FAQs
Adventure Education FAQs
If the answer to your particular question is not here please email: Pete Bunyan or Ian Coleman.
How good do I have to be?
Students come with very different practical backgrounds, yes, some have governing body awards and coaching certificates but that's not a requirement. All you need to demonstrate during the interview is that you have had some involvement in adventure activities, that you can talk about the reasons why you enjoyed them or what you got out of them. Most of all you need to convince us that you have a commitment to the course.
How much practical is there?
The degree focuses on an understanding of the adventure experience, the course teaching team firmly believe that to achieve this you must be actively involved in adventure. Yes, there are theory modules set in labs or in classrooms but you will frequently find yourself involved in theory driven practical experiences. Practical experiences usually take place in ability groups so that you are working at a level that is appropriate to your needs.
What is the year out for?
Experts working in the adventure industry convinced us that a year out gaining experience would be invaluable to Chichester graduates. The philosophy of the year out centres on a student engaging in activities that meet their developing practical and theoretical profile. To achieve this each student arranges with the help of their tutor; the placement(s) desired outcomes and assessment. Students engage in a diversity of activities; gaining facilitation experience working in a centre or on the ski slopes, delivering large yachts, or adventuring themselves to remote areas of the world. The year out also provides an opportunity to consider the area of study for your final year dissertation, or even complete a pilot study. It is possible for students to fast track through the year out if they have sufficient previous experience, this would be by negotiation with the staff team.
What gear do I need?
There is a small amount of compulsory kit that is purchased through us, this ensures that you are able to safely take part in practical sessions. Whilst it is not necessary to purchase any other equipment most students soon buy their own rock boots and harness rather than use ours. As you go through the degree your stock of personal equipment will grow as your knowledge expands.
I've got an HND can I have direct entry into year two?'
Providing that there is a space available and that you are not disadvantaged because the two courses are not compatible we would be happy to consider an ‘accelerated entry'. This would require you to apply through UCAS and to be interviewed. Ring our admissions tutor and discuss it further.
What are the residential like?
The residential experiences support the module teaching, providing prolonged opportunities for students to become engaged in developing their own knowledge or skills. The take place both in this country and abroad (Lake District, France, Alps, etc). Students make a contribution towards the field experience and usually cater for themselves, we camp where possible to keep the price down but it is important that students experience staying in both privately and LEA run centres.
What can I do after the degree?
Student´s undertake the degree for a variety of reasons; some purely to understand what goes on during the adventure experience, others to prepare themselves for careers in a variety of adventure facilitation settings. The programme provides a diversity of opportunities ranging from entry to PGCE in both Physical Education and Science to work in adventure therapy. Some graduates become involved in research or further academic study.