Outdoor Education (Part-time) (MA)
The MA in Outdoor Education is designed for those passionate about outdoor learning and eager to expand their professional skills and understanding. Whether you are an experienced outdoor professional or a recent graduate, this course helps you deepen your knowledge, skills, and expertise in outdoor education. It combines practical experiences with a focus on the theory and practice of outdoor education, giving you the tools to develop and refine your approach to teaching and learning in natural settings.
What sets this programme apart is its focus on a sociocultural approach, which explores how outdoor learning connects with people, places, and society. By examining key themes such as the role of outdoor places in education and their impact on health and well-being in nature, you will gain a broader perspective on how outdoor experiences shape individuals and communities.
This course also looks at the influence of digital technology in outdoor learning, exploring how modern tools can complement or challenge traditional outdoor practices. You will consider these issues within the context of national and international policies, helping you understand how different countries approach outdoor learning. Through this, you will critically assess how outdoor education responds to and reflects social changes, equipping you to adapt your practices to contemporary challenges.
As part of the programme, you will engage with real-world issues, blending practical learning with academic study. This unique structure ensures you not only gain theoretical insight but also practical strategies to apply in your own work. Whether you are interested in developing your career, researching new approaches, or leading initiatives in outdoor learning, the MA in Outdoor Education will prepare you for the next step in your journey.
This course offers a chance to explore the transformative potential of outdoor education, shaping the way people learn, connect, and grow in the natural world.
Course details
- Blended (On-campus)
- Part-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
At the heart of the MA in Outdoor Education is a belief in the power of outdoor learning to transform lives. This course blends academic rigour with creative and practical experience, encouraging a deeper understanding of how outdoor learning shapes individuals, communities, and society.
We foster a supportive, research-driven environment where students explore innovative and sociocultural approaches to teaching and learning.
The flexible-learning course will include some weekend sessions, alongside outdoor weekend workshops.
You will explore a sociocultural perspective on outdoor education, studying how outdoor places influence health and well-being, the role of technology in learning, and the impact of global and national policies. The course covers philosophical and cultural perspectives, ecological and technological considerations, and offers opportunities to link with outdoor sector networks and internationally renowned guest speakers.
There will also be access to subsidised expeditions and NGB qualifications, all supported by experienced staff.
The MA is 180 credits at level 7. Part-time students study 60 credits per year.
Compulsory
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(60 credits)
(30 credits)
Optional
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(60 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
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Further information
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2:2 honours degree 
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes 
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Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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The programme uses a range of assessment techniques designed to develop postgraduate level knowledge, skills and competencies. These include: seminar presentations, research proposals, research reports, essays, reflective journals, academic interviews and blogs.
All assessments link theory with practice and require students to undertake empirical research as the basis for further developing their critical skills and an evidence-based personal philosophy of Outdoor Education.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Course fees do not include:
- Weekend workshop accommodation and living costs.(These have to be met by the student.)
- A range of reasonable hotels, B&B’s and onsite accommodation/food outlets are available in the local area.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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The degree would be of particular interest to outdoor professionals who are:
- Seeking career advancement as teachers, centre managers, youth workers, community development officers, environmental education officers, adventure guides, outdoor instructors and recent graduates.
- Wishing to undertake Continuing Professional development
- Considering further study at PhD level
It will be of particular interest to outdoor professionals who are:
- Inquisitive & critical in their outlook
- Inspired by the potential of Outdoor Education to offer an alternative approach to learning & teaching
- Motivated to challenge their own beliefs and learn from other cultures