College and University Courses

Pearson BTEC Level 3
National Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities

100% internally assessed, this course is highly practical and progression focused, it allows for practical and professional skills development. There are three options each of a different size and purpose:

• Foundation Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities (540 GLH) intended for post-16 learners who want to progress directly to employment in the outdoor activities sector as an assistant outdoor instructor.
• Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities (720 GLH) intended for post-16 learners who want to progress directly to employment in the outdoor activities sector as an outdoor activities instructor.
• Extended Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities (1080 GLH) intended for post-16 learners who want to progress directly to employment or self-employment in the outdoor activities sector as an outdoor activities instructor and widen their progression opportunities.

Progression

Each size of this pathway attracts UCAS points, to support HE progression in related subjects.

Completion of the Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities (720 GLH) or Extended Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities (1080 GLH) achieves a prerequisite requirement for the L5 Outdoor Learning Specialist Apprenticeship (EPA enquiries)

Matched IOL Occupational Standard

Yes - the courses were designed by Pearson, college lecturers and IOL and fully aligns with the Outdoor Activity Instructor Occupational Standard.

Duration

24 Months (720 Guided Learning Hours)

Entry Requirements

Typically an interest in the outdoors and/or participation in outdoor activities.

Level

3

Professional Recognition

On completion, and with more than 180 days on-the-job experience plus employer endorsement, Outdoor Activity Instructors are eligible to join IOL as Associate Professional Members of the Institute for Outdoor Learning to support their career development and progression.

NCFE Level 3
Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoors)

There are four options each of a different size and purpose:

• To be awarded the NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoors), learners are required to successfully complete 3 mandatory units and 3 optional units.
• To be awarded the NCFE Level 3 Diploma (540) in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoors), learners are required to successfully complete 3 mandatory units and 6 optional units.
• To be awarded the NCFE Level 3 Diploma (720) in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoors), learners are required to successfully complete 3 mandatory units and 9 optional units.
• To be awarded the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoors), learners are required to successfully complete 3 mandatory units and 15 optional units.

Matched IOL Occupational Standard

The NCFE Level 3 Diploma (720) and Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity aligns with the Outdoor Activity Instructor Occupational Standard ONLY IF one of the following units must be covered: Leading land-based activities OR Leading water-based activities.

Duration

24 Months (720 Guided Learning Hours)

Entry Requirements

Typically an interest in the outdoors and/or participation in outdoor activities.

Level

3

Professional Recognition

On completion, and with more than 180 days on-the-job experience plus employer endorsement, Outdoor Activity Instructors are eligible to join IOL as Associate Professional Members of the Institute for Outdoor Learning to support their career development and progression.

University of Central Lancashire

Outdoor Adventure Leadership BA (Hons)

University of Central Lancashire

MA Outdoor Practice

Plymouth Marjon University

BA (Hons) Outdoor Adventure Education