• Course Level:Level 3

    Course Duration:1 year

    Programme Aims

    The NCFE Certificate for the Outdoor Industry is a vocational/academic programme designed to provide learners with a greater understanding of the outdoor leisure industry and outdoor adventure education. It is an ideal qualification for those with prior experience of outdoor activities and adventure who are focussed on a career within this industry. The course combines theoretical understanding and practical knowledge, equipping learners with the necessary skills to be able to operate competently as supervisors, leaders and managers within the outdoor adventure sector. It equally provides access to foundation degree courses relating to the outdoor leisure industry.
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    Entry Requirements

    You will need to have achieved one of the following:
    4 GCSEs at grades A-C, including English, Maths and Science and Initial assessment at level 2
    GNVQ Intermediate
    NVQ Level 2
    BTEC First Diploma
    City and Guilds
    National Certificate or equivalent


    The course is aimed at students who have specifically identified a desire to pursue a career in the outdoor adventure industry and therefore requires applicants to have prior vocational or adventure activity experiences in land and water-based activities.
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    Course Structure

    The aim of the programme is to improve knowledge, skills and understanding of the adventure environment. The NCFE Certificate for the Outdoor Industry works alongside national governing body outdoor pursuit awards and complements the broad range of technical skills that these awards require.

    It provides supplementary interpersonal, group management and facilitation skills to enhance competence and promote personal development. The course is designed to assist students in their ability to provide meaningful outdoor adventure experiences through theoretical understanding and application. It includes mountain and moorland leadership training, kayak and canoe skills development, climbing and associated activity progression along with First Aid and rescue training.
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    What you will study

    All of the following core modules need to be completed:
    • The Outdoor Adventure Industry and careers within the industry
    • The Physical Environment
    • Operational procedures and risk management
    • Experiential Learning and theories of learning used in the facilitation of adventure development training
    • Coaching skills and performance
    • Basic expedition leadership
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    Assessment

    Assessment is through the building of portfolio of evidence. This is monitored and continuously assessed throughout the programme. It includes theoretical assignment work, practical assessment observations and other presented work.
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    Progression

    Successful learners may progress to the Foundation Degree in Outdoor Leisure Management at Bicton College (see our Higher Education prospectus for further details).

    Employment may typically be found in supervisory or managerial roles within the outdoor leisure industry.
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