Level 3 Extended Diploma in Outdoor Activities

The outdoor and adventure industries are expanding rapidly, particularly recently and following lockdown. There has been growth in outdoor pursuits and the use of outdoor leaders and centres, increasing the demand for employment in this exciting sector. Government recognition and investment is set to fuel even further growth and opportunity.

These courses are for you if you are keen on being challenged in the outdoors in varied environments, want a job based on customer contact and adventure, are possibly interested in working in the leisure or outdoor adventure industries and other related areas like physical education teaching, the Armed Forces (e.g. PTI) or outdoor fitness. You can pursue higher education and career training through to the next level at Foundation Degree or Degree level. Over 50% of students chose to do this with us on or new HND Outdoor programme or at university.

Sports and leisure centres apart, there is a growing number of activity centres in the outdoor adventure sector, within Shropshire and nearby North Wales, where successful students can obtain employment and further training.

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, although a range of outdoor-related experience and qualifications can be considered, i.e. the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, kayaking qualifications, mountain bike trail leaders, etc.

 The outdoor activities course is an adventurous and energetic subject to study at SCG and includes many outdoor activities as well as traditional sports. Our expert teachers will guide you through the requirements and you’ll have the opportunity to complete various residential courses, including overseas trips, and also to organise your own expeditions. We encourage you to support a local charity in conjunction with the planning of your expedition.

You should enjoy outdoor life and be willing to take on challenging and adventurous activities. Many of the learning activities take place in the outdoors and outside of college.

The course includes a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities and experiences including:

• Kayaking
• Rock climbing
• Mountain biking
• Hiking and navigation
• Gorge walking
• Water-based skills
• Land-based skills
• Current issues
• Health and wellbeing
• Careers
• Expedition
• Leadership
• Fitness
• Camping.

Where travel allows, a significant proportion of the activities are carried out as day trips and overnight residentials, including a trip to the Ardèche Gorge in France for a week-long field trip at the end of the course.

There is a significant amount of theory-based learning, including classroom and sports / fitness sessions including outdoor leadership, organising an event, and health & safety.

Outdoor based units are completed via a ‘plan-do-review’ format. Other units are assessed via workbooks and a written assignment with set deadlines

The career opportunities are diverse after studying the Level 3 in Outdoor Activities course with options including outdoor leadership, outdoor activities instructing, wellness management and nutrition, coaching, leisure management, sports development, teaching, physiotherapist and psychologist as well as the Armed Forces.

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button. You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as A Levels via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 653111 or email admissions@scg.ac.uk