Outdoor and Experiential Learning (European)

Why study with us? If you are interested in becoming a specialist in outdoor and experiential learning, or you want to apply new thinking to your practice, then this is the course for you. It uses the outdoors and field activities as its context, rather than teaching the skills of outdoor activities. You need only be an enthusiastic participant and need not have pre-existing outdoor technical skills.

The course uses approaches typical of outdoor learning, with accompanied, student-centred learning through experience and as a learning community. The aim is to enhance and consolidate your prior learning and practice, study philosophical stances and methodologies, and encourage further creativity and critical thinking. The course provides stimulating, intermediate study at postgraduate level. Resources and facilities

Read the latest issue of the Outdoor Studies Postgraduate Newsletter.

Entry requirements

1st or 2nd class honours degree

Students with other qualifications may be admitted to the course via APL procedures

More about levels and credits

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 120 credits Selection criteria

Degree and/or relevant professional work experience required.

Applications are welcome from people with a good first degree (normally U.K. 2:2 or above) and/or relevant work experience. It is hoped that the courses will attract students from a variety of backgrounds and first degree subject areas from outdoor related areas through to youth work, social work, education and those with more philosophical backgrounds. International students are welcome to apply. Modules are taught in one week blocks.

A fee discount is offered to graduates of the University of Cumbria. Holders of undergraduate degrees obtained since 2008 can obtain a 20 percent discount on their first postgraduate course of study. Additional contact information Visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/outdoorstudies
Name: Heather Prince, Course Leader
Email: heather.prince@cumbria.ac.uk
UCAS Link

Visit UCAS

Modules The early modules will extend understanding and challenge students to apply innovative strategies in outdoor practice and in other spheres of teaching and learning. The European Study and optional modules will encourage critical thinking through different cultural perspectives and experiences. They will enable students to progress as specialists in outdoor and experiential learning or to apply new thinking to their practices especially in the context of international and cross-cultural perspectives.

As well as the core modules, options are available to build a course that optimises your own interest or practice. The European option allows you to study for a semester in another culture at either Philipps University in Marburg, Germany (Bildung und Erlebnispaedagogik) or the Norwegian School of Sport Science in Oslo (Friluftsliv). This can result in one or two modules of credit for the diploma. The visit may be supported by an Erasmus grant. In turn, students from Marburg and Oslo come to study with you in Ambleside.

The programme consists of 6 core modules plus the European Study double module and one optional module.

Core Modules:
Experiential Learning
Critical Perspectives of Outdoor Learning
The Reflective Practitioner
Outdoor Curriculum Development
Planning an Enquiry Dissertation (double module) European study (double module)

Optional modules (one from, subject to availability):
Know your Place
Working with Adventure
Greening Outdoor Practice
Experiential Learning in Society
Perceptions of Extreme Adventure
Independent Stud Course summary This is an exciting opportunity to study the practice of Outdoor Education in both the UK and another European country with leading academics. Outdoor Learning has roots in many different countries including many in Europe. The historical, cultural and environmental differences between each country have led to a diverse range of values, practices and purposes. Studying these can lead to a more informed practice when working in, or accompanying groups visiting, another culture and can prepare you to work throughout Europe. It can also inform our understanding of human nature relations in different contexts.

A critical appraisal of the processes of cultural exchange in this field can help us to understand cultural interactions particularly as some practices have been borrowed from, or imposed on, other cultures and landscapes. In addition, it can also provide a critical starting point to reflect on our own traditions. The study of different traditions can also lead to new possibilities for both.

Students will spend a semester in either Philipps University, Marburg, Germany or the Oslo School of Sport Science, Norway studying with their Outdoor Studies masters programmes in English. Students from these two schools will also study with us in the UK. The exchange may be supported by an Erasmus grant.

The course can followed full time (18 months to two years depending on the exchange arrangements) or part time. It is possible to exit after 3 modules with a PGC Outdoor Learning and, after 6 modules, with a PGD Outdoor and Experiential Learning (European). There are opportunities for PhD research after achievement of a masters qualification.