More on the Postgraduate Diploma in Outdoor Education
The programme employs a variety of teaching/learning strategies in both theoretical and practical studies. Campus-based activities include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops and daily excursions to nearby locations for practical aspects of the programme. Residentially based activities are conducted throughout Scotland and other areas of Britain at venues appropriate to the activity. Working practice placements are made to suitable residential educational establishments or to other appropriate settings usually in Scotland or Northern England.
In 2005-6 more than half of the Post Graduate Diploma academic programme was delivered through experiential methods. Courses such as 'Learning and Teaching in an Experiential Context' lend themselves to delivery through kayaking, climbing and other practical outdoor activities whilst a several other courses are taught via journeys (eg in Glen Affric in the North-West Highlands) and residential weeks based at our 'Woodlands Outdoor Centre', and on the West Coast of Scotland.
In addition to the taught programme, personal study and extending practical experience will occupy programme members for much of their own time. The School of Education library and limited use of equipment in the Outdoor Education Unit will be available for these purposes. In addition, programme members will have available the usual university services.
An example of our integrated approach to study can be found in the final academic course of the year which is a culmination of much that students have learnt earlier in the year. This takes place on the Island of Rùm which is a National Nature Reserve on the West Coast of Scotland. Whilst here the students spend the whole week exploring the mountains, woodlands, sea-cliffs, rivers, lochs and seashore of one of the UK's premier and largely unpopulated nature reserves. They learn specific techniques for identifying and mapping bird-calls, identifying trees and gathering and classifying aquatic organisms. The foray into the hills at night to sit amongst the Manx shearwaters as they come and go out to sea from their burrows, is a special experience that makes a lasting impression on most. Students climb the Cuillin ridge where their mountaineering skills (walking, scrambling and navigation) are deployed in reaching a mountain-hut where they stay overnight before exploring the sea cliffs to observe seabirds nesting and to study the ice-scoured rock that reveals the geological history of the island. Students also learn about the history of the island and its castle and explore ruins of crofting settlements to gain a better understanding of the human history of Scotland. Students work together in all aspects of the programme including preparation of group meals and usually spend an evening at the local ceilidh (traditional Scottish dance), all of which all contributes to the integrated holistic learning experience. Moray House was the first educational institution to be invited to the island (in 1973) and has returned every year (in May) since then because the range and diversity of these experiences can be found nowhere else.
