Adventure Performance and Coaching BSc (Hons)

What is special about this course?

Combine the skills and knowledge of an applied sports scientist with those of a modern adventure professional, on this unique and exhilarating course. Be part of a rapidly evolving sector where the development of over 21 Olympic adventure sports disciplines, as well as the demand for healthy active lifestyles, has brought about a drive for greater achievements in adventure sports and for the life-enhancing benefits of participation, informed by expert coaches and leaders.

Join this expert-led course and let us prepare you to coach and guide the next generation of adventure athletes. Work with participants who demand greater outcomes in their adventure sport and develop the skills to help them smash their goals. Receive tailored outdoor-activity skill development and professional NGB training and assessment with the School of Adventure Studies' 'practical credits system', as you access outstanding adventure facilities set amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK.

Special features

• Access to outstanding adventure facilities 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 credits system': continuous professional skills development throughout your degree and beyond
• Be part of a vibrant and active 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
• Live and work at the foot of Ben Nevis, in a region that is unique for its rich variety of outdoor opportunities
• Easily transfer between adventure programmes within the School of Adventure Studies: BA (Hons) Adventure Education; BA (Hons) Adventure Tourism Management; and BA (Hons) Marine and Coastal Tourism
• Excellent links and work-placement opportunities with many adventure-based businesses and institutions in Scotland, the UK and internationally
• Residential field trips, clubs, international expeditions and many other opportunities to enhance your skills and experience in adventure activities

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above OR
• 2 A levels at grade C or above
• These must include either Science or PE
• 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.

Year 1 - CertHE

Core modules may include:

• Activity performance and skill acquisition
• Adventure geography: the Scottish perspective
• Human structure and function
• Introduction to professional adventure practice
• Introduction to sports coaching and leadership

You will also choose two option modules which may include:

• Adventure education journeys
• Adventure markets: products and services

Year 2 - DipHE

Core modules may include:

• Adventure operations and risk management
• Applied coaching and leadership
• Performance and analysis of specialist skills
• Principles of sport and exercise psychology
• Sport and exercise physiology

You will also choose one option module which may include:

• Understanding adventure
• Work placement: team working and communication

Year 3 - BSc

Core modules include:

• Applied sport and exercise psychology
• Planning international expeditions
• Research methods (sport)

You will also choose three option modules which must include one from the following:

• Design, manage and evaluate human fitness and physical performance
• Sports nutrition and dietary considerations
• Strength and conditioning

Additional options may also include:

• Adventure therapy
• International expedition leadership
• Work placement: industry specific skills

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

Core modules include:

• Advanced applications of coaching and instruction
• Adventure psychology: skills and behaviours
• Inclusive adventure
• Perceptions of risk and decision-making

You will also choose one double credit project or research-based module from the following:

• Dissertation (sport)
• Professional adventure project (legacy project or major expedition venture)

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.

Rest of UK students

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 full time, the following fees apply:

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) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

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 £4,000 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.

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

International students

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:

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

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
You will have access to specialist equipment, for all timetabled activities, from our extensive stores. An equipment deposit of £60 is payable at the beginning of your course. This is held in our stores account to cover any equipment damage, losses, or unpaid course registrations or certificate fees. It is rare that these deposits are used, and you can claim it back at the end of each academic year if required, or it can be left in the stores account to cover your deposit for the following year.

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). Excellent deals on prices from a range of suppliers are available for all students.

Module costs
Introduction to Sports Coaching and Leadership (core, year 1): this includes an opportunity to complete training for a UK National Governing Body qualification in climbing, paddlesports or mountain biking. The course is free of charge, but you will need to pay for your own membership and registration fees with the relevant NGB. This cost can range from approximately £50-£100, depending on the NGB.

Adventure Education Journeys (optional, year 1): there is a mandatory residential experience in this module at Outward Bound Loch Eil, costing approximately £80 for 3 days full-board. This cost is 50% subsidised by the School of Adventure Studies.

International Expedition Leadership (optional year 3): this involves undertaking an international expedition, which is subsidised by UHI North, West and Hebrides. Depending on the specific plan, you should budget for up to £1000. There may be opportunities to gain funds to support this expedition through grant funding sources or sponsorship, which would be your responsibility to obtain.