Outdoor Leadership SCQF 6 (Fort William) NQ

What is special about this course?

Do you enjoy spending time outdoors and love the exhilaration and challenge of taking part in outdoor adventure activities? Do you also have a desire to turn your hobby into a career? If you've answered 'yes' to both then our Advanced Outdoor Leadership course is certainly for you.

You will cover many different activities – from paddle sports and mountain biking to rock climbing - during your course, learning everything you need to know to be a professional activity instructor.

You have the added bonus of studying at a college that is home to the fastest growing School of Adventure Studies in the UK. Come and experience the thrill of outdoor sports in the Outdoor Adventure Capital of Scotland.

The course contains a number of theoretical (SQA units) and practical elements (National Governing Body Awards).

There is also a work experience placement from April to early June (8 weeks) with opportunities to gain a placement with major adventure companies, including the possibility of an international placement with UK organisations. Your exact placement will depend on your achievement of awards. Students may have the opportunity of a paid work placement overseas.

During your course, we introduce you to using a range of digital technologies, which will help you get the most from your course and at the same time develop your digital skills.  Find out more about key computing skills and essential student skills. 

Entry requirements

Students must be 18 years of age by the 1st April in their year of study in order to take up an industry work placement which is a core part of the course and ideally 18 at the start of the course to be eligible to enrol on NGB awards.

You should have at least 3 National 5s or have completed our NQ Outdoor Adventure or equivalent.

• Candidates should demonstrate competence in the relevant outdoor disciplines equal to those gained in NQ Outdoor Adventure – if not then candidates should consider this course first
• Students will be required to complete an 8 week work placement. Students must be 18 years of age by the 1st April in their year of study in order to take up an industry work placement which is a core part of the course.
• Mature students will be considered on merit. 
• We’ll be inviting you by email to attend course information sessions between now and the start of your course. We’d urge you to come along if at all possible.

Please note that you are required to have a satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check to enable participation in work placement. This will be provided as a mandatory part of your course. Further information can be found here at mygov.scot

Areas for study include:

• adventure sport performance and coaching
• leadership and personal development
• guiding and interpretation
• industry experience
• research skills
• environmental conservation
• expedition and residential experience
• work experience and employability
• embedded development of core and essential skills

The majority of SQA units in this course are at SCQF level 6.

You will also work towards these awards:

• British Canoeing: Paddlesport Instructor
• British Canoeing: Personal Performance Awards: Open Canoe, White Water or Sea Kayak
• BC Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course
• BC Personal Performance – Stand Up Paddle Boarding
• British Cycling: Mountain Bike Leadership Award Level 1 or Level 2 Training
• Climbing Wall Instructor Training
• Environmental Awards
• Customer Care and Guide Training
• Outdoor Specific First Aid Certificate 
• Pre requisites for Mountain Leader Training

Entry to awards is subject to obtaining the required performance standard and log book days.

More than just your subject

Imagine coming out of college with your subject qualification PLUS a portfolio of skills endorsed by employers. That’s exactly what you will get with us. Our skills+ portfolio is part of your full-time course. You will develop skills in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, metaskills, work-readiness, net-zero, wellbeing, and the skills you need for your future aspirations. Our skills+ portfolio becomes your portfolio to take away with you. Whilst studying your subject you will build your skills+ portfolio and gain confidence and resilience along the way.

Equipment

Internet connection and a suitable device with headphones, microphone and camera (minimum spec) is required. Please email us if you have any concerns about connectivity or equipment.

Equipment
If students are in receipt of bursary, course PPE will be purchased for them through the bursary.
If a student is not eligible for bursary, they will be required to supply their own at their own cost.
The required personal protective equipment is:

• Suitable hard shell waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Hill walking boots (B1 are adequate)

We can provide advice on this if required.

No other equipment needs to be purchased prior to the course starting. During the course all the major and essential items of equipment are provided, but it is helpful, if possible, to set aside a budget for purchasing your own accessories such as thermal underwear or gloves.

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.

Funding

Students may qualify for bursary funding.