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. The study programme offers an interdisciplinary education and will primarily provide the competence and skills necessary for working with the mediation of outdoor activities. The study programme may, alone or in combination with further training, provide a foundation for working within the school system, voluntary organisations, public administration, travel, health, rehabilitation, social work and other fields of interest.

All students must have completed the Red Cross First-Aid course or the equivalent (at least 15 hours), before beginning the individual "mountain and glacier" or "water and waterways" portion of the programme. Students who can document that they have completed this type of course within the last two years will receive credit for that course. For others it will be possible to take such a course in the beginning of the semester.

Aim of the Programme

The study programme will provide students with a broad and solid education covering outdoor activities. Students will have the opportunity to develop their practical skills and specialised knowledge of outdoor activities as a phenomenon, including the area’s history, development and management. The study program will provide tangible skills for working with and mediating outdoor activities. Students will also be able to lay a basis for further work at the Master’s degree level with topics related to open-air pursuits in relation to pedagogy, cultural and social-scientific approaches.

Further Education opportunities

The study programme is a 3-year foundation study containing 180 ECTS credits. It is an independent course of study which leads to a Bachelor’s degree. The programme satisfies the requirements for admission to the Master’s degree study programme in outdoor activities. If a student also completes the one-year Post Graduate Certificate in Education, this will meet the requirements for acting as a secondary-school teacher in the public school system.

Curriculum and structure

The study programme provides students with practical skills, knowledge, attitudes and experience related to outdoor activities guiding. The main emphasis is placed on acquiring solid basic skills in simple outdoor life activities in a variety of environments; gaining broad experience of educational issues related to the teaching of outdoor activities; and gaining in-depth insight into themes related to outdoor life, society, culture and nature. The study programme also provides a thorough understanding of the research theory and methodology applicable to this area, as well as basic skills in project work related to outdoor life, culture and society.
The first year of study will provide students with:

• Basic skills in simple outdoor activities in various environments
• Basic experience in the teaching of outdoor activities and guiding
• Insight into the history and development of outdoor life
• Insight into the management of Norwegian outdoor life
• The ability to assess one’s own competence and the ability to choose routes according to ability
• A basis for reflecting on attitudes and experiences related to outdoor life, society, culture and nature

The second year of study will provide students with:

• Solid basic skills in a chosen type of outdoor activity and in winter outdoor activities
• Solid experience with guiding others as a method of teaching outdoor life skills
• Thorough understanding of issues related to outdoor activities, culture and society
• Enhanced ability to assess one’s own competence and the ability to choose a route according to one’s own ability
• A solid basis for reflecting on attitudes and experiences related to outdoor life, society, culture, nature and people

The third year of study will provide students with:

• Solid guiding expertise in outdoor life
• Basic skills for dealing with accidents and emergencies in the outdoors
• Enhanced ability to assess one’s own competence
• A thorough understanding of research theory and methodology related to outdoor life, culture and society
• Basic skills in project work related to outdoor life, culture and society

In courses 1264 and 1267, students can choose between Coast, Mountains / Glaciers, Sea kajaking or Waterways as their area of practical specialisation. The specialisation in 1267 builds upon the one they choose i 1264. In course 1268 they can choose one of the others practical specialisations.

This courses includes an obligatory trip at the end of the spring semester. Students must complete this trip before they will be permitted to receive a diploma.

In the 5th semester students are free to choose elective courses, including courses from other study programmes. However, students must do this in consultation with the study programme coordinator and the elective course teacher.

Students may also choose to study abroad during this semester.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Throughout the entire course of study, teaching and learning methods will include outdoor teaching in the form of guided and individual trips, lectures, practical training, reports, group and seminar work.

Assessment Methods

Throughout the programme of study the students’ knowledge is evaluated through portfolios, reports and written exams. In order to be awarded a diploma students must complete the obligatory parts of the study programme and have their portfolios and reports approved.

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