Outdoor Experiential and Sustainability Education University of Cumbria

Overview

Based in the heart of the Lake District, this globally minded programme in Outdoor Experiential and Sustainability Education from University of Cumbria blends cutting-edge research with practical experience, providing a unique opportunity to explore the intersections of education, ecology, adventure, and sustainability in one of the world’s most celebrated natural and cultural landscapes.

Through place-based interdisciplinary study, and research-driven inquiry, this MA will equip you to inspire sustainable practices, lead transformative education, and create meaningful change—whether in schools, outdoor education, environmental organisations, or policy-making spaces. Join us for a one-year full-time course that will not only advance your career but reshape the way you see education, sustainability, and the natural world.

On this course you will...

• See the world differently. Through debate, creative reflection, and hands-on engagement with diverse cultural, ecological, and political perspectives, students will develop the critical and adaptive thinking required to influence global sustainability conversations.
• Engage with the latest research and critical debates in outdoor and sustainability education, developing the analytical skills needed to challenge existing paradigms and shape new educational practices.
• Move beyond conventional exams and coursework. This MA embraces open and creative assessment methods, including reflective practice, collaborative research, and immersive field-based projects.
• Be equipped with specialist knowledge and applied expertise, preparing them for careers in outdoor and sustainability education, environmental communication, creativity and storytelling, and adventurous learning, as well as further research and academic pathways.
• Have direct access to more than 150 peaks, 16 lakes, and countless rivers—a natural learning environment that fosters deep personal and professional growth.