UCLan Outdoors Division

UCLan Outdoors students recently travelled to Europe to apply their academic learning in a 'real world' environment. The group visited whitewater rivers in Slovenia and Germany to enhance their kayaking skills and gain a number of additional qualifications to boost their CVs. Student Beth Wilson said the trip had provided the group with an invaluable insight into the outdoor environment. "Our first alpine paddling experience was unreal," said Beth. "The scenery, the culture, the food, the crystal clear water and of course the kayaking. A week in Slovenia, finished off with two days in Germany, truly was amazing!" The students paddled on three of Europe's most popular whitewater rivers, the Soča, Ammer and Rissbach, and also explored some of Slovenia's most iconic sights. Beth added: "We not only did a vast amount of paddling, we were also able to enjoy the 'kayaking lifestyle', starting the day with coffee and finishing with ic...

Graduate employability is a key component of the UCLan Outdoors programme. As well as developing an in-depth understanding of the practical, theoretical and contemporary issues within the industry, students are offered a variety of real-world learning experiences whilst studying at UCLan which greatly enhance their future career prospects. High Adventure Outdoor Education Centre in Keighley have recognised these qualities during the past few years, offering roles to a number of our graduates. Tim Ferguson, Director of High Adventure, said: "As an employer within the outdoor education industry it's very clear to see the difference between graduates from UCLan and all the others from across the UK. "There's no comparison between UCLan and the rest in terms of the professionalism, experience and knowledge they possess. They are better prepared and have a greater ability to enter the world of work within the industry. "UCLan graduates always have a signific...

Can you capture the Guild Wheel in all its glory on camera? Thousands of walkers and cyclists who use the 21-mile greenway around Preston are being invited to use their artistic talents in a monthly photographic competition. The Lancashire Evening Post want you to capture the beauty of the Wheel throughout the seasons – from the multi-coloured carpets of spring flowers, to the golden tones of summer, onto the reds and browns of autumn, through to the white frosts of winter. In conjunction with the Guild Wheel User Group, a £50 prize will be offered for the best photograph submitted each month and the photo will appear in print. By the end of the year the LEP should have 12 striking images showing the changing face of the Wheel as the seasons progress, which they hope will make up a very special calendar for 2016. Please send your photos as JPEG attachments at least 1MB in size, to Iain Lynn , along with your name, address and phone number.

UCLan Outdoors undergraduates recently tackled the Scottish Winter Skills Enhancement course as part of their studies. The group of 1st and 2nd year Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Sports Coaching students travelled to Scotland for a week of winter mountaineering. To read their blog about the trip please click here . For images from the trip please click here .

The UCLan Outdoors programme provides numerous opportunities to develop practical skills on top of our theoretical teaching. Bex Farmer is currently in the second year of her Adventure Sports Coaching course, and recently enjoyed a variety of activities to help enhance her technical skills and leadership abilities. This helps theory to inform practice and practice to inform research, which prepares students for their dissertations during year three. Bex commented: "To continue our development we must get out there on our own, making our own decisions and mistakes. The enhancement weeks allow us to take advantage of a break in lectures to do this. "I worked on my climbing skills at Stanage, logging the experience required for the Single Pitch Award. Taking the learning gained from instructional staff, meant I could safely go out in a peer group setting to develop decision making and practical skills, whilst ensuring good independent practice." During the trip Be...

A group of UCLan Outdoor students staged an exhibition of work from their final year 'Outdoor Image' module. The event provided undergraduates with the opportunity to display and share their completed portfolios, final artworks and supporting chapters which showcased Pedagogies and Aesthetics in Outdoor Education. Sculptures, paintings and a range of multi-media items were on show, all of which expressed forms of critical artistic comment. The group explored topics including escapism and societal laziness, freedom and spirituality, and gender – perceptions of women in the outdoors. Module leader Dr Clive Palmer said the students had produced some thought-provoking art about engagement, perception and identity with the Outdoors. He commented: "Outdoor Image has been a tremendous success this year. The students relished opportunities to explain to other staff and students their philosophical ideas and what their comment to the world embodied in their tangible artis...

UCLan Outdoor students made a big impact at the recent Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) Northwest Conference 2015 . A group of 2nd and 3rd year undergraduates attended the event, presenting research ideas and dissertation data to expert audiences. Feedback from the conference was extremely positive, with employers and practitioners praising the students for their exceptional skill levels, highly relevant work on reflective practice and professional development and their ability to show critical awareness across a challenging range of studies. Tim Deighton, IOL Northern Region Professional Development Coordinator, said: "Our senior IOL Officers and conference attendees noted the quality of the research projects your students presented - their professionalism, knowledge and industry relevance. "It was noticeable how engaged the IOL audience were with your students, many of whom are employers in the North West, and their feedback was outstanding – several of them spe...