Professional development programme

The Professional Development Programme provides learning experiences that allow you to examine theory, build strong relationships with fellow students and staff and develop skills and capacities that will aid in your future career.

Tailored to your experience level and ability, you will:

  • develop your technical skills
  • increase your knowledge of local ecology and culture
  • hone your communication skills
  • help create experiences which will enhance your integration of theory and practice

Core and optional courses

You will complete several field courses, some of which are core and others optional. Core courses are included in the tuition fees. Optional courses have additional fees, payable at the beginning of the academic year.

Due to the holistic nature of the PDP core courses, which goes beyond acquiring technical skills, we expect that all students will fully participate, irrespective of personal experience and qualifications.

The canoe and the skills of safe and efficient group management allow outdoor leaders and participants to experience and enjoy the rivers, lochs and related landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

This is a multi-faceted course that emphasises an introduction to and increasing familiarity and experience in canoes in a range of water environments. Students will gain the skills to direct their canoe and also learn about water hazards, river crossings and introductory rescue techniques.

The course usually takes place early in the academic year and is an excellent opportunity for students to get to know each other and the staff. The combination of the river itself and the staff knowledge, skills and commitment to outdoor and environmental education make this a remarkable and truly memorable journey.


The Summer Hill-Walking course incorporates elements of  innovative learning and teaching, navigation, lowland walking, and hill-walking. The principal aim is for students to increase their learning and teaching and technical competence in travelling through and living in land-based landscapes. The course features a short expedition.


The Winter in the Mountains course covers fundamental winter walking skills (e.g. using axe and crampons), building on existing skills and developing new skills.

The aim of this course is to allow students to experience the major differences between summer and winter travel in the mountains - especially in terms of weather, navigation, equipment, physical fitness, underfoot conditions and other relevant safety aspects of moving over steep, potentially dangerous ground.

Throughout the week there is a strong emphasis on the importance of accurate navigation, and participants will practice map interpretation, walking on a bearing, pacing, timing and relocation techniques. Snow-pack analyses help us to determine the risk of avalanche and develop safe travel routes. We will also look at weather forecasting and the implications of weather on winter mountaineering

All of this takes part in a spectacular landscape characterised by the effects of glaciation. Ten thousand years ago glaciers retreated and left behind deep glacial U-shaped valleys including the one in which Loch Avon is located. The trained eye can also find other glaciated evidence including moraines, striations and erratics, as well as the associated soil movement known as solifluction.

We are likely to see species associated with the winter landscape, including birds such as ptarmigan which are found only above 2000 feet, and visiting migrants such as the snow bunting and the white mountain hare. Sub-arctic vegetation includes moss campion, alpine cinquefoil and yellow mountain saxifrage.


All of our students are required to hold a First Aid qualification, and it is an essential prerequisite for all national governing body (NGB) awards for adventurous activities.

This course is delivered over two days. It is classroom and scenario-based, with plenty of opportunities for practical workshops in the outdoors.

At the end of the course all students will be required to do a practical assessment demonstrating the First Aid techniques learned.


All Masters students are required to complete a successful placement. This lasts 20 days/four weeks (or equivalent).

The placement gives students an opportunity to put theory into practice while engaging with and learning from experienced experts and facilitators. These opportunities have been invaluable for many students, and organisations have noted the numerous benefits of hosting a student placement as well.

Students will broaden their experience of a variety of approaches to, and styles of, teaching outdoors and gain insights into working in educational environments. 

Placement organisations range from outdoor education and learning centres to environmental charities, community projects, personal development programmes and education settings (early years, schools, higher and further education) and many more. Placements are offered through a partnership between placement organisations, the University and you as the student.

My placement opened my eyes to a whole new world of outdoor experiences. I saw the profound liberation the outdoors can offer vulnerable young people and the incredible community environment [my placement organization] fostered. I was made to feel part of the family from the very beginning and was given chances to lead sessions, observe sessions and listen to the young people open up about the challenges they are facing. It has been an incredibly thought provoking, eye-opening and valuable experience and I will continue volunteering with them for as long as I can!

Catherine Dunn 2018/19

 


In the UK, rock climbing began with the botanic exploration of cliffs in the mountains, and was later used as preparation for scaling the higher peaks of the Alps and greater ranges.

Today, it is an activity in its own right, both indoors on artificial climbing surfaces and outdoors on natural rock. The Rock Climbing course follows a progression that begins with the Summer Mountain Leader syllabus for security on steep ground. Next, it moves to easy scrambling as a way of introducing the basics of rock climbing. 

The second half of the course focuses on increasing proficiency in the single pitch environment. This involves developing both personal climbing and abseiling skills, as well has honing group teaching and supervision skills.


Crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, deserted islands and pristine beaches; the West Coast of Scotland is widely recognised as a world-class destination for sea kayaking.

During the week, students will be taught basic sea kayaking skills and safety procedures before embarking on a multi-day expedition on the West coast of Scotland (weather permitting). The expedition will allow the group to visit wild and remote areas that are inaccessible by any other means.

The week is led by experienced sea kayak educators who are not only paddle experts, but also very knowledgeable in the natural and cultural history of the West coast. During the week, students will have a chance to learn new skills and also practice and reflect on the academic course modules.


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