This Access course is designed for mature students (20 years of age or over) who wish to establish a career working in the area of outdoor activities or go on to Higher Education. The one year course provides theoretical and practical experience, both personal and group leadership.
Course Content
Throughout the course you will be working closely with outdoor providers. The association will enable students on the course to acquire valuable experience of working in Outdoor Centres. As part of the programme you will participate in the Mountain Leader Qualification, the Rock Climbing Single Pitch Award* and the BCU Kayak coaching awards* (*Dependant on previous experience.) On the course students will study aspects such as leadership skills. The course will be underpinned
by a series of work experience placements.
Work Experience
This assessed aspect of the course usually takes place after Easter but every year sees us programme this differently for the group according to their personal situation and the availability of placements in suitable centres. Students have gained placements in outdoor centres or agencies working in a variety of capacities all over the country.
Additional Subjects and Qualifications
Outdoor national governing body qualifications in canoeing, rock-climbing, hill walking, caving, orienteering and outdoor specific first aid will be taken by all candidates according to their level of previous experience or personal ability. These may include any from the following:
ITC Outdoor and Remote First Aid
British Canoe Union personal and coaching qualifications
Basic Expedition Leaders Award
Single Pitch Rock Climbing Training and Assessment
Mountain Leaders Award Training and Assessment
RLSS National Pool Life Guard Qualifications (NPLO)
Each year sees us try to broaden our range of additional qualifications, ask us more at interview.
Entry Requirements
Prior experience of outdoor activities and a mature outlook on life, age 20 plus. All students are required to have an interview.
