Tariff range may be offered to applicants from underrepresented areas.
- Attendance at Masterclasses and Summer Schools may result in a lower offer within the tariff range.
Returning to Education:
- Students over 21 with relevant employment experience for at least 3 years who do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 may be considered based on prior qualifications and professional experience.
Language Requirements:
- A link is provided to check language requirements for this program, but the specific details are not included in the context provided.
