University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Outdoor Education

Award	Attendance	Study	Duration	Start	Domestic fees	International fees
MA	On-Campus	find out	find out	find out	find out	find out

About Outdoor Education, MA - at University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Course Overview

The postgraduate Outdoor Education programme has been developed to meet the needs of practitioners and graduates working in outdoor education. It brings together in-depth theoretical study and professional practice to develop a higher level understanding of outdoor education as a distinctively alternative form of learning. Central to the course is a belief in outdoor education as a process of experiential and holistic learning that can help individuals to better understand their personal values, relationships with others and the natural world. The course explores Outdoor Education from a socio-educational perspective and addresses key issues linking individual practice to national and international concerns such as sustainability, the nature of adventure, formalising the informal, professionalism, facilitating experiential learning, relationships with nature and healthy outdoor communities.

Key Features

Part time and full time modes of study
Blended learning approach combining use of eplatforms, course materials and weekend workshops
All workshop weekends are located at Carmarthen Campus and make use of the surrounding hills, forests, rivers and coastline.
Supportive community of postgraduate scholars
Taught modules to support student's professional practice
Assessment tasks linked to individual's professional interests
Optional exit awards - PG Certificate (60 credits), PG Diploma (120 credits) and Master of Arts (180 credits)

Modules

Part One

Philosophical and Cultural Perspectives on Outdoor Education
Facilitating Learning through Experience
Debates in Outdoor Education
Research Methods OR Outdoor Education Internship (subject to approval of Programme Director)

Part Two

Dissertation (60 credits)

Professional Accreditations

Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills.
Work effectively, both independently and with others.
Demonstrate responsibility for their learning and continuing personal and professional development.
Self-appraise and reflect on their practice.
Use information and communication technology (ICT), including word processing, databases, internet communication, information retrieval and online searches.
Interpret and present relevant numerical information.
Develop an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

Course Tutor(s)

Dr Andy Williams
Graham Harvey
Dr Glenda Tinney
Nalda Wainwright

Assessment

The programme uses a range of assessment techniques designed to develop postgraduate level knowledge, skills and competencies. These include: seminar and lead lecture presentations, research proposals, research reports, essays, reflective journals, academic interviews and blogs.

All assessments link theory with practice and require students to undertake empirical research as the basis for further developing their critical skills and an evidence-based personal philosophy of Outdoor Education.

Career Opportunities

The degree would be of particular interest to outdoor professionals who are:

Seeking career advancement as teachers, centre managers, youth workers, community development officers, environmental education officers, adventure guides, outdoor instructors and graduate students.
Wishing to undertake Continuing Professional development
Considering further study at PhD level

It will be of particular interest to outdoor professionals who are:

Inquisitive & critical in their outlook
Inspired by the potential of Outdoor Education to offer an alternative approach to learning & teaching
Motivated to challenge their own beliefs and learn from other cultures

Further Information

As part of their postgraduate studies students have the opportunity to take part in local, national and international expeditions; the development of practical competencies in a range of adventure activities and subsidised National Governing Body training and assessment courses.

Why Trinity Saint David?

More than 30 years experience in the field of Outdoor Education study
Bursary funding available - subject to successful application
Small discussion based study groups
Established and internationally recognised programme
Rural locations close to mountains, cliffs, caves, rivers, coast and sea
National and international profile of course team
Extensive range of professional contacts with local employers and community groups
Active outdoor community involved in expeditions, professional development courses, workshops, research and management development
National and international guest speakers, workshops and events
Vibrant academic community with active research interests

For further information and programme fees contact:

Dr. Andy Williams (Programme Coordinator) on 01267 676647

a.williams@uwtsd.ac.uk

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