Outdoor Adventure Leadership & Management BSc (Hons)

Work in the dynamic, physically and emotionally challenging field of outdoor adventure leadership and management by studying this broad, vocationally-based course.

You will develop an understanding of the scientific and business context of outdoor adventure activities, with the chance to gain skills and experience in both water and land-based activities.

In the final year, you will conduct an Expedition Studies module and a research project in an area of your choice. Choose from a range of modules to suit your interests in areas such as development training, adventure tourism, disability and business and enterprise.

We also offer an opportunity to study at one of our international partner institutions in an exciting new development in Year 2.

Local and national employers have been consulted in course development. A programme of optional coaching courses runs alongside the course enabling students to achieve relevant National Governing Body Awards.

Location of study

The course is run in association with Hereford College of Technology (Holme Lacy campus). To view the course, please visit the Holme Lacy website.

It is based at the University of Worcester with practical activities run in Herefordshire. The Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley are prime areas for exploring outdoor adventure.

Factfile
Entry requirements
Course content
Student views
Earn as you learn

UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Management BSc (Single Honours) XN92 BSc/OALM

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

The course is run in association with Herefordshire College of Technology (Holme Lacy campus). It is based at the University of Worcester with practical activities run in Herefordshire. The Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley are prime areas for exploring outdoor adventure.

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Lee Pritchard
Course Manager
Herefordshire College of Technology - Holme Lacy Campus
0800 032 1986
enquiries@hct.ac.uk

240 UCAS Tariff points including GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade C or above.

Modules

Year 1
Understanding Weather & Climate
Personal Land-Based Techniques – Rock Climbing
Outdoor Adventure Management Systems
Personal Land-Based Techniques – Hill Walking
Personal Water-Based Techniques – Canoeing
Scientific Foundations of Outdoor Adventure Activities
Personal Water-Based Techniques – Kayaking
Foundations of Outdoor Adventure

Year 2
Research Methods
Land Based Leadership Techniques
Water Based Coaching Techniques
Physiology of Outdoor Adventure Activities Performance
Adventure, Recreation and the Environment
Work Experience (Outdoor Adventure)
Psychology of Outdoor Adventure
Outdoor Adventure Management

Year 3
The Sports Entrepreneur
Issues In Sport
Adventure Tourism
Development Training in Outdoor Adventure
Outdoor Adventure & Disability
Expedition Studies
Independent Study (taken over two semesters)
Independent Study (taken in one semester)

Assessment

Coursework assignments
Practical activities
Individual and group presentations
Case studies
Reports
Exams

Tom Folker

Student, Outdoor Adventure Leadership & Management BSc (Hons)

“My course offers great opportunities for the development of key skills needed for working in the outdoor industry. As well as academic studies, I get to take part in a range of exciting outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, hill-walking and climbing.”

Academic department

Institute of Sport & Exercise Science

"We are proud of our strong reputation for sporting excellence. Our mission is to enhance the knowledge, skills and understanding of our students so they can
continue to make a meaningful contribution to society at all levels.”
Mick Donovan, Head of Institute

Employability

Previous graduates have secured work in Local Authorities, outdoor centres, commercial activity centres, as trek leaders, at holiday companies, in development training organisations, Higher Education, self-employment and teaching.

Alternatively, you may wish to continue to postgraduate study and other professional qualifications.

This course provides plenty of opportunities for students to earn whilst studying – and most do.

Coaching qualifications:

Most students work in the outdoor industry during their studies and in order to do this they need coaching qualifications.

In all three years of study, students have the opportunity to gain recognised coaching awards: BCU kayak and canoe coaching awards, ML, CWA, as well as first aid and safety courses.

Whilst the assessments are not included in the course, most of the skills are covered in the taught content of the course and students are encouraged to gain coaching awards when they are ready.

Paid vacation work:

At the end of the first year, students complete a professional placement in an appropriate organisation. This is arranged by students and is generally paid. Almost all of our students work in the summer, mostly in outdoor adventure, about half work abroad and some work for the same place where they did their placement.

Types of jobs that our current students do in the vacations include: Outdoor instructors/guides, Camp Counsellors and Outdoor retail.

Paid Term-time work:

Most of our students work in the term time. The majority do more than one job and mix jobs that are linked to their course with those that have regular hours or where they earn more.

Types of jobs that our current students do in the term time include: Retail and service industry (pubs & shops), Sessional outdoor instruction, Climbing centre staff, Student ambassadors and working for the university, Running own businesses and mountain bike guides.