Graduation Year: 2008
Degree: BSc (Hons) Outdoor Studies
Degree Awarded: 2:1
I attended The Duchess’s Community High School in Alnwick Northumberland, where I completed my GCSE’s and A-Levels. I had plans for an Army Commission at Sandhurst in the Royal Signals, however, embarked on a University education instead.
I was a keen canoeist and the outdoor life style suited me well. To have an academic degree in something so adventurous would be both interesting whilst on the course and valuable in years to come.
I’ve spoken to friends and family whom have gone to University and had a brilliant time and finished their degree. However, they have not gone on to be employed in their field of study. Outdoor Studies provided me with the opportunity to use skills learnt immediately when out on trips and expeditions – skills that are not only valuable for my personal recreation but for employment opportunities.
One of the biggest attractions of the course for me was that I would be studying with people with similar interests and goals to me. It was easy to find climbing or kayaking buddies to go out with on a weekend. Furthermore, it came to a point where we wanted to do certain proficiency or coaching awards and this was easy to arrange as we were all in the same situation, same place and could complete this fairly economically. This was only the case if we were unable to do an award through the course, which on many occasions we did.
Another key element to the course is because of the small intake of students in each year, the lecturers are able to get to know and support every student fully with an often “open door policy”, which I found extremely helpful. The small numbers also creates a close-knit group of people that compared with other larger subjects areas was a real bonus for me.
The practical sessions and the residential trips especially were fantastic to be a part of. High quality instruction, learned loads, and are all done in 3 amazing locations: North Wales, Scotland and the French Alps. Top class experience, brilliant opportunities and an invaluable degree.
At the time of graduation, I was employed by a company called World-Challenge at one of their Base Camps in Ashdown Forest. Since then I’ve done some traveling. Firstly, I drove round Europe, visited 8 countries, and drove 3700 miles in 13 days. Soon after that three friends and I, who all graduated in 2008 (BSc Outdoor Studies) embarked on a trip to the Indian Himalaya. We completed the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute’s Basic Mountaineering Course (28 Days) based in Darjeeling. I’m currently in the process of applying for an Outdoor Education job based in Australia.
The opportunities generated through the course has given me experience in working with children of all ages and backgrounds in an outdoor setting. This experience coupled with the academic qualification of a degree has given me a big head start in applying for the positions I want. This course has definitely got me on the employment ladder in my chosen field, Outdoor Education.
3 Star Kayak;
3 Star Open Canoe;
Canoe Safety Test;
Single Pitch Award (Training); (working towards assessment)
Mountain Leader (Training); (working towards assessment)
British Orienteering Federation Level 1;
Royal Yachting Association Level 1;
Aquatic First Aid level 1 (8 Hours);
ITC Level 2 Certificate in Outdoor First Aid (16 Hours);
European Computer Driving License;
PADI Open Water Diver.
I hope to continue to develop my skills as both an outdoor enthusiast and instructor whilst gaining more experience as I go. To be able to work in foreign countries and travel at the same time has been a goal of mine since starting the course. I hope to make it a reality, starting with Australia and who knows where next.