Course Description
The BA in Outdoor Learning is specifically designed to meet the needs of those who are actively employed in the delivery of programmes using the outdoors. This includes outdoor education (OE), environmental education, learning outside the classroom, outdoor based youth work and much more. This programme will enable graduates to consolidate their professional practice with a nationally and internationally recognised degree. The degree will merge aspects of education theory and cutting-edge outdoor learning practice.
This is a blended learning programme for part-time learners who are working in an outdoor learning related sector.
RPL
Applicants must also complete the RPL (Recognition of prior learning) if they do not meet the academic criteria.
DOWNLOAD:
Brochure: BA in Outdoor Learning Brochure
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the following five minimum entry requirements:
- 60 credits at NFQ level 6 or higher level award in any one of the following areas: outdoor education, adult education, community education, health and leisure, youth and community studies, social care, sport and recreation; OR have completed a recognition of prior learning (RPL) process with the university RPL co-ordinator to the value of 60 credits as identified in the European Qualifications Framework for Outdoor Animators (EQFOA/CLO2);
- Provide evidence of cumulated experience of working in the sector for the equivalent of no less than 24 months on a full-time basis;
- Applicants must complete a Garda vetting process through MTU;
- Be employed or engaged on a full-time basis in an appropriate organisation to facilitate the work-based requirements of the programme (subject to approval of suitability by the course co-ordinators);
- Sufficient conversational and written English language skills - an IELTS requirement of 6.5.
Duration
2 Years Part-time
The programme will be delivered in a manner that suits adult learners who may be based throughout the country and who will have to combine their studies with full-time work. It will include intensive blocks of learning time at MTU Kerry Campus spread over approximately 10-12 days each semester.
Cost
€2,500 per academic year. Applicants may be eligible for a student grant, for further details visit www.susi.ie
This fee includes full membership of the Kerry Sports Academy for the academic year
Progression Opportunities
Students of the BA in Outdoor Learning have gone on to complete a number of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including outdoor education and further teacher education.
Modules
- The Practice of Teaching and Learning Outdoors
- The Philosophy and Origins of Modern Outdoor Education
- Adventure Therapy
- Applied Sociology and Psychology in Outdoor Learning
- Adapted Adventure Education
- Environmental Outdoor Education
- Utilising Research in Practice
- Evaluation and Assessment in OE Based Experiential Programmes
- International Models of Excellence and Innovation in Outdoor Education
Students choose one of the following elective modules:
- Principles and Practices of Youth and Community Work
- Entrepreneurship – Business Development
Electives are offered subject to demand.
RPL
Recognition of prior learning (Rpl) for entry onto the Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor learning
Entry to this programme will require the learner to have completed a minimum of 60 Credits at Level 6 in a related area or to have completed an RPL process to the value of 60 credits as identified in the learning outcomes framework (CLO2) of the European Qualifications Framework for Outdoor Animators (EQFOA).
This 60 credits at level 6 effectively forms a ‘year one’ for the programme and a foundation for the following two years of study.The use of RPL for entry on to this programme is classed as Recognition of Prior Learning for the Purpose of Advanced-Entry Admission to Academic Programmes in accordance with the RPL policy of the Institute of Technology, Tralee. A RPL co-ordinator has been appointed by the college to facilitate the process for prospective learners on this course.
Applying for RPL
Applicants for recognition of prior learning must discuss the application with the RPL coordinator before beginning the application process. This discussion will set out the basis for assessment. For example, formally certified learning from a bona fide higher educational institution; experiential learning; substantial learning from the workplace or life experience or a combination of several types of learning.
The applicant’s case for recognition of his/her prior learning must be presented as a learning portfolio. The applicant maps experience and prior learning against the module/programme learning outcomes. This portfolio of experience and learning must include reference letters, documentation, certification, etc. in support of achievement of the learning outcomes. A minimum of 50% of the learning outcomes in each module must be fully satisfied for exemption/recognition of prior learning to apply.
To assist in this process, MTU Kerry Campus has developed a template to guide the applicant through the process, RPL Sample Form
Download: RPL Application Form
Interested in just one or two modules?
No problem!
For those practitioners who work in Outdoor/Environmental Education, youth work, primary/post-primary teaching or social care; why not up-skill by taking a single module on a part-time basis. You can choose to study the Practice of Teaching and Learning Outdoors; Adventure Therapy; Adapted Adventure Education or any of the modules on the programme. Underpin your practice with an accredited module or expand your practice to embrace a new area of work.
For all queries please contact:
Lucy Fitzell, Admissions Officer
Tel: +353 (0)66 7145638
Email: admissionskerry@mtu.ie
Lifelong Learning Department
Email:
email
Phone: 066 7191701