MA Outdoor Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Outdoor Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Outdoor Education
Centre for Outdoor Education Research
About the course
The MA Outdoor Education has been developed to meet the needs of practitioners and graduates working in outdoor education in the UK. It brings together in-depth theoretical study and work based practice to develop a higher level applied understanding of outdoor education. Central to the course is a belief in outdoor education as a process of experiential and holistic learning to help practitioners better understand their personal values, and relationships with others and the natural world. The course explores Outdoor Education as a socio-cultural phenomenon within the UK and other countries, 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 and relationships with nature.
The MA Outdoor Education degree is the only postgraduate programme of its kind in Wales and attracts students from the UK, Europe, the Indian sub-continent and North America, as well as local practitioners. It is taught within the Centre for Outdoor Education Research whose aim is the further study of Outdoor Education as a medium for personal learning, improved health and well-being, community development and environmental sustainability. The Centre works closely with the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning (EOE) and the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOLWales), to raise the profile of Outdoor Education in the UK and abroad. Among the Centre’s recent work linked to the MA programme has been the hosting of the 9th annual conference of the EOE (2008), IOL research forum (2007), pilot projects linked to community development and widening access, research into solo camping experiences and postgraduate learning in Outdoor Education, as well as workshops on adventure therapy, experiential learning and professional training events.
In addition to their studies, postgraduate students have the opportunity to take part in a range of additional activities including: local, national and international expeditions organised by staff and students; the development of practical competencies in a range of adventure activities; National Governing Body training and assessment courses, and the enhancement of their broader inter-personal, instructional and group management skills.
Programme framework
The programme is modular and has three named awards, as follows:
- Postgraduate Certificate: 2 taught modules (60 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma: 4 taught modules (120 credits)
- Master's Degree: 4 taught modules + dissertation (180 credits)
Programme modules
OE-701: Philosophical and Cultural Perspectives on Outdoor Education (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to gain a deeper theoretical insight into different philosophical and cultural perspectives on outdoor education. The module will consider outdoor education as a site of cultural struggle with particular attention on the civilization/wilderness dichotomy and the modern, western view of outdoor education. Alternative cultural forms of outdoor education will be identified and connections made to a range of disciplines including cultural studies, critical education, deep ecology, spiritualism and feminism. New and challenging conceptions of outdoor education will be examined focusing on a range of post-modernist perspectives including Critical Outdoor Education, Friluftsliv, Dramaturgy and Neo-Hanhnian theory.
OE-702 Facilitating Learning through Experience (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to explore the theoretical, philosophical and practical applications of facilitation in outdoor experiential learning in order to enable students to critically reflect on practical experiences within a theoretical context. Course discussions will consider a range of theoretical frameworks that underpin experiential learning and facilitation, including: experiential education, personal and social development, interpersonal skills, group work and therapy, as well as an exploration of the role of the facilitator and facilitation skills. Students will engage in critical reflection and analysis of personal experiences as the basis for professional development.
This module requires the student to work with a group in an appropriate outdoor experiential programme. The course team are available to assist in contacting local groups.
OE-703 Issues and Practice in Outdoor Education (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to critically examine a range of issues problematic to current and future outdoor education practice at local, national and international levels. Issues considered include the development of outdoor education as a profession and the emergence of the IOL in the UK; traditional and changing experiences of adventure within outdoor education (including Adventure Therapy) and the use of, and reliance upon, modern technology in relation to the learner experience. Broader interpretations of sustainability (cultural, economic, political and social) linking outdoor education programme design and future developments are identified and opportunities to incorporate sustainable practice highlighted. The contribution of outdoor education to meeting political targets for social inclusion, equality of opportunity, improved health and active lifestyles are discussed and linked to a diverse range of programmes including the Black Environment Network and Greenspace initiatives.
OE-704 Action Research for Practitioners (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to enable practitioners to use action research to critically reflect upon and develop professional practice. Course content will include a critical evaluation of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, an examination of the action research cycle and how to write a research paper as a prelude to the student undertaking a small, self-directed action research project. Group tutorials will provide the opportunity for groups of students to discuss and share their research work, engage in group problem solving and gain support and advice from the course tutor.
This module requires the student to work with a group in an appropriate outdoor programme. The course team are available to assist in contacting local groups.
OE-705: Dissertation (60 credits)
The aim of the Dissertation is to provide an opportunity for students to undertake in depth research on a topic of their choice. Each student will be allocated a supervisor with expertise in the area who will support the student in developing a research focus, drafting a research proposal, undertaking the research study and writing up the research findings. Supervisor and student will work together to draw up a dissertation agreement highlighting responsibilities, expectations and timeframe. Individual and group tutorials will be arranged to support the Dissertation research.
Is it for you?
The programme would be of particular interest to professionals with the following traits:
- Inquisitive & critical mind
- Inspired by the potential of Outdoor Education to offer an alternative approach to learning & teaching
- Motivated to improve their own practice and learn from other cultures / practitioners
- Seeking to gain a higher level academic qualification to enhance their career prospects
- Working as teachers, centre managers, youth workers, community development officers, environmental educators, adventure facilitators graduate students etc.
