PgD Outdoor and Experiential Learning

Program Overview

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PgD - Outdoor and Experiential Learning

Course Overview

Through the lenses of cultural, environmental and outdoor educational theories, it explores personal and social development, using lectures, seminars and outdoor experiences. Whether you're already involved in outdoor activities or new to the field, our course will extend your understanding and knowledge. The principles of outdoor and experiential learning have recently branched out into Health and Wellbeing and Bushcraft education. Therefore, to reflect this contemporary trend, there are 3 pathways to choose from in order to complete the PGDip qualification.

• Outdoor & Experiential Learning
• Outdoor & Experiential Learning (Bushcraft)
• Outdoor & Experiential Learning (Health & Wellbeing)

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
• Course Location: Ambleside
• Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
• Delivery Style: In-person
• Course Duration: Full-time: 1 Year
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: PgD

Minimum Entry Requirements

• 1st or 2nd class Honours degree

Tuition Fees

• £4,600 - UK | Per year
• Fees for 2025/6

Course Structure

What You Will Learn

A unique highlight of the programme is the exploration of the histories and principles of bushcraft. It will consider the historical literature associated with the rise of bushcraft, from the eighteenth century to the present day. Developing critical reflection, practical innovation and highlighting how its principles are relevant to so many. Fieldwork to enhance the experiential rudiments of ethnobotany and ethnobiology.

You will also explore the process of 'experience' to examine your previous knowledge of learning and illustrate how narrow organised education is. The examination of sensation, perception, cognition and agency then shows how we can identify specific 'tools' to use in our own settings. Practical and immersive sessions are designed to challenge accepted understandings as well as being revealing, optimistic, empowering and engaging.

Modules

• Introduction to Outdoor and Experiential Learning
• The Reflexive Practitioner
• Know Your Place - Place Responsive Approaches to the Outdoors
• Histories and Principles of Bushcraft
• Therapeutic Opportunities in the Outdoors
• Independent Inquiry
• Dissertation

Teaching & Assessment

How You Will Learn

The Outdoor & Experiential Learning pathway engages with current debates around environmental empathy, displacement, social equality, adventurous journeying, embodiment, outdoor recreation, nature-culture philosophies, colonialism, globalization and management of people in organisations, sustainability and alternative forms of education, for example. You will examine the construction and development of various outdoor narratives and attempt to produce your own stories in order to develop new knowledge in contemporary society.

The Bushcraft pathway deeply engages the learner with both practical and theoretical concerns within the emerging academic field of Bushcraft. This field speaks to wider implications for educational, therapeutic, commercial and recreational ideas.

The Health and Wellbeing pathway offers a reflective exploration of the student’s own therapeutic relationship with ‘the outdoors’ as well as personal and planetary wellbeing and ill-health. Utilising experimental walks and residential settings, alternative narratives of human-environment relations will be developed whilst exploring historical, traditional and contemporary perspectives of nature-based psychotherapies and therapeutic landscapes.

How You Will Be Assessed

Assessment is an integral part of the course and takes place during and at the end of modules. In most modules, there is a blend of formative and summative assessment tasks that students complete which reflect the breadth of skills and competences required by graduates. Students are expected to show critical analysis, evaluation, creativity and autonomy in assessment.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

APL may be considered for relevant prior learning at the same academic level.

Selection Criteria

Degree and/or relevant professional work experience required.

Applications are welcome from people with a good first degree (normally U.K. 2:2 or above) and/or relevant work experience. It is hoped that the course will attract students from a variety of backgrounds and first degree subject areas from outdoor-related areas through to youth work, social work, education and those with more philosophical backgrounds.

Funding

The exact amount of funding support you'll receive will be calculated by your regional funding body on application.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.