8Nov
UndergraduateCourse summary
If you love the outdoors and are passionate about helping others to be confident in who they are and the contribution they are making to society, the environment and the planet, then the Outdoor Experiential Learning programme is for you. Nestled in the stunning Lake District, you’ll be based at our historic Ambleside campus - placing you at the forefront of sustainable futures, social justice, and experiential education. Taught by internationally recognised experts in outdoor environmental sustainability education, mental health, wellbeing, and bushcraft, this MA is designed for those eager to challenge conventions, think critically, and transform outdoor learning. Our interdisciplinary approach brings together students from diverse backgrounds, creating a vibrant community of change-makers. COURSE OVERVIEW The MA in Outdoor and Experiential Learning isn’t just about studying experience, it's about living it. From hands-on engagement in diverse environments to critical reflection on cultural, ecological, and political perspectives, this course immerses you in learning that is as dynamic as the landscapes we explore. Join us at our Ambleside campus, where you’ll live and study surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes—an unparalleled setting for outdoor education. Become part of an international network of leaders who are redefining outdoor and experiential learning for the future. Our graduates go on to inspire and lead in a variety of roles, including educators, outdoor practitioners, environmental consultants, sustainability leaders, mental health and wellbeing specialists, development trainers, and social change advocates. To reflect this contemporary trend, there are three pathways to choose from which reflect current applications of experiential learning:
- Outdoor & Experiential Learning: The core pathway, designed for those passionate about outdoor education and innovative learning.
- Outdoor & Experiential Learning (Bushcraft): Master traditional skills and explore the deep connections between humans and nature.
- Outdoor & Experiential Learning (Health & Wellbeing): Investigate the role of nature in mental health, therapeutic landscapes, and personal development.
- Think beyond boundaries – Challenge conventional ideas about experiential learning, outdoor education, and your own personal and professional journey.
- Learn across disciplines – Draw from anthropology, philosophy, eco-psychology, bushcraft, therapeutic landscapes, pedagogy, and the arts.
- Gain immersive experience – Learn in real-world environments, from remote wilderness settings to community-led initiatives.
- Be inspired by experienced lecturers – with global research expertise and pioneering approaches to education.
Assessment method
Assessment is an integral part of the course and takes place during and at the end of modules. In most modules, there is a blend of formative and summative assessment tasks that students complete which reflect the breadth of skills and competences required by graduates. Students are expected to show critical analysis, evaluation, creativity and autonomy in assessment.
Entry requirements
1st or 2nd class honours degree. Students with other qualifications may be admitted to the course, please contact the Enquiry Centre for further details. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may be considered for relevant prior learning at the same academic level.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Cumbria
Registered Office
Fusehill Street
Carlisle
CA1 2HH