Short Course

Leading and Enhancing Community Learning Outdoors

This course will support you to gain the skills and knowledge to apply Community Learning and Development practice outdoors, in a range of professional settings within communities such as youth work, adult learning and Early Learning and Childcare. 

You will develop and creatively apply knowledge and skills to lead community learning and development within the context of outdoor learning. 

Register your interest

Why QMU?

  • This module is designed to support educators who are working in community settings to develop the core knowledge and skills to lead groups in the context of outdoor learning.
  • The module contributes to an individual’s learning and will be a key element in professional development with bodies such as the Community Learning and Development Standards Council.  

Inspiring Scotland logo  Thrive Outdoors logo

Who is this course for?

You will be, or have been, working, volunteering or leading in a community learning context. A participant may have had experience in the public, private or third sector.  

You are likely to have specialist qualifications that are relevant to your field and will have, or be working towards, accreditation with the CLD Standards Council.  

Leading and Enhancing Community Learning Outdoors: The course in brief

What will I learn on the course?

You will:

  • critically explore and evaluate the main pedagogical theories, principles, policies, evidence, and concepts relevant to community learning and development applied to the context of outdoor learning;  
  • evaluate complex information and issues in professional context of community learning and development using appropriate methods and evidence; 
  • create rights based participatory approaches to outdoor pedagogy in the development of community learning and development; and
  • plan and critically reflect on professional practices which promote community empowerment through development and support of collaborative working. 

By the end of the course what will I be able to do?

On completion of the course, you will be able to: 

  • lead community learning and development activities outdoors; 
  • evaluate how theory, policy and practice connect; and  
  • apply knowledge in the context of community learning and development outdoors, with focus on Early Learning and Childcare. 

How will I be taught?

How is the course delivered?

This course is delivered fully online within the QMU virtual learning environment Canvas.  

How long does the course last for and how much time will I need to spend on it each week?

The course will run over four months, during that time you will be required to attend eight online 2.5 hours twilight sessions. These will run in the Spring of 2025 – dates and time to be confirmed.  Alongside this you should set aside around 8-10 hours a week to complete the required reading, preparation and assessments   

Does the course have an assessment and if so what sort of assessment will it be?

Critical reflection on portfolio of outdoor practice in a community setting. 

Presentation of a programme of outdoor sessions for community learning and development.  

Who will be teaching me?

QMU lecturers Stacey Marko, Patrick Boxall, Dr Mostafa Gamal, Dr Cara Blaisdell will deliver the course.

What equipment will I need for this course?

You will require access to a computer or laptop, internet connectivity and a webcam.

Student support/access to facilities

For the duration of your course you will be able to make use of our on-campus learning resource centre as well as access to our full range of online resources, including e-books and academic journals.

You will also have limited, mainly online access to Student Services support. Students with particular support requirements can contact the Disability Service.

As you will be studying with us for less than a full academic year you will not be provided with a personal academic tutor (PAT). However, any queries regarding your studies should be directed to the staff member leading the delivery of your course.

Leading and Enhancing Community Learning Outdoors: Entry requirements, fees and application information

Entry requirements

No formal entry requirements however participants are likely to have specialist qualifications that are relevant to their field and will have, or be working towards, accreditation with the CLDSC.

The course is delivered at Master’s level and each applicant must decide if the level of study is suitable for them. 

Applicants for Master’s level study would usually hold an undergraduate degree or have relevant professional experience that supports study at this level. Applicants that have previously studied outside the UK should check that their qualification has been taught at a suitable level to prepare them for Master’s level study. 

You do not need to provide proof of your previous qualifications. 

English Language requirements: This course is taught and assessed in English. Applicants do not need to provide proof of their English Language skills when applying for this course, but all applicants should consider whether they have sufficient English competence to study at this level. Applicants for this level of study would usually be able to demonstrate a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component score below 6.0. 

Fees

£TBC

Application

Apply for Leading and Enhancing Community Learning Outdoors

Application deadline

13 January 2025

Start date

February 2025 (exact date TBC)

NB This course will run depending on numbers registered. Confirmation of commencement will be 4 weeks in advance of the start date.

More information and QMU contacts

View the full range of our Arts, Social Sciences and Management short courses.

Start Your Application

Course Overview

Delivery
Online
Duration
7 weeks
Start Date
February 2025