Course overview
Turn your passion for adventure into practical skills, industry
experience and exciting career opportunities.
The outdoor adventure education industry is growing rapidly, offering
successful students a wide range of career paths. You could progress into roles
such as outdoor activity instructor, expedition leader or support staff member,
teacher, or specialist adventure sport coach.
Based in the heart of a National Park, this comprehensive two-year course
makes the most of Plumpton College’s extensive estate, the South Downs, local
inland and coastal waters, and the College’s outdoor centre in Snowdonia. You’ll
develop practical skills in a wide range of land- and water-based activities,
alongside the organisation, teamwork and leadership skills needed for a
successful career in the outdoor sector.
The course is ideal if you have a passion for adventure sport and enjoy
working with people. Outdoor industry professionals need to communicate with and
support a diverse range of people in both formal and informal settings. You’ll
need to be self-motivated, well organised and enthusiastic about developing your
own technical skills, as well as helping others to develop theirs.
You don’t need to be exceptionally fit to join the course, but you will take
part in a range of physical activities as part of the course
requirements.
Modules
You’ll study three mandatory units in:
- Exercise health and lifestyle
- Preparing for a Career
- Principles??
You’ll also complete specialist units in:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Sports injuries
- Environmental education
- Skills for land and water
- Current issues
Progression to the second year involves students studying:
- Business in Sport
- Event management
- Leading on land and water
- Expeditions and impact
- Sustainability
How will I be assessed?
You’ll be assessed through a combination of practical observations, assignments and presentations. This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate both your practical ability and your understanding of the outdoor adventure sector.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
This is a dynamic, hands-on course that combines theory with practical sessions. You’ll develop the knowledge, confidence and technical skills needed to progress in the outdoor adventure industry or move on to university.
You’ll study a wide range of topics including business, environmental education, coaching and leadership development. You’ll also take part in exciting land- and water-based activities, including hiking, climbing and paddle sports.
You’ll have the opportunity to lead expeditions from our outdoor centre in Snowdonia. Visits to outdoor activity sites in the local area will help you build specialist skills in climbing and paddle sports, while developing your confidence in real-world settings.
Work experience is an important part of the course. You’ll complete 150 hours with an employer in the sport and outdoor activities sector during each academic year – 300 hours across the two-year course. This allows you to put your new skills into practice, gain valuable industry experience and build professional networks to support your next steps.
Industry links
The course’s practical days in navigation, climbing and paddle sports will help you develop skills that contribute towards a range of optional additional industry qualifications.
These qualifications are not included in the funded programme and will involve an additional cost. They are also subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
Possible qualifications include:
- 16-hour First Aid course — a prerequisite for many outdoor qualifications
- Paddle Sport Rescue Training with Paddle UK
- Paddle Sport Instructor course with Paddle UK
- Climbing Wall Assistant with Mountain Training
- Climbing Wall Instructor with Mountain Training
- Lowland Leader Training with Mountain Training
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Student testimonial
“My favourite part of the course was all the watersports that I got to enjoy. Having the chance to try different activities led to my passion for sailing and enabled me to complete my Dinghy Instructor qualification, and a great job at the end of my course.”
Katy Wilfort – Student, Level 3 Diploma in Sport (Outdoor Adventure)
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4
Progression routes
Progression to higher education could look like:
- Sports Management
- Outdoor adventure/education
- Teaching
- Leisure and tourism
- Public services
This course can be your first step towards a rewarding career as an outdoor instructor, with opportunities to progress into senior and leadership roles.
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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