Outdoor Adventure Education Level 3 Diploma 16-19

Course information

The Level 3 Outdoor Adventure Education course is the perfect Study programme to kick start your career as an outdoor adventure instructor.

This programme has been designed in collaboration with industry specialists and local employers to fully immerse you in the outdoor industry, developing the essential skills required to gain a career within the sector.

We know that practical learning in the outdoors is the best way to success in this industry. Utilising our fantastic facilities which include an onsite climbing tower, indoor bouldering wall and Watersports lake, you will be learning outside the classroom, guided by highly experienced instructors and lecturers.

When you are in the classroom, you will gain valuable industry knowledge on leadership, coaching, health & safety, sustainability and professional development.

The programme modules cover;

• Exercise, Health and Lifestyle
• Skills for Land based and Water based Adventure Activities
• Outdoor Adventure Expeditions
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Leadership in Outdoor Adventure
• Employment in the Outdoor Industry
• Managing Risk, Facilities and Equipment
• Environmental Sustainability

Some exciting and rewarding aspects of your programme include:

• Snowdonia National Park Adventure
• Navigation Expeditions on Dartmoor
• Canoeing Expeditions on the River Dart/River Exe
• Rock Climbing and Abseiling

What You Will Learn

You will learn the following modules which will give you all the knowledge and skills to begin a career in Outdoor Adventure;

• Exercise, Health and Lifestyle
• Skills for Land based and Water based Adventure Activities
• Outdoor Adventure Expeditions
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Leadership in Outdoor Adventure
• Employment in the Outdoor Industry
• Managing Risk, Facilities and Equipment
• Environmental Sustainability

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

Please note: Some of our courses may have extra entry requirements or need a bit more information, like evidence or experience. Don't worry—we’ll guide you through everything when you apply!

Work Experience

Work Experience will take place with an Outdoor Adventure employer which we will support you with during your course. There will also be opportunities to coach and mentor other learners at Bicton College as well as external clients and school groups.

Assessment

You will be assessed through progressive modular assignments, workbooks, presentations and practical demonstrations of learnt skills.

Progression

On successful completion of the programme you will be fully equipped to enter a career within the outdoor industry doing what you love.

You may also choose to further your studies and apply to university to study courses in Outdoor Adventure Education.

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

Find out more about our Bicton campus

Events

Keeper Experience Days

Bicton College

Junior Keeper Experience Day

• 8 Apr 2025
• 15 Apr 2025

Bicton College

Initial Clinical Supervisor and Vetskill Portfolio Training at Bicton

• 24 Apr 2025
• 3 Jul 2025