MA Outdoor Education - UWTSD

MA Outdoor Education

www.uwtsd.ac.uk/ma-outdoor-education www.uwtsd.ac.uk/ma-outdoor-education | 1

MA Outdoor Education Who is it for?

Are you inspired by the potential of Outdoor Education to offer an alternative approach to learning and teaching?

Are you motivated to learn from other cultures?

Do you want to improve your understanding and expertise to develop the work you do or move on to new opportunities?

Do you want to make a difference to the lifestyle, health and wellbeing of others?

Are you looking to gain a higher level academic qualification to enhance your career prospects?

If so then this Master’s programme is for YOU!

2 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

About the programme The MA Outdoor Education programme has been developed to meet the needs of practitioners and graduates working in outdoor education in the UK and further afield. It brings theory and practice together to develop a higher level understanding of outdoor education as a distinctively alternative form of learning.

The course is unique in the UK in adopting a sociocultural approach to better understanding a range of key issues including the nature of adventure, sense of place pedagogy, informal learning, facilitating experiential learning, relationships with nature and healthy outdoor communities. In addition it supports students in conducting smallscale research studies to inform evidencebased practice.

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Programme Stucture Part One of the programme consists of four x 30 credit taught modules.

Part Two of the programme is a 60 credit (15,000 word) dissertation module.

• Philosophical and Cultural Perspectives on Outdoor Education

The programme is modular and has three named awards:

• Facilitating Learning through Experience

• Postgraduate Certificate Two taught modules (60 credits)

• Debates in Outdoor Education

• Research Methods OR Internship (Students choose one after discussion with the Programme Director)

• Postgraduate Diploma Four taught modules (120 credits)

4 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

• MA Outdoor Education Four taught modules plus dissertation (180 credits)

Programme Key features: • Full-time (1-2 years) and part-time (2-4 years) modes of study • Blended learning delivery (two weekends per module plus tutorials and elearning support)

• Research active and published staff and students who are passionate about outdoor pedagogy • Creative and diverse assessment methods • Subsidised access to expeditions

• Sociocultural perspective on key issues • Subsidised NGB qualification opportunities • Outdoor and experiential focus to all outdoor weekend workshops

• Extensive outdoor sector networks and professional links

• Internationally renowned guest speakers • Flexible study options with three exit awards to suit student requirements

• Eligible for postgraduate loan support

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Modules: Philosophical and Cultural Perspectives on Outdoor Education

Facilitating Learning through Experience

This module identifies outdoor education as a socio-cultural phenomenon and explores alternative national / cultural approaches to outdoor pedagogy.

This module locates outdoor facilitation within an experiential theory of learning.

On this module you will learn about:

On this module you will learn about:

• different philosophical and cultural perspectives on outdoor education • outdoor education as a site of cultural struggle • new and challenging conceptions of outdoor education including Critical Outdoor Education, Pedagogy of Place, Deep Ecology, Dramaturgy and Friluftsliv.

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Assessment: 2 x 4500 word assignments.

6 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

different theoretical frameworks that underpin experiential learning the role of the facilitator as ‘gatekeeper’ critical reflection as the basis for professional development programming outcomes and emergent learning.

Assessment: Project Portfolio (6000 Words) and Project Presentation including Reflective Commentary (3000 words).

Debates in Outdoor Education

Research Methods (OR Internship)

This module examines a range of issues problematic to current and future outdoor education practice.

This module introduces students to a range of research methods to support evidence-based outdoor practice.

On this module you will learn about:

On this module you will learn about:

• changing conceptions of adventure, • the contribution of outdoor education to health, well-being and lifestyle • national and local strategies for outdoor recreation • changing social attitudes to risk, technology and outdoor learning.

• research design and alignment • different research methods to support outdoor practice • data generation and analysis methods • ethical considerations in research

Assessment: Academic Interview (1 to 1 discussion x 25 mins) and 1 x 4,500word assignment.

Assessment: Research Proposal (1,500 words) and Research Report (7,500 words).

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Modules: Internship (OR Research Methods)

Dissertation

This module provides less experienced students with the opportunity to gain more professional experience while undertaking a small research project.

This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a mediumsize research project into a topic of their choice with the support of a designated supervisor.

On this module you will learn about:

On this module you will learn about:

• outdoor provider organisations and their legal obligations • professional practice and responsibilities • blogs and memo writing as critical reflection

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Assessment: Reflective Journal (4,500 words) Internship Presentation (30 mins)

Assessment: Dissertation (15,000 words)

8 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

the research process from identifying a topic to evaluating findings including research design, data generation and analysis and ethical integrity.

Outdoor Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Located at its spiritual home in Carmarthen, outdoor education has been a niche area of learning at UWTSD for more than 40 years. With quick and easy access to the Pembrokeshire and the Brecon Beacons National Parks, Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cambrian Mountains and the superb coast, cliffs and beaches of South Wales, students are ideally located to study and develop their Outdoor Education knowledge and practice.

The MA Outdoor Education programme in Carmarthen is unique in the UK as the only postgraduate level programme to look at outdoor education through a sociocultural lens. The programme’s popularity is

evidenced by its longevity, having run for more than 10 years and is noteworthy by its capacity to attract students from mainland Europe, the Indian sub-continent and North America, as well as from Britain and Ireland.

The programme has been at the forefront of postgraduate academic development, in a number of ways including; innovating a ‘blended learning’ approach to best meet the needs of students, merging theory with practice during weekend workshops to underpin the experiential focus of the course and, along with the use of creative assessment methods, support students in balancing personal responsibilities, work and academic study in the real world.

A Brief Record of Outdoor Education at UWTSD (Carmarthen) • 1970’s Outdoor Education as part of 4 year BEd teacher training degree.

• 2008 EOE holds its annual conference in Carmarthen.

• 1980’s First international expeditions to France and Spain.

• 2010 MA Outdoor Education (introduces ‘blended learning’ approach).

• 1996 BA Outdoor Education (first 3 year joint honours degree intake).

• 2011 MA Outdoor Education (outreach delivery in Bala, Nth Wales).

• 1998 BA Outdoor Education (first 3 year single honours degree).

• 2013 Second Outdoor Health, Pedagogy and Lifestyle Conference.

• 2005 MA Outdoor Education (first postgraduate intake).

• 2016 First MA graduates register for Phd Outdoor Education at UWTSD.

• 2007 MA Outdoor Education (first Master’s OEd graduates).

• 2017 Bespoke Cynefin Outdoor Learning Centre located in Carmarthen.

• 2008 Centre for Outdoor Education Research established.

• 2018 First full time Phd Scholarships available.

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Entry Requirements

For all enquiries contact:

All applications are assessed on merit based on the applicant’s previous academic achievements, experience, critical awareness and ability to cope with the demands of the degree.

Dr Andy Williams a.williams@uwtsd.ac.uk 01267 676647

Bilingual Opportunities

www.uwtsd.ac.uk/ma-outdoor- education/

Students will have the opportunity to study some aspects of the course through the medium of Welsh and submit coursework in Welsh.

How to apply Applications may be made directly to the University at any time from October in the year prior to the commencement of study. The final date for applications is 1st June in the year of entry.

Application forms can be obtained from the Registry department or online at: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/postgraduate/ how -to-apply

10 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

For further information visit:

Registry Latest fee information and details of financial support is available via the UWTSD website www.uwtsd.ac.uk/postgraduate/ postgraduate-fees The course is eligible for Postgraduate Student Loan support www.uwtsd.ac.uk/postgraduate/ postgraduate-loans-/

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/uwtsdPOSTGRAD @UWTSD

a.williams@uwtsd.ac.uk 01267 676647