Outdoor Education MSc

For over 45 years, the Postgraduate Diploma in Outdoor Education, and for over 20 years, the MSc in Outdoor Education, have been the world's leading postgraduate programme in the field, providing a broad base for a professional career in outdoor education.

There are three possible exit levels: Certificate (60 credits), Diploma (120 credits), or Masters (180 credits). The Certificate programme provides a broad theoretical coverage of the field of outdoor education. The Diploma extends this with further academic study and a Professional Development Programme (involving field courses such as a canoe descent of the River Spey, winter hillwalking, and a teaching placement/practicum), which provides a broad base for a professional career in outdoor education. The Masters extends this further still with a dissertation.

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 develop your intellectual skills through critically assessing theoretical, professional, and academic issues surrounding outdoor education while honing transferable skills such as environmental literacy and oral communication. You will also expand your understanding and personal practice of outdoor education through a range of professional development activities.

Career opportunities

Graduates are employed worldwide in all aspects of the Outdoor Education sector, such as in residential outdoor education centres, wilderness expeditions, and school, college, and university outdoor education programmes. Many of our graduates return to their previous profession, but move into a different aspect of that field as a result of their increased knowledge, experience and qualification.

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.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, as well as outdoor education experience.