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Course description

The aim of this course is to provide you with the required skills to undertake entry level industry qualifications and awards. The course will allow you to log outdoor pursuit activity and volunteering to exit with experience and qualifications that will enable you to gain employment within the outdoor sector.

You will develop a sound understanding of the outdoor activity leadership and develop personal competencies in a range of outdoor activities. You also learn how to plan for outdoor activities whilst developing an understanding of personal safety and safety of other participants.

During the course you will take part in an expedition and residential.

This is a Category 1 PVG course. During the course you will have contact with vulnerable groups of people, therefore to successfully complete the course, you are required to be a member of the PVG Scheme. Further information will be provided to successful applicants. You can also visit the PVG scheme website for more information.

  • Hill waking and Navigation Skills
  • Rock Climbing and Bouldering
  • Outdoor First Aid
  • Developing Paddlesports Skills
  • Delivering Paddlesports
  • SQA Core Skills
  • SQA NPA Sport and Fitness Outdoors
  • Residential

Where personal competency allows you may also complete:

  • National Navigation Award Scheme
  • British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor Award
  • Mountain Training 'Hill Skills' Certificate
  • Mountain Training 'Rock Skills' Certificate
  • REC 16-hour Outdoor First Aid Certificate
  • British Canoeing Paddle/Personal Performance Awards
  • British Canoeing Paddlesport Safety and Rescue
  • Plus more…

Entry requirements

No formal qualifications are required for entry to this course, evidence of participation and experience in at least two of the following must be provided; Hillwalking, Mountain Biking, Paddle Sports and/or climbing

An experience of assisting/volunteering would be advantageous.

You must have an active interest and previous experience/regular participation in outdoor activities.

English Proficiency Requirements: IELTS 5 or equivalent (with a minimum of 4.5 in all 4 components

Progression

This course prepares students for entry level positions in the outdoor sector, providing the first rung on the ladder to being and Outdoor Instructor. Completion of the programme equips students with skills and qualifications that enable them to gain employment during the summer, immediately after completion of the course. Students secure employment in local, national and international outdoor education and activity centres.

For those that want to further improve their career prospects, students can return after the summer to study on the NQ Coaching and Leading Adventure Sports Level 6 course which, in turn, provides learners with the requirements to go on to the HNC Sports Coaching and Development (Adventure Sports).

Course options

Course Type: Full-time
Details
Date: 01/09/2026 Cost: Get in touch with the course provider or visit their website for more information
Venue details

UHI Perth

Crieff Road

Perth