Course description
Are you ready to turn your passion for the outdoors into a career?
The NQ Outdoor Adventure course (SCQF Level 5) based in Broadford, Isle of Skye, is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to build skills in outdoor activities and pursue work or further study in the adventure sector.
You'll develop practical experience in a range of outdoor disciplines, including mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, hillwalking, and navigation - all set against the stunning backdrop of the Isle of Skye.
The course combines hands-on training with essential theory in leadership, safety, and environmental responsibility. Whether you're planning a future in guiding, instructing, or simply want to gain confidence in outdoor environments, this course provides a strong foundation.
Delivered by experienced instructors from our School of Adventure Studies, this course offers clear progression to our Outdoor Leadership course at SCQF Level 6, and onward to degree and postgraduate study.
The course provides solid foundation skills in hillwalking, navigation (summer and winter), climbing, kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking. It also offers a chance to try additional activities such as skiing, snowboarding, coasteering and stand-up paddleboarding.
Areas covered:
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l style='list-style-type:disc;'>Entry requirements
- Students must be 16 years of age at the start of the course.
- Applicants should have at least three National 4s or above or equivalent; a passion for the outdoors (mountain and water environments) and a good level of fitness.
- If you do not meet all the entry requirements this can be discussed and your previous experience may still qualify you for entry to this course. 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 l>
Progression
After completing this course, many students go on to study the NQ in Outdoor Leadership at SCQF Level 6 in Fort William, or progress to similar programmes in outdoor education and leadership.
The NQ in Outdoor Adventure builds essential skills like resilience, confidence, problem-solving, and teamwork, all of which form a strong foundation for a wide range of careers.
Graduates have gone on to work in the outdoor sector in roles such as bushcraft instructor and glacier guide, as well as in other fields where they have applied their skills to further study and employment, including paramedic science, early years education, the police, and even film-making.
Course options
Course Type: Full-time
Details
Venue details
UHI North, West & Hebrides
Ormlie Road
Thurso
Course provider
UHI North, West & Hebrides
UHI North, West & Hebrides
Ormlie Road
Thurso