BA (Hons) Outdoor Adventure Education
Enable others to learn in nature. Study through extensive fieldwork with highly experienced tutors. Your classroom will be Dartmoor National Park, the rivers, and stunning surfing beaches of the Southwest coast.
93% for Academic Support
National Student Survey 2024
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Entry requirements
Three A-levels at grades CCC or above
Or BTEC triple grades MMM or above
Or Access 23-45 with min 6D
Or T-level Pass (C or above on the core)
And GCSE English Language at grade 4 or grade C or above.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and students. All students are expected to share this commitment and demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct.
We will accept 2 AS levels in lieu of one A level but must be accompanied by 2 A Levels or BTECs (General Studies is excluded).
UCAS points 96
UCAS code X391
UCAS institution code P63
Duration 3 years full-time and part-time options available
Full entry requirements
- A DBS check and ISA registration are also required.
- Applications from students with non-traditional qualifications are welcome, such as:
- Long term participation in a sport such as rock climbing, sailing, kayaking, surfing or orienteering.
- Working towards or have achieved Gold DofE Award.
- The Scouts, military cadets, other voluntary organisations that use the outdoors.
Course Summary
Spend three years with like-minded enthusiasts, developing your career in the outdoors. Study an interesting and exciting way of educating people, with active, practical learning, while you grow and develop your skills in natural settings. Marjon’s outdoor education degree is accredited by the Institute for Outdoor Learning.
We are flanked by the stunning scenery of Dartmoor National Park and the beautiful rivers, estuaries and beaches of Devon and Cornwall. Within these inspiring environments and our excellent on-campus facilities, you’ll explore the theory and practice of adventure education and outdoor learning, studying with experienced and passionate tutors. You'll also enjoy free use of a wide range of outdoors equipment.
Exciting adventures will happen. You will undertake expeditions on Dartmoor and in Snowdonia as well as exploring the Devon and Cornwall coastline in a kayak, canoe or sailing dinghy, discovering the best surfing beaches along the way. Additionally you'll have opportunities to study abroad with partner universities in Canada and Iceland and undertake international placements with organisations such as Camp America.
You’ll be guided by experienced and committed professionals, and you’ll be studying with like-minded people. This outdoor education degree attracts students who love thinking and doing, and people who have a great attitude to learning, trying new things and spending time outdoors having an adventure. You don't need lots of experience or fancy equipment, just a great positive attitude!
Why this course at Marjon?
UK and International field trips with an exciting range of outdoor activities on land and water
All technical equipment provided for your own adventures
Independent study in the kayaking pool and climbing wall every week
Experienced and passionate staff - internationally recognised as leaders in the field
Location, location, location - Dartmoor and the Devon and Cornwall coastline!
Our local, regional, national and international networks connect you to employment opportunities
Modules for this course
Course Snapshot
“ The first year of the course was very active as we learnt all the basics in kayaking, canoeing, climbing and navigation, as well as how to academic research and thinking skills. In the second year our basic skills became more advanced through traditional climbing, sea kayaking and mountain biking. In the third year, we got to choose an area to specialise in and we do a placement in an organisation of our choice or we can take the opportunity to learn more about how to run our own business.”
Modules
1st Year
Introduction to Outdoor Adventure Education
Personal Development through Adventure Education
Paddlesport and Experiential Outdoor Education
Outdoor Expeditions: Theory into Practice
Becoming an Outdoor Professional
The Foundations of Coaching and Leading Outdoors
2nd Year
Pedagogy of Place in Outdoor Education
Environmental awareness through adventure sport
Managing and Leading Expeditions on the Water
Leadership and Expeditions in the Mountains
Sustainable Adventure Tourism
Placement Training
Nature Connection: Research in Outdoor Studies
3rd Year
The Advanced Outdoor Professional
Current Issues in Outdoor Adventure Education
Creative Practice in the Outdoors
Placement learning
Outdoor Food: Communities, Culture, and Practice
Honours Project
Current students say...
Rebecca Dowrick
Outdoor Adventure Education as a course has taught me such a wide variety of valuable concepts and perspectives around the outdoors that now influences how I view the world. Expeditions and practical sessions (both land and water-based) on Dartmoor and Devon more broadly have improved my skills and confidence in the outdoor education sector and built my knowledge in a range of topics. The support provided by my lecturers has led to experiences I never before considered attainable.
Jack Garner
One of the best aspects of the course is the practical sessions we engage with. Being so close to the sea and Dartmoor provides quick and easy access to a range of outdoor pursuits. We have plenty of opportunities to gain qualifications and our lectures are excellent at providing us with the experience and skills needed to start working in the outdoor industry right after graduating.
This course is perfect if you're curious about
Why do schools educate indoors?
What makes for an adventure and where does it start?
How do you want to change the world?
Do you really have a comfort zone?
Bear Grylls: is he good or bad for outdoor education?
Why do people think I like getting wet and cold? I have great waterproofs!
“ The Marjon Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning team have been fundamental in developing a dynamic, connected outdoor learning community in the South West. We regularly meet students of this course and on every occasion we have been impressed with the quality of engagement and their passion to learn about the world or outdoor and adventurous learning. I am confident in saying that Marjon really is the hub of outdoor learning in the South West.”
Ask a student
See where our graduates are now
Aaron Stephenson
“Having worked in an outdoor environment before university I had only a basic understanding of the wider outdoor commercial sector. University showed me what is available and what impact I could have on the outdoors. I grew as an instructor while at university and continue to grow and learn from that strong foundation today. I am lucky enough to work with young people and the work I do helps those young people overcome their struggles and at times helps show them how very capable they are.”
Aaron is a Centre Manager for Reach Outdoors.