Entry requirements for the programmes are dependant on the background of individual applicants. Consideration is given to professional, recreational and voluntary experience, undergraduate degree, written and verbal communication skills and motivation for applying, as appropriate. All applicants will be invited for an interview.
Mode of Study
1-2 years full time
2 years (minimum) and 4 years (maximum) part-time.
The course is delivered in a variety of ways including early evening sessions (4.15-7.15pm) in small tutorial groups, weekend workshops, residentials and coursework undertaken at the student’s place of work / other venue.
Assessment
A variety of assessment formats are used appropriate to the content and learning outcomes of different modules including project portfolios, reflective journals, seminar presentations, action research proposals and written assignments.
Why Trinity?
- More than 30 years experience in the field of outdoor education study
- National and international profile of course team
- Rural location close to mountains, cliffs, caves, rivers, coast and sea
- Extensive range of professional contacts with local employers and groups to develop experience
- Active local outdoor community involved in expeditions, courses, workshops, research and management development
- Flexible modes of study
- Small discussion based study groups
- National and international guest speakers, workshops and events
- Diverse local and international student recruitment
- Scholarship, bursary and internship support subject to successful application
- Vibrant academic community with active research interests
- Optional expeditions, activities and skills development opportunities
- Unique in Wales
Programme Aims
The programme aims to:
- provide students with an integrated and critically aware understanding of outdoor education issues and assist them in becoming effective educators in their workplace;
- provide students with a firm academic foundation in outdoor educational and societal issues as they have developed in Wales, the United Kingdom and internationally;
- enable students to undertake advanced study of outdoor educational practice and the changing external context in which it operates;
- develop students’ ability to apply knowledge and understanding to improve outdoor education practice within a variety of contexts;
- enhance students’ understanding of key texts and concepts which form the basis of outdoor education theory within a variety of contexts;
- enhance students’ transferable skills of research, interpretation, and critical evaluation;
- develop students’ intellectual skills, including critical reasoning, analysis, creativity and reflection.
Learning Outcomes
Relevant knowledge, understanding and skills
On completion of this programme, students will be able to:
- demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of educational contexts, the external context in which they operate and how they are managed;
- demonstrate critical awareness of key themes, debates, and methods of relevant enquiry to the discipline and, where appropriate, related disciplines;
- demonstrate an appropriate knowledge of educational concepts within their social and cultural environments;
- demonstrate critical comprehension of cross-disciplinary issues relating to outdoor education;
- summarise, present, and interpret a range of primary and secondary sources, including materials from different disciplines;
- demonstrate an appropriate range of cognitive, critical and intellectual skills, research skills and relevant personal and interpersonal skills.
Intellectual (thinking) skills
The specific intellectual skills associated with this programme will allow students to:
- respond to arguments, concepts and paradigms, and to critically evaluate them in terms of academic evidence;
- develop the ability to synthesise information, and to interpret and critically analyse texts, from a variety of sources;
- develop the ability to critically analyse and question concepts, arguments, and theories encountered in the programme;
- create and develop research ideas which will contribute to the body of knowledge on outdoor education;
- direct and manage their own learning and ongoing professional development;
- show critical awareness of their own responses to outdoor education, teaching and learning within a variety of contexts and be willing to accommodate new principles and understandings.
Professional/Vocational skills
The specific professional/vocational skills associated with this programme will allow students to:
- meet the challenges that contemporary outdoor educators face;
- engage pro-actively in debates and projects relating to the profession;
- demonstrate ability to retrieve, sift, and select information from a variety of sources;
- analyse and interpret primary and secondary data;
- demonstrate competence in using ICT effectively in presentation and communication;
- plan and undertake small scale research projects.
Key/Common skills
The specific key/common skills associated with this programme will allow students to:
- communicate information, ideas, arguments, principles and theories by a variety of means: for example, essays which are clearly organised and presented;
- communicate information, ideas, principles and theories by appropriate oral and visual means;
- identify, gather and discuss primary data and source material, whether through textual studies or fieldwork;
- manage time, work to deadlines, and prioritise;
- attend to and reflect on the ideas and arguments of others;
- work collaboratively as a member of a team or group;
- undertake independent study (including time management) and reflect on one’s strengths and weaknesses as a learner;
- use library resources in order to identify source material, compile bibliographies, inform research and enhance presentations;
- use IT and computer skills for data capture, to identify source material and support research presentations.
Fees
Fees are reviewed annually - please contact us for details.
Further information
Dr Andy Williams
01267 676647
a.williams@trinity-cm.ac.uk
or the Faculty Office 01267 676696
Main Switchboard 01267 676767
This information is intended as a guide only. Please contact us to discuss the course.
International Applications
We welcome applications from international students. This course can be studied as part of a Graduate Studies Programme which includes cultural and social experiences in Wales and other parts of the UK.
For further details please contact:
International Office
Tel: 0044 1267 676601
E-mail: international@trinity-cm.ac.uk
