Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning BA (Hons)
Course code: N8X9
Study mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time., You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time.
Course type: BA (Hons)
International: Available to study on-campus
Study at: North, West and Hebrides (Fort William)
Start in: September
Learning mode: You attend classes in person at the local campus or learning centre., You access classes and/or materials digitally., You complete a work-based activity to gain industry experience., You will come together with other students for short, intensive periods (e.g., a day, week or longer)., You will learn off campus, including at industry partner locations.
Duration: Full time: 4 years; Part time: 8 years
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable., You complete course tasks independently. These may be set by your lecturer or chosen by you.
What is special about this course?
Newly accredited with the Institute for Outdoor Learning!
Are you passionate about educating others while sharing your experience of the great outdoors? Join our newly accredited programme and work closely with Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning providers, including the Outward Bound Trust®, to pursue a satisfying career as a professional adventure practitioner. Learn to provide great learning adventures for others, creating experiences that last a lifetime while being part of the vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts in Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
We are delighted to have gained accreditation with the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL*), representing our alignment with this professional UK body and its excellent work in championing organisations and individuals who use the outdoors to make a positive difference for others. As with the IOL, 'outdoor learning' is approached holistically in this programme, encapsulating a wide range of purposeful, inclusive approaches that foster learning and development through outdoor activities.
Follow our unique structure to develop and enhance your professional skills and expertise, offering your learners greater connections to nature, self and others, increased health and wellbeing, as well as a growing environmental awareness.
The capabilities that you build in our programmes are also life-long critical thinking skills that transfer into many different future career paths - wherever yours takes you. Unlock your potential and become a future-shaper of this exciting adventure sector.
*Explore the IOL website for more information and insights
Special features
- Live and work at the foot of Ben Nevis in the Highlands, in a region that is unique for its rich variety of outdoor opportunities, set amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK
- Receive tailored outdoor activity skill development and professional NGB training and assessment with the School of Adventure Studies 'practical tokens' scheme: continuous professional development alongside your degree and beyond
- Be part of a vibrant, active and diverse student community of outdoor enthusiasts, based at the School of Adventure Studies in Fort William, the hub of the Outdoor Capital of the UK
- Easily transfer between adventure programmes within the School of Adventure Studies: BSc (Hons) Adventure Performance and Coaching; BA (Hons) Adventure Tourism Management
- Residential field trips, clubs, international expeditions and many other opportunities to enhance your skills and experience in adventure activities
- Opportunities for International student exchange study in Norway with our partner University*
- Excellent links and work-placement opportunities with many adventure-based businesses and institutions in Scotland, the UK and internationally
*Host University/course is Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) ‘Outdoor Education and Nordic Friluftsliv’ single semester exchange programme. No tuition fees are charged, but there is currently no additional funding available for travel and living expenses, beyond normal student funding streams
Accommodation
We can provide information on local accommodation options on request to help you find a place to stay.
Partnerships and accreditations
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade C or above
- You will also be expected to be able to demonstrate an interest in, and a commitment to, practical outdoor activities, and preferably have an interest in a professional career in the outdoor sector
- Personal practical outdoor experience is advantageous but not essential
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications and/or experience will be considered on an individual basis
- This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
Advanced entry to year two or three:
- Direct entry to year two or three may be possible with a relevant HNC/D, foundation degree etc. Applicants will be considered on an individual basis and may be required to attend an interview
Access routes
SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
For International students requiring Student Route sponsorship
Please note that international students with a Student Route visa can only take part in sports activities or as part of a work placement, as an amateur and not as a professional or semi-professional. You will not be allowed to become a member of a professional sports association while a student. This is due to ‘professional sportsperson’ restrictions imposed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as outlined in their Student Route Policy Guidance.
Core modules are:
- Adventure education journeys (S2)
- Adventure geography: the Scottish perspective (S1)
- Foundations of outdoor learning (S1)
- Introduction to professional adventure practice (S1)
- Introduction to sports coaching and leadership (S2)
You will also choose one further option module:
- Activity performance and skill acquisition (S1 or S2)
- Adventure markets: products and services (S2)
Core modules are:
- Adventure operations and risk management (S1)
- Nature and learning (S1)
- Outdoor learning and teaching practice (All year)
- Social theory for adventure education (S1)
- Understanding adventure (S2)
You will also choose one option module which may include:
- Atmosphere, weather and climate (S2)
- Facilitation and reviewing in outdoor education (S2)
- Technology and social media in adventure practice (S2)
- Work placement: team working and communication (All year)
Core modules are:
- An anthropology of place: adventure education and cultural perspectives on nature (S1)
- Research in adventure education (S2)
- Research skills (S2)
You will also choose two option modules which may include:
- Adventure therapy (S1)
- Climate change (S1)
- Expeditionary skills in a changing world (part 1) (S1)
- Expeditionary skills in a changing world (part 2) (S2)
- Geomorphology: reading the landscapes of outdoor practice (S1)
- Work placement: industry specific skills (All year)
You can also take an optional semester study abroad exchange in S1
Core modules are:
- Applied adventure education practice (S2)
- Critical perspectives of adventure education (S1)
- Inclusive adventure (S2)
- Perceptions of risk and decision making (S1)
You will also choose one of the following double-credit research project modules to follow through the year:
- Dissertation (All year)
- Professional adventure project (legacy project or major expedition venture) (All year)
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
You will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures and tutorials in the classroom, with some teaching by video conference from our other campuses, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE). There are also opportunities for work placements at different levels of the programme.
