Outdoor and Experiential Learning

Why study with us?

An opportunity to study outdoor and experiential learning in the English Lake District! Outdoor Studies has a long history that began in the 60’s with a year long full time postgraduate course for teachers and other professionals. The tradition of postgraduate studies has returned with a new suite of modules and courses. The core of this provision is a MA in Outdoor and Experiential Learning.

The programme has been designed to support people involved or interested in Outdoor Studies or Experiential Learning to develop the knowledge and skills relevant to the development and provision of effective and inspiring courses in a wide range of settings. Applications are welcome from professional backgrounds such as nursing, social work, youth work, development training, education, outdoor instruction, training and the services. People considering career progression or a change will also find these courses an effective way to support their aspirations 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. The course can be studied full time or part time. Modules are taught in one week blocks. You are also welcome to apply to take modules individually.

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 programme consists of 7 core modules and two further optional modules.

Module title (Options subject to availability)

Experiential Learning (Core)
Critical Perspectives of Outdoor Learning (Core)
Know your Place:Landscape Interpretation for Outdoor Practitioners (Option)
Working with Adventure (Option)
The Reflective Practitioner Core Outdoor Curriculum Development (Core) Greening Outdoor Practice (Option)
Experiential Learning in Society (Option)
Perceptions of Extreme Adventure (Option)
Independent Study (Option)
Planning an Enquiry (Core)
Dissertation (Core) Course summary This course will extend understanding and challenge both existing professionals and new entrants to the field. It will help you to apply innovative strategies in outdoor practice and to integrate them into other spheres of teaching and learning. The modules will encourage critical thinking through different perspectives in examining outdoor learning in relation to professional practice. The course is intended to enhance and consolidate prior learning and practice towards further creativity, philosophical stances and methodologies. It will enable students to progress as specialists in outdoor and experiential learning or to apply new thinking to their practices.

The course will approach outdoor learning through experience and as a learning community through the utilisation of outdoor environments and activities as contexts, wherever possible. Students should be enthusiastic participants; there is no required level of outdoor technical skills, although graduates of outdoor-related degrees will find this course ideal for developing new skills and competences.

The outdoors has a long history of being widely used as a context in which people can learn and develop themselves, others and the environment. The course will provide you with a thorough understanding of outdoor and experiential learning applied to the personal and social development of people in the outdoor professional field. It is designed for those wishing to broaden their practice and understanding of outdoor & experiential learning and provides options for those who wish to specialise in the environmental or adventure aspects of learning.

The programme will be taught by core staff of the Outdoor Studies Quality Group together with key visiting lecturers. Teaching will involve lectures, seminars, practicals and field trips.

Candidates can exit after 3 modules with a PGC Outdoor Learning and, after 6 modules, with a PGD Outdoor and Experiential Learning. There are opportunities for PhD research after achievement of a masters qualification Programme specification

Download the 2013 - 14 timetable.