Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education

Overview

There are three possible exit levels:

• Certificate (60 credits)
• Diploma (120 credits)
• Masters (180 credits)

The Certificate programme provides a broad theoretical coverage of the field of study.

The Diploma extends this with further academic study and a Professional Development Programme (involving field courses such as canoeing, introduction to group leadership and navigation techniques, and a teaching placement/practicum), which provides a broad base for a professional career in outdoor environmental and sustainability education.

The Masters extends this further still with a dissertation.

What will I learn?

The emphasis - whether Certificate, Diploma, or Masters - is on developing the knowledge, understanding, and judgement necessary to facilitate meaningful learning in, for, and through the outdoors.

You will consider a range of connected subject areas as well as the particular demands for teaching these in a variety of settings, from schools, residential centres, and ranger sites, to charitable/not-for-profit organisations.

You will develop your intellectual skills through critically assessing theoretical, professional, and academic issues while honing transferable skills such as environmental literacy and oral communication.

You will also expand your understanding and personal practice of educating outdoors through a range of professional development activities.

Courses take place at our Edinburgh campus and multiple bases in the Highlands of Scotland from where you will journey by boat or on foot to live and learn in the outdoors.

Career opportunities

Graduates are employed worldwide in all aspects of the Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education sector, such as in residential outdoor education centres, wilderness expeditions, environmental education programmes, and school, college and university outdoor education programmes.

Examples of recent graduate roles include:

• conservation work (public and charitable organisations, UK and international)
• education/environmental policy development
• environmental education programmes
• management development
• National Outdoor Leadership School
• non-profit organisations (environmental and/or personal & social development focused)
• organisations working with marginalised young people
• Outward Bound
• self-employed in guiding/interpretation/education
• summer camp organisations
• therapeutic work with young people and adults

Completion of the MSc degree will enable you to continue onto advanced research. You will also develop highly transferable skills, such as communication and project management, which can be applied in any field.

Accreditation

This programme benefits from affiliation with the University's Global Environment and Society Academy.