Foundation Degree in Outdoor Adventure Management » OR005

An excellent choice for those who want to study at Higher Education level. This is an academic course with a good degree of practical content. There are also opportunities to gain additional National Governing Body Awards. The business and leadership aspects are related directly to the outdoor adventure industry. Work experience is a key part of this course. This degree is run in association with Bournemouth University.

Study and Research Skills
This unit aims to provide you with the necessary framework of study and research skills required to undertake the programme. It covers essential academic techniques and transferable skills and also allows you to begin to develop their research ideas using appropriate techniques in preparation for under taking the Specialist Research Project at Level I.

Outdoor Pursuits (Water-based)
This unit will enable you to take part in water-based outdoor pursuits. They will become familiar with the equipment used; main groups of participants; health and safety issues; relevant legislation.

Outdoor Pursuits (Land-based)
This unit will enable you to take part in the following range of outdoor pursuits: climbing, orienteering, high & low ropes courses. You will become familiar with the equipment used; main groups of participants; health and safety issues; relevant legislation.

Outdoor Activities Leadership 1
In this unit you will examine the soft skills necessary for leading activities for a range of client groups. Ways to motivate different client groups will form a key part of this unit. You will also look at differing requirements in terms of location, likely adventure thresholds and suitable types of activities. You will be required to lead an activity session having ascertained in advance what the requirements of the group are. You will undertake in-depth analysis of your own strengths and weaknesses against the profile of the group which they are leading.

Outdoor Education and the National Curriculum
In this unit you will look at the requirements of the National Curriculum in terms of outdoor adventurous activities, particularly in relation to Key Stages 2, 3 and 4. You will investigate compulsory / voluntary nature of outdoor adventurous activities within the National Curriculum, where these activities could be used, how they are used and the marketing opportunities available.

Foundations of Business Management
This unit will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to organise, develop and run and manage a small or medium sized business. The emphasis will include records and accounts, tax requirements and the principles of budgeting and financial planning.

Project Management & Marketing
In this unit you will create a living business environment in which you will be able to can combine knowledge and creativity to plan, organise and manage successful events. You will be involved in all stages of event organisation, from the initial planning to the final review and learn to evaluate their own performance. Your ability to analyse and synthesise will be carefully fostered through ongoing tutorial support and encouragement. Team-building skills and leadership qualities will be developed and you will have the opportunity to appraise their own performance.

Work Based Learning
This unit complements the academic experience by providing opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills and work ethic necessary to succeed in industry. Theinter-relationship between WBL and all other units will be emphasised and contextualised through unit delivery. You will be encouraged to select appropriate areas of learning for further examination as part of your WBL project and presentation.

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YearTwo / Level I
Advanced Outdoor Pursuits
In this unit you will investigate some of the great expeditions of the 20th and 21st centuries, studying the psychological influences on the success of expeditions and taking part in a 5-day expedition on land or water. You will further develop your knowledge of equipment; navigation; health and safety issues; relevant legislation.

Corporate Teambuilding
This unit aims to provide you with the ability to analyse the requirements of small and large businesses for management team building and problem solving activities. It will also focus on the market potential for running these types of activities, with particular emphasis on the use of high & low ropes courses. Included within this unit will be a Ropes Course Instructor award.

Outdoor Activities Leadership 2
In this unit, you will build upon the knowledge, understanding and skills gained in unit OA4 (Outdoor Activities Leadership 1). You will look in-depth at coaching processes in general and in particular at the coaching processes necessary for one outdoor activity. You will apply theory to practice in devising programmes for improvement for two individuals in the chosen activity. You will also demonstrate how they can take part in leading a session aimed at improving the performance of participants.

Outdoor Adventure & the Environment
This unit will identify and appreciate the key environmental factors that relate to outdoor adventure management.

Specialist Research Project
You will choose a topic relevant to your academic and professional development and undertake a sustained investigation in that field. The study will have a significant practical contribution and will be used to encourage and test initiative and independent thought. You will take responsibility for the formulation of an investigation plan and an initial survey of relevant information and possible methods of approach. You will develop skills of independent enquiry and understand the difference between a research question and hypotheses.

Practical Business Management
This unit is the culmination of the 2-year Foundation Degree course. It brings together all of the units previously studied in a real business situation. To complete this unit, you will set up and run (at a profit) a summer holiday camp for members of the public. You will take responsibility for health and safety, marketing, employment of specialists and every aspect of the management of the summe rholiday camp as well as leading the activities which are within your capabilities and NGB qualifications to lead.

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This 2 year full time course requires 3 days per week attendance at Kingston Maurward College and includes blocks of work placement between Year 1 and Year 2. The course is presented through a combination of lectures, discussions, assignments, practical activities, visiting guest speakers, specialist visits and work placement.

• Management positions within the specialist outdoor adventure or retail sectors.
• Teaching and education.
• The Armed Forces.
• Progression to Honours degree.

For 2012 entry: 80 points including at least a grade C in 1 A-level, or an equivalent relevant Level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC National Diploma, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
For 2013 entry: to be confirmed.

Recommended GCSEs:
Minimum of 4 (grades A*-C) inlcuding Maths and English or appropriate Key Skills Level 2

A combination of assignments, presentations, course work, vocational practicals, case studies, diaries and written examinations.

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree allows progression to a full BSc or BA Honours Degree via a top−up year at another HE institution.

Additional costs − certification fees set by Bournemouth University. Optional practical courses. Optional additional NGB qualifications e.g. BCU star awards; students will be encouraged to participate in these as much as is feasible.

This course is awarded by Bournemouth University