Outdoor Education MSc

The course offers qualified graduates and suitably experienced professionals the opportunity to develop their academic knowledge, skills and qualifications in order to enhance their careers and become effective and reflective practitioners in Outdoor Education.

The course combines theoretical study and work-based practice to consider contemporary issues and professional practice within Outdoor Education. Students are encouraged to adopt an interdisciplinary approach that draws on a broad range of sources, and to develop higher skills in critical analysis and evaluation.

Throughout the course, students are expected to enter into evidence-based critical debate about outdoor education, research into theory and professional practice and, ultimately, to synthesize these into a detailed and critical reflection within their Advanced Independent Study. A significant proportion of the programme is vocationally focused and student driven.

It is possible to achieve a named ‘International Award.’ In order to meet the criteria, students must complete their professional practice in an international setting and have an international focus to their Independent Study.
  • The Professional Placement enables the student to demonstrate their professional competencies in Outdoor Education through continuing professional development activities
  • The Advanced Independent Study provides opportunities for students to negotiate a project that meets the intended learning outcomes of the module in their area of interest in Outdoor Education

Course Features and Benefits 

  • Full or part-time options 
  • Choice of pathway 
  • Opportunities to be awarded the title ‘International Masters’ 
  • Develop and demonstrate research and critical thinking 
  • Continuing professional development 
  • Flexible modular scheme means you can study at your own pace

International MSc

In order to achieve an ‘International’ award, students must complete their Professional Practice in an international outdoor education setting and their Advanced Independent Study is required to have an ‘International’ Outdoor Education focus.
Students will normally have a 2:1 classification in a sport-related Degree. Students who hold a sport-related Degree classification 2:2 or below, or a non-sport related Degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be required to submit a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate outdoor education experience and long term commitment to Outdoor Education.

All applicants will be interviewed.

Due to the nature of the programme, all students must complete a criminal records bureau enhanced disclosure check prior to acceptance.

If English is not your first language, you will be expected to have reached a sufficient standard on admission to the course (e.g. IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element).

Those with appropriate professional experience may claim for exemption of up to 50% of the taught elements through Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning and would be required to attend an interview.
Experienced Researchers and Tutors

Tutors are academically and professionally well qualified and currently belong to School research interest groups in outdoor education and related fields. Tutors are also currently members of and engaged with an array of professional bodies and employers.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Sessions will be largely based on tutor led seminars but also include visits and IT resources. Tutors will introduce a wealth of advanced and applied material from outdoor education literature and related fields. In addition, students will be encouraged to share their own knowledge and experience and to develop their ideas through discussion and debate.

Assessment

A wide variety of assignment methods are used, including written assignments, data handling assignments, case study, oral presentation, projects and Advanced Independent Study.

Course Facilities

A full range of facilities are on offer at the University of Worcester including a well equipped library with wireless Internet capability for student laptops, allowing for flexibility in your choice of study location. Journals required for this course are available electronically to registered students. The School therefore has excellent facilities for research and the practical study of sports management.

Additional facilities include: a new £2.5 million indoor sports centre, a floodlight synthetic pitch (to FIH standards), an exercise physiology suite (BASES accredited), two further sports science laboratories, nutrition laboratory, teaching rooms, gymnasia and dance studio. The School also hosts the Motion Analysis Research and Rehabilitation Centre (MARRC), a new £2million facility.

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Outdoor Education – successful completion of a minimum of 3 modules
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Outdoor Education - successful completion of a minimum of 6 modules
  • MSc in Outdoor Education - successful completion of 9 modules, including the triple module Advanced Independent Study.
The course is designed to offer qualified graduates and suitably experienced professionals the opportunity to develop their academic knowledge, skills and qualifications in order to enhance their personal career development in Outdoor Education and related fields. The Masters also provides a platform to other research/higher degrees in sport and promotion in other professional organisations.

Through involvement of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Employers Group (SEG), the blend of academic qualification and professional engagement of staff within the programme team has ensured that career considerations are at the forefront of the programme content.

The outdoor sector is worth about £1.4 billion to the UK economy and employs over 50,000 people within 5 component areas: recreation; education; exploration & expeditioning, development training and sports development (SkillsActive 2005). The Institute for Outdoor Learning provides representation for the sector at governmental level as well as a forum for developing good practice and encouraging collaboration between academics and practitioners.

The MSc provides professional development for existing practitioners as well as a career bridge for those wishing to move into Outdoor Education. Posts currently requiring MSc include: lecturers, research posts, management posts and high-end facilitators. Posts for which an MSc is a significant asset include: all management and senior posts; outdoor facility managers, teachers and youth workers, expedition leaders, facilitators, field study tutors, outdoor therapists, development officers and offsite advisers.

In addition the MSc provides professional development for practitioners who wish to develop a greater understanding of the sector in order to develop their own professional practice. This addresses a significant issue within many outdoor companies where senior staff are promoted because of their abilities, but may lack the underpinning theory or experience of a range of providers. With the continued professionalisation of the outdoor sector, effective managers will need the knowledge base and higher level skills necessary for strategic decision making.

 

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Contact Details

For advice and information about the programme please contact:

Colin Wood
Tel: 01905 852235
e-mail: c.wood@worc.ac.uk

Admissions Office
Tel: 01905 855111
e-mail: admissions@worc.ac.uk

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