Extended Diploma in Outdoor Adventure Education 16-19

Course information

Would you like to work in the outdoor adventure sports industry?

Our Level 3 outdoor adventure sports course is the perfect opening course to start your career as an instructor.

This programme is all about immersing you in the outdoor industry and developing the essential and advanced skills that you will need to excel. Let us work with you to develop the key skills and qualities required to succeed in this exciting world of outdoor adventure education.

Practical learning in the outdoors, is the best way to success in this industry. Our course will have you learning outside the classroom, guided by highly experienced instructors and lecturers.

You will have access to all of the latest sports equipment and the best outdoor sports venues, coaches and lecturers in the county.

When you are in the classroom, you will be educated on industry leading guidelines on theory, safety and performance. There is no better place to learn than at Duchy College.

Our outdoor leadership syllabus covers

• Experience in a wide range of outdoor activities
• Developing your skills as a sports coach
• Leadership as an outdoor instructor
• Understanding the outdoor business sector
• Employment in the outdoor industry
• Managing risk
• Keeping people safe in the outdoors

In addition to understanding the essentials in this industry you will investigate;

• How the body and mind cope alongside adventure sport
• Fitness as a contributor towards personal development
• planning and delivering engaging outdoor activities, and
• Leadership styles to the most out of your clients.

When you’re not in the classroom, our highly experienced instructors will have you out and about for a whole day of practical activity one day a week, throughout the academic calendar.

All this and more

Throughout the course we will also invite you to participate in range of adventurous challenges. A few on your must-do list should be;

• Snowdonia National Park experience week
• Navigation expeditions on Dartmoor
• Canoeing expeditions on the Fal River
• Rock Climbing and abseiling experiences
• Mountain Biking Trails, and much more

About the campus

Our campus is located on the border between Devon and Cornwall and is only 20 minutes away from South and West coast. This is a fantastic place to study Outdoor Adventure, where you get to explore the outdoor classroom with ease.

As a student you will have access to our on-site gym and sports hall. You will also benefit from being situated in one of the best placed college campuses for outdoor activities anywhere in the UK.

What You Will Learn

This one or two-year programme will give you an essential understanding of the requirements needed for working in the outdoor industry, giving you the chance to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the outdoors.

You’ll experience a mix of classroom and outdoor sessions, often working with groups from across the college and local schools to give you a real experience of instructing in the outdoors.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• 4 or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and Maths and/or English GCSE at Grade 4 or above

Please note