You will also spend a significant amount of time increasing your skills through practical, experiential learning. The main disciplines included are mountaineering and climbing, paddle sports and mountain biking, with a wide scope for progression and application of theories throughout the four years of study, through field work and industry activity.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years
- Part-time: 8 years
- North, West and Hebrides - Fort William campus
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Study mode | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,790 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,790 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,790 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,632.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2025-26 Full-time | With scholarship | 2026-27 Full-time | With scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £15,870 | £12,870 | £16,820 | £13,820 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £15,870 | £12,870 | £16,820 | £13,820 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £15,870 | £12,870 | £16,820 | £13,820 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £15,870 | Free | £16,820 | Free |
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Study mode | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £15,870 | £16,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £7,935 | £8,415 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,645 | £2,805 |
Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
Additional costs
Personal Outdoor Equipment and Clothing
All essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialist equipment can be accessed from our comprehensive stores, but you will need to purchase your own personal clothing, waterproofs and footwear for most activities (with the exception of very specialised footwear such as winter boots). As a professional practitioner you are also expected to consider purchasing your own personal equipment as your involvement and skills grow. Excellent deals on prices from a range of suppliers are available for students. Click here for guidance on suitable equipment and clothing for our activities.
Module costs
Expeditionary skills in a changing world (part 2) (optional year 3): this module involves designing, planning, and undertaking a group expedition, which will require some personal financial cost depending on the chosen destination and plan. Some of this cost is match-funded by UHI North, West and Hebrides, but you should budget for up to approximately £1500 of personal cost. There may be opportunities to gain funds to support this expedition through grant funding sources or sponsorship, which would be your responsibility to obtain.
Other practical training and qualifications costs - in-module fieldwork and 'Tokens' scheme
There is no additional cost for practical training and experiential learning within modules, including mandatory residential trips and expeditions, although you will need to provide your own food and drink during activities and for any overnight stays.
You also will have an allocation of 10 'Tokens' per academic year that you can use to opt into our comprehensive practical training and qualifications programme, which equate roughly to 1 day of training per token depending on the required staffing ratio. These can only be redeemed against training courses and events that are run directly by SOAS. The programme includes includes training and assessment for a wide range of UK National Governing Body qualifications, but you will need to pay for your own professional membership and registration fees, which can range from approximately £50-£100 per NGB, plus annual membership renewals if required. Additional tokens cost £25 each, although this may be subject to change and you will be informed of the cost during induction.
What can I do on completion of my course?
With a degree in Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning you will hold a valuable array of knowledge and skills that are transferable to any of the various aspects of the UK or international adventure sector. The specific pathway you take will be vital in helping you shape your own chosen career. Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning covers a wide range of career pathways and specialist fields, including:
- Outdoor centres; schools; educational expedition operators; adventure therapy; criminal justice rehabilitation
- Countryside ranger and environmental interpretation
- International expeditions
- Working in adult education
- Management and business development training
- Leadership and management roles in activity organisations
- Postgraduate teaching qualifications
Your career will grow and change as the years go on, and you may progress into any one of a range of exciting areas, so you may also find yourself involved in:
- Guiding, coaching and instructing in adventurous activities
- Adventure tourism
- Marine wildlife tourism
- Military or emergency services
- Higher level adventure sector leadership - shaping future policy and practice
Can I progress into further study?
On successful completion of the BA (Hons) Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning you can progress onto the following postgraduate courses:
Course eligible for on-campus students requiring a Student Route Visa
- Start: August/September
- Study mode: Full-time (4 years)
Please see guidance for international applicants regarding entry requirements and visas
So far, it has been everything I hoped for. I got the chance to do expeditions and water based NGB awards. The knowledge I gained allowed me to work as a Trip Leader in America over the summer. Going on expeditions with the children at this camp really confirmed my choice to study Adventure Education and how much I agree with what is being taught.
Alongside academic study, I am now working towards my Canoe Award, Canoe Leader and SUP Leader then hopefully Paddlesports Touring Leader and Raft Guide. I'd also love to gain some qualifications in bush craft before finishing my degree.
Katy studies BA (Hons) Adventure Education at UHI North, West and Hebrides.
Apply for Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning BA (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.