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7 things you need to know about careers in adventure education and outdoor activities
1. What do careers in adventure education & outdoor activities involve?
The graduate skills developed through the adventure education degree enable students to pursue an enormous range of careers directly related to adventure, leisure, tourism and recreation.
Outdoor activities organisers lead people on outdoor activity sessions and trips, or instruct them in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hill walking, climbing, orienteering, abseiling and canoeing.
They are usually based at activity or education centres or venues offering adventure holidays. They work with a wide range of young people and adults, including: school and youth groups, those with special educational and emotional needs, people with disabilities, business people on team-building or leadership training, leisure and recreation groups.
The actual activities vary according to the needs of each group, but instructors need coaching/instructing qualifications from the appropriate sport governing body, as well as in depth health and safety training.
2. What sort of people work in adventure education and outdoor activities?
A strong interest in adventure activities is essential with existing qualification or experience of adventure activity being desirable. Gaining governing body awards is a clear advantage, and a degree often aids access to more long-term and meaningful employment in a very diverse and increasingly competitive sector.
Good writing, presentation and communication skills are very important as graduates often develop roles very similar to teachers in primary, secondary, further and in some cases, higher education.
3. What are the entry level qualifications?
- BA (Hons) Adventure Education - 180 UCAS points or mature entry task
- FD Adventure Education requires only that you are currently employed or volunteer in the sector
4. What are the opportunities in adventure education and outdoor activities?
The opportunities to work in the adventure sector have grown tremendously over the last 20 years with many graduates moving into adventure facilitation. The sector continues to grow as do opportunities for well qualified and experienced practitioners. Opportunities exist for graduates to work in specialist adventure education centres, local education authorities, schools, specialist organisation for pupils with behavioural difficulties and private adventure activity providers. Many schools and local education authorities are relying on the skills of adventure education graduates to develop initiatives as part of, and in addition to the curriculum. There are opportunities for graduates to freelance as adventure education facilitators.
5. What you can study at undergraduate level?
- University of Chichester BA (Hons) Adventure education
- University of Chichester FD Adventure education
- University of Chichester BA (Hons) Adventure facilitation and education (top up level 3 for those with FD or HND)
- Plumpton College FD in Outdoor adventure activities
6. What can you study at Postgraduate level?
- University of Chichester MA Adventure facilitation (Starting September 09)
- University of Chichester MPhil and PhD in related areas
7. What could you be doing to help your career in Adventure education & outdoor activities?
- Take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
- Develop your communication and leadership skills
- Volunteer to work with groups of young people on adventure activities
- Go on an organised adventure course or holiday to see what is involved British Activity Holiday Association and Outward Bound
- Join an organisation such as the Sea Scouts, Scouts, or Guides
- Take a lifesaving course
- Learn to drive
- Try for a coaching/instructing qualification
Useful links
The Sector Skills Council for adventure education and outdoor activities is Skills Active
The Institute for Outdoor Learning has information on outdoor careers and professional development
The Training and Development Agency has information on working in schools and training as a teacher.
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