Programme Brochure [pdf] - University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Postgraduate Outdoor Education
• Postgraduate Certificate in Outdoor Education
• Postgraduate Diploma in Outdoor Education
• MA Outdoor Education
• MPhilosophy / PhD Outdoor Education
0300 500 1822 www.tsd.ac.uk

OUTDOOR EDUCATION
About the programme
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.
The programme is the only one of its kind in Wales. It attracts students from as
far a-field as Europe, the Indian sub-continent and North America as well as local
practitioners. It is taught within the Centre for Outdoor Education Research
(COER) 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. Over the last decade the Centre has worked closely
with the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential
Learning (EOE) and the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) to raise the profile of
Outdoor Education in the UK and abroad.
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.
Key features
Flexible postgraduate opportunities throughout Wales:
• Part-time and full-time modes of study
• Weekend and distance learning
• Accessible locations in south and north Wales
• Modules to suit students professional practice and individual needs
• Taught or research based study options
• Optional expeditions and skills development opportunities
www.tsd.ac.uk
2 | Modules
• Philosophical and Cultural Perspectives on Outdoor Education
• Facilitating Learning through Experience
• Issues and Practice in Outdoor Education
• Researching Outdoor Practice
• Outdoor Education Internship
• Dissertation

Programme structure
The programme is modular and has three named awards:
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
• Postgraduate Certificate 2 taught modules (60 credits)
• Postgraduate Diploma 4 taught modules (120 credits)
• MA Outdoor Education 4 taught modules + dissertation (180 credits)
Students study the Dissertation module (60 credits)
after completing the postgraduate Diploma
• MPhilosophy / PhD by research
Location
Weekend residentials are based at the Trinity Saint David campus in Carmarthen,
South Wales and the Urdd site in Bala, NorthWales.
Who is it for
The degree would 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
• Seeking to gain a higher level academic qualification to enhance their career
prospects
• Working as teachers, centre managers, youth workers, community
development officers, environmental education officers, adventure guides and
graduate students.
Entry requirements for the programmes are dependant on the background of
individual applicants and consideration is given to professional and recreational
experience, prior educational awards, written and verbal communication skills
and career aspirations. Applicants must be interviewed to be accepted on to the
programme.
Why Trinity Saint David
• More than 30 years experience in the field of Outdoor Education study
• 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
• Bursary funding available - subject to successful application
www.tsd.ac.uk

Further Information
For further information and programme fees contact:
Dr Andy Williams (Programme Coordinator)
01267 676647 a.williams@tsd.ac.uk
Or see programme details available at
www.tsd.ac.uk/en/courses/postgraduatecourses/maoutdooreducation