Introduction

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Outdoors, Culture and Nature Guiding is a 3-year course of studies comprising 180 ECTS credits. The study programme provides students with practical skills, knowledge, attitudes and experiences related to the outdoors and nature guiding. The main emphasis is on acquiring solid basic skills in simple outdoor activities in a variety of environments; gaining broad experience of educational topics related to the teaching of outdoor activities; and acquiring in-depth insight into topics related to outdoor life, society, culture and nature. The study programme also provides a thorough understanding of research theory and methodology applicable to this area, as well as basic skills in project work related to outdoor life, culture and society. Students who complete the study programme with an average grade of C or higher will be eligible to enrol on a Master’s degree programme in Physical Education, Sports and Outdoor Life Studies.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The target group consists of applicants who meet general admission requirements and who are seeking a professional education in outdoor activities instruction. Please note that the study programme is physically demanding and requires that students possess good skiing skills and are in good physical condition.

Students who complete less than 75% of the first or second year will not be allowed to continue on to the second or third year, respectively, except under special circumstances. This will be assessed upon individual application by the student.

It is a requirement that all students be proficient in swimming. The swimming test will be conducted at the beginning of the semester. It is also a requirement that all students must have completed first aid courses (totallingat least 15 hours) before they start their individual hike in course 1452 Forests, Mountains and Waterways. Students who can document that they have completed such training within the last two years will receive credit for that course. A first aid course will be offered on the first weekend after the start of studies for students who need it.

Aim of the Programme

The study programme will provide students with solid and comprehensive skills in outdoor activities and guiding. They will gain specialized knowledge of outdoor life, its history, development and management. The study programme will also provide a broad and solid expertise in working with the dissemination of information relating to outdoor life, and accident management.

The study programme will provide students with a basis for further study at Master’s degree level focusing on outdoor themes related to educational, cultural and social science approaches.

The study programme will, together with other studies, provide a basis for work in schools, as well as in higher education institutions, NGOs, public administration, travel, health, rehabilitation, social work, and in other areas.

Learning outcome

A candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Outdoors, Culture and Nature Guiding will have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

• Knowledge: Broad and solid knowledge of outdoors guiding. Solid knowledge of the history and development of the outdoors, and management of the Norwegian outdoors. Basic knowledge of research theory and methodology. Basic knowledge of project work relating to outdoor recreation, culture and society.
• Skills: Strong skills in individual outdoors activities in several different environments in different seasons. Solid skills in dealing with accidents and emergencies in the outdoors.
• General competence: Enhanced ability to assess their own skills and be able to choose tours according to ability for different groups. Enhanced ability to reflect on attitudes and experiences related to outdoors recreation, society, culture, nature and man.

Curriculum and structure

Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) S5(A) S6(V) Studentene må ta ett valgemne i vårsemesteret. Se merknad under om opptak til disse. 1450 Nature, Culture and Management 15.00 O 10 5         Total: 30 30 0 0 0 0 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

It is a requirement that all students are proficient in swimming. The swimming test will be conducted at the beginning of the semester. It is also a requirement that all students must have completed first aid courses (totalling at least 15 hours) before they start their individual hike in course 1452 Forests, Mountains and Waterways.

Not all electives may be offered each semester; at a minimum at least 8 students must choose an elective before it will be offered. There will be a limited number of places for all electives.

Students must therefore select three courses in order of priority. Admission to each course in the first year of studies will be decided on the basis of grades in the courses 1452 Forests, Mountains and Waterways, and 1453 Winter I, Forests and Mountains. Second and third year students will be given priority in cases where courses are available as elective courses for them.

Admission to the Winter II courses is based on an assessment of individual skiing skills, and on students’ grades from the first and second years. Third year students will be given priority.

Admission to practical specialization courses in the second and third years will be based on grades from the first and second years.

Internationalization

As part of the study programme it is possible to take at least 30 ECTS credits (one semester) at an educational institution abroad in the fifth semester. The college has entered into agreements and financing arrangements for exchange within Scandinavia via NORDPLUS. The college also has bilateral exchange agreements with the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus in Canada, Prescott College in the US and Trinity University College in Wales.

More information can be found on Telemark University’s website.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching and learning methods include tours with a supervisor, tours in student groups, field trips, lectures, practical training, group and seminar work.

Theory and Practical Training

Lessons take place indoors and outdoors. Practical topics are mainly examined through obligatory trips to different environments, with mandatory related lectures before and after. “Theoretical” themes will be explored mainly through tours, lectures and seminars. The goal is to achieve an interaction between the experiences acquired in practical training and knowledge based on research.

Assessment Methods

Students’ knowledge is assessed through skills tests, portfolios, written examinations and project work. In order to receive a diploma, students must complete the obligatory parts of the study programme, and have their portfolios and reports approved.

The forms of assessment are chosen to test students’ skills, knowledge and capabilities as instructors; please refer to the points listed under “learning outcomes” above.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean