Answers to some frequently asked questions, including equipment you should bring, how fit you need to be, and whether you can study part time. Physical fitness requirements You must be fit enough to fully engage in all programme activities. If you have any questions about your own level of physical fitness, please contact the Programme Director to discuss.The Outdoor and Environmental Education Professional Development Programme (PDP) requires the ability to: camp and canoe for a weeklift and carry canoes over uneven terraincarry an expedition rucksack in mountainous terrain for several days at a timesea kayak in potentially inclement weather walk on uneven, rocky shores carrying sea kayaks and overnight camping equipmentclimb on single pitch cragsYou do not need to be at the peak of human physical fitness, so please do not see this as a barrier, but clearly you do need a certain level of physical capability. Visit the Professional Development Programme page Examples of courses and the physical fitness required Ecology and field studies Context: Takes place on the Isle of Rum for six full days. The programme is almost entirely practical and outdoors, with learning occurring mostly some distance from the bunkhouse where we stay.The population is small (~30 individuals) and there are no medical facilities on the island, or on any of the other Small Isles. The nearest facility is in Mallaig and then Fort William.Living arrangements are community living in a bunkhouse for the six days.Walking distances, conditions and terrain:The island has no roads, and whilst we use some of the tracks, a lot of the walking is off these and in ‘rugged’ terrainMost days students must carry a rucksack with personal and field-work equipmentThe longest walk (mostly on rough tracks) is about 24 km - an all-day walk to the north-west of the islandAnother is a day walk about 8-10 km that involves some scrambling and walking over a rocky seashore (with seaweed-covered boulders)All other days involve walks of 4-8 km - one of these is on and through a boggy area; others are mostly off tracks and in and through a mixture of scrub, woodland and tussocks.One of the sessions involves a night walk (approximately 9pm to 3am the next morning) up a mountain, from sea level to about 700m. This involves walking in the dark (using a head torch) on mostly uneven rock and very steep ground, sometimes using hands to scramble rocky ridges. You will return the same way. All students need to carry extra personal and safety equipment in their rucksack and be confident in their walking ability, balance and fitness.Students have a set-programmed day during which they are encouraged to visit the south or west side of the island for their studies. This is usually a 20-25 km walk. Sea kayaking Context: Takes place on the West Coast of Scotland – Ardnamurchan Peninsula. The nearest medical facility is in Fort William. The programme involves sea kayaking skill development over five days with day trips building to an overnight expedition of one or two nights. Living arrangements are community living in a bunkhouse for five days.Walking distances, conditions, terrain:the landscape is remote and the sea shore is extremely rocky with seaweed growing over rocks, making it slipperytides are large; low tide can result in a long walk (e.g. 500m, sometimes more) with heavy boats making at least two trips to get equipment to the banks (sometimes more) necessarylunch spots are usually on rocky shores requiring you to land boats and carry them short distances, then walk on rocky slippery ground for short distancesstudents are required to carry sea kayaks, equipment for camping, etc over rocky, slippery ground for various distances depending on launching places, campsites and exit options, all dependent on tides and weather Necessary equipment We have prepared a list of equipment and clothing you should bring with you. Many students borrow from each other, hire and/or bring along their own personal equipment. The weather in Scotland is very changeable and, where possible, we conduct as much learning and teaching outdoors, whether away on Residential Courses or when in Edinburgh. Required/essential clothing and equipment Items marked with (*) are available for loan from our stores, subject to availability. Clothing Robust, quick drying ‘walking/hiking’ trousersThermal base layer i.e. tops and bottoms – such as polypropylene or smart woolMid layer – fleece and/or soft shellWoollen walking socks (at least 2 pairs)Synthetic insulated jacket - synthetic insulation is better than down due to our damp climate but down is ok if you already have it, it just isn’t very warm if it gets wetWaterproof breathable shell jacket – must be a minimum of 10,000 mm Hydrostatic Head waterproof for British mountain conditionsWaterproof breathable trousers (preferably with zip sides to allow them to be put on or taken off over boots)Robust three-season hiking boots, with soles which will grip on rock, grass and mudThin gloves e.g. wool or polypropyleneWarm, waterproof gloves / glove shellsFleece or wool hatSun hat Equipment Head torch and spare batteriesDigital watch with stop-watch - essential for navigationSunglasses with UV protectionPersonal mini first aid kit, blister kit and tick removerInsect repellent – Smidge is excellent for our resident mini mosquitos the Midge and also protects against ticks‘Midge’ netRucksack (60-70 litres) - essential for Summer Hills course as we will be backpacking at timesRucksack (30-45 litres)Sit mat (small waterproof mat to sit on)Waterproof notebook (for notetaking outdoors) For camping and residential Three season sleeping bagSleeping matMug, bowl, spoon2 tea towels Useful or advisable Wool or ‘Buffalo’ mittens – for Winter HillsSynthetic gilet/vestMap case (Ortlieb is best)Compass - Silva Type 4 or one with the same size base plate (*)0.5 litre thermos flask20-30 litre dry bagGaiters - advisable for Summer Hills but essential for Winter Hills (*)Walking polesA second, thicker fleece or insulated jacketSpare warm hatNeck warmer (Buff or similar) Residential courses A residential course is a course that is taught away from the Edinburgh city campus. Residential courses in the Outdoor and Environmental Education programmes take place across different locations around Scotland, for example, the West Coast or the Highlands. As stated above, accommodation and transport to residential courses are provided and included in the programme/course fees. Please note, some courses are core and included in academic fees, others are optional and incur an additional course fee. Entry requirements: Outdoor experience Outdoor experience is an entry requirement to the programme; however, we are quite flexible in what that outdoor experience looks like specifically.We are interested to know about your personal and professional experience in the outdoors, and also your passion for pursuing a career in outdoor and environmental education.If you are unsure whether your experience meets the requirements of the programme, please email us and we'll be happy to advise you.Email the OEE programme This article was published on 2024-11-28