In this developmental course, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the multi-disciplinary field of outdoor environmental education through scenario-based learning. You’ll be encouraged to make meaningful connections between theory and experiential activities. For example, you could be asked to deliver a project through the lens of an educator, policy writer, government official or stakeholder. This will give you a valuable insight into the complexity of situations and how to deliver measurable outcomes. Our course is designed with memorable and rich learning experiences at its heart. For example, you’ll design and manage learning activities as part of a ‘pop up’ outdoor environmental education centre at the University. Our unique curriculum offers transformative experiences for you to draw upon both as a learner and an educator.

You’ll immerse yourself in self-managed projects. Even while learning, we’ll be expecting you to make a social contribution. Each assignment is audience led, focussing on the requirements of an employer or public stakeholder. You’ll be encouraged to collect evidence and demonstrate your knowledge in a variety of ways. For example, you may choose the written word to demonstrate your understanding, or perhaps a podcast, video or photo essay is more your style? We encourage a creative approach to assignments, giving you the platform to make a social contribution in a powerful way.

We adopt a partnership approach to teaching and learning, which spans online, face-to-face and fieldwork activities. Our enriching environment inspires personal and professional growth through co-production. We’ll help you identify your passion, your core values and your voice within the sector. Throughout your journey, you’ll be encouraged to work with organisations and employers to gain industry knowledge, expert feedback, real-life experience and contacts. We really do believe that employer and sector collaboration is fundamental to our programme. In fact, our course has been influenced by the work of national organisations, like RSPB and YHA and we hope you’ll gain knowledge and experience of their work. We’ll invite you to attend a seminar series delivered by experts and practitioners in the field. This will increase your understanding of research, policy and practice.  Together we’ll tackle complex and diverse topics. When you graduate, you’ll feel ready to become nature’s ally and step confidentially into the world of environmental education. Whichever sector you chose to continue your path, we’ll put you on the right footing to make a positive contribution. We will support you to plan your professional journey.

There is a rising demand for outdoor environmental education provision, from early years to life-long learning. Education policies around the globe are highlighting the need to engage with nature and mitigate the future climate crisis. This rewarding sector covers every aspect of life. From sport and leisure, hospitality and tourism to conservation, local government, education, healthcare and wellbeing.

The practical fieldwork experience you’ll gain in farmland, peri-urban, waterscapes and cities will stand you in good stead for careers in an abundance of sectors. In the field of education, you could work in mainstream and special education, alternative provision, higher education, adult learning centres, home-schooling networks and organised youth activities. In leisure, you could work for an adventure education provider. While in the environment sector, you could work for a wildlife trust as an education officer. You could begin to lay the groundwork as an entrepreneur and develop plans to start your own environmental education business or charity. Wherever you imagine yourself working, whoever you imagine helping, the outdoor sector holds a plethora of opportunities for making a positive contribution in society and in nature.

This is a developmental course, which incorporates and builds on the PgCert award. In two semesters, full time (four semesters part-time), you’ll build a strong foundation in outdoor environmental education theory and practice. You’ll be able to see the results of your work in a short space of time. Best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to continue your studies onto the mastery course, the MSc, if you want. This developmental course will give you knowledge and inspiration to re-energise your current role while providing the foundation for further study. So whether you’re a teaching assistant looking for news ideas to engage the students you work with, or a coach, outdoor leader or teacher looking for development opportunities, this course is for you.

What job can I get?

This course gives you the flexibility to apply your passion for the great outdoors to any role. Whether you want to be a forest school leader or lead guided walks for the over 50’s, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of being a park ranger, a farm educator or running an educational programme for visitors at a nature reserve? Maybe you imagine working with nature to improve mental health. If so, you could work as a lifestyle coach, an outdoor counsellor or a community activator. Perhaps you have an idea for a programme, an activity or an event? Whatever your goal, together we’ll create the right environment for you to thrive. Wherever your dream is to work, we’ll give you the skills to get there.

You may want to apply the knowledge you gain from this course into your current job. For example, if you’re an early childhood practitioner, primary, secondary or specialist teacher, every subject you teach can benefit from using the natural world to inspire. Incorporating outdoor activities in the curriculum, whether it be through the Duke of Edinburgh award, a citizen science programme or the first 10 minutes of a lesson, can help focus, stimulate and encourage new ways of thinking and learning. You’ll help your learners gain a meaningful connection with their mind, nature and physical activity so they can reach their full potential. Whatever you chose to do, we’ll set you on a path to discover a new world of possibility.