The FdSc Outdoor Leadership programme provides students the opportunity for place based learning of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills applied in context. This is achieved by utilising the existing outstanding natural habitat of the English Riviera, designated as a UNESCO Global GeoPark, Dartmoor National Park and the South West Coastline.

In year one students develop the knowledge and leadership skills in order to design and implement a progressive outdoor learning programme. Studying with experienced and passionate lecturers students will utilise the natural environment and a wide range of equipment to lead individuals and groups in different contexts. Students will discover how participants learn and what impact different environments can have on this. The course takes a holistic approach to the outdoor environment and the role that you as a leader play in maintaining, developing and sustaining this. You will study a variety of leadership models equipping you to lead sessions and groups as well as understanding how the body and mind are affected in the outdoors.

In the second-year students will continue to develop these planning and implementation skills in relation to group formation and the responsibilities their role requires on working in remote environments. In addition, you develop the understanding associated with the assessment and evaluation of outdoor programmes. You will also build on your leadership skills that culminate in a planned expedition in a remote setting of their choice. Previously these trips have included Wales, Scotland and Morocco.

During your studies will be enjoying the South West’s fantastic natural environment, gaining experience in activities such as mountaineering, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and coasteering. Our students also regularly achieve British Canoeing Personal Performance Awards, Paddle sport Leader/Instructor, Mountain Training qualifications during their studies. There is also the option to provide a more bespoke offer where the group skill/ experience requirements allow. Practical sessions and trips scheduled throughout the year are designed to develop skills and confidence in adapting your leading, teaching or coaching techniques, in order to reflect the varying situations, you will face and need to overcome to be a successful and effective coach and leader. You will be learning in challenging environments, ensuring that when you graduate you will be well prepared to work in almost any setting.

The professional practice in the outdoors module serves a dual purpose of providing students with work based experience of the industry but also aligning the programme to the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) professional standards. As such, students are able to leave the programme as Registered Practitioners (RP) with the IOL, the only foundation degree programme in the country to offer this.

Finally, the programme also includes a partnership with UNESCO. With the designation of the English Riviera as a UNESCO Global GeoPark the foundation degree provides students the chance to study its unique nature within its Environmental Impact and Conservation. This connects students with the local environment and assesses their ability to produce literature to teach others about the local environment and how to protect it.