Ben Hughes
"Although I had previously worked and studied in and around the outdoor industry prior to attending university, the course helped me build my holistic understanding of numerous different sectors of the industry. The course also sparked something inside me that made me enjoy learning for the first time in my life. The lectures on the course and the university have great links within the outdoor industry in the south west, which on the name alone assist you with gaining a good placement."
Ben is the founder of Ru-Slack, a social enterprise.
Izzy Cramp
"I am fascinated by the curiosity that the children display and their natural ability to play, explore and be enthused about the simplest of things. Even in the rain the children are never deterred from going outside. Being at University I was inspired and enthused by the lecturers, encouraged to think for myself and enquire. I was given and made opportunities and experiences which I believe have equipped me for my future."
Izzie is a Learning Outside the Classroom Teacher and Chair of the South West Institute of Outdoor Learning.
What might you become?
A great future awaits you in the great outdoors
Employment opportunities exist in a variety of professions. Recent graduates have gone on to become an outdoor learning tutor in school; outdoor adventure activity instructor with Neilson Holidays, PGL, Outward Bound; expedition leader for a travel company; social enterprise/own business e.g. slacklining with Ru-Slack; police officers with the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary; fire fighters e.g. Cornwall Fire Service and the Armed forces.
You may also undertake postgraduate study such as a PGCE to become a teacher or a Master's degree.
Partnerships
Mountain Training
Mountain Training is the collection of awarding bodies for skills courses and qualifications in walking, climbing and mountaineering in the UK and Ireland.
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European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Ed & Experiential Learning
EOE is the European network of professionals developing the theory and professional standards, they undertake research and develop areas of commonality with environmental education.
Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
RYA is the UK national governing body which provides training, publications and performance for all forms of British boating.
British Canoeing
British Canoeing is the national governing body for paddlesports in the UK with responsibility for coaching and competitive canoeing interests at a UK level.
How you’ll be taught and assessed?
How will you be taught?
Teaching includes regular fieldwork, for example sailing in Plymouth Sound to explore the social psychology of group work and climbing on granite tors exploring the myths and legends of Dartmoor. You'll also attend seminars, small lectures and tutorials; with extensive resources located on students’ online learning space.
How will you be assessed?
No exams. 100% coursework including a variety of assessments including essays, reports, presentations, practical participation, negotiated assessments and research projects.
Having worked as an educator and adventure sports coach in Greece, The Netherlands, and now in the UK, Georgios carries with him a breadth of international experience and a passion for teaching outdoors. His research focuses on key issues such as the relationship between adventure practice and peoples' cultures, and the use of digital technologies for educational purposes. As the leader of the BA (Hons) Outdoor Adventure Education, Georgios constantly strives to ensure that the programme is up to date with current research and modern educational approaches, and that all students are given the support they need to succeed in their studies.
Fees and funding
Fees UK students: £9,250 per annum
Fees for International students: £14,600 per annum
This fee covers your tuition and access to course-specific equipment and facilities, as well associated services including access to the library, study skills support, IT support, student support and wellbeing services and membership of the Student Union. There may be additional costs by course.
Additional costs:
- Use of all technical equipment is free of charge including surf boards, mountain bikes, kayaks, tents and climbing racks. These can be borrowed at any time unless required for teaching.
- Free independent study sessions in the swimming pool and on the climbing wall to practice and develop skills.
- Sailing boats are available for a small charge (currently £6 per session) during organised club times.
- Summer Mountain Leader Training is included in the course fees but requires registration with the British Mountaineering Council (currently £1 per month for members under 27 years).
- Residential fieldwork costs are kept really low with students only required to purchase expedition food; all travel, maps, accomodation, teaching and eqpt fees for trips are inclusive.
Funding available for this course
Our Student Funding Advisors offer confidential and impartial advice about your funding options.
Learn moreLecturers
Millie is highly qualified, with a breadth of experience in the areas of climbing and mountaineering. Having worked and trained in a range of outdoor adventure contexts, enabling others to experience the outdoor environment through sustainable forms of adventure has become her passion! Her research centres on gender equality in the outdoors, which reflects her wider desire for a field of outdoor adventure education that welcomes everyone.
Mark is an all-rounder in outdoor activities and is known for his research on Forest Schools, Outdoor Learning and Place Based Outdoor Education. He teaches paddling, sailing, hill walking and expeditions. He is an experienced tutor who is internationally known through his publications, research and conference presentations. He draws on previous experience as an Adventure Centre Manager, Sailing Instructor, Head of Science and as Director of a Counsellor in Training program for Camp America summer camp in Connecticut.
Fiona, is a qualified teacher and RYA qualified powerboat and senior sailing instructor, BCU Coach Inland kayak and Sea, Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor; teaching across the programme on the moor, crag and sea. She brings infectious enthusiasm as well as a wide networks of contacts from many years managing Plymouth City Council’s outdoor education provision before joining team Marjon.
Hamish is our legendary (according to the students) instructor and technician, he is a great source of technical knowledge and advice. Fortunately, he is also outstanding at fixing broken equipment! Hamish is always on hand to support students wishing to borrow equipment to go off on their own adventures.
Frequently asked questions
Q1 Are there exams?
Q2 What professional awards will I earn?
Q3 Who teaches on the residential trips?
Q4 How big is the class?
Q5 What's the timetable?
Q6 Are there international trips?
More information
"I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Marjon students and teachers for the last 15 years. Marjon students always impress me with the quality and depth of their underpinning knowledge, their wide terms of reference within and outside their chosen field of study and their enthusiasm for learning. The quality of the students seems to me a direct reflection of the quality of teaching and the learning environment."
Orlando Rutter, Senior Learning and Outreach Officer at Dartmoor National Park.
To see more of what you could be doing have a look at:
Find out more about studying BA (Hons) Outdoor Adventure Education at Marjon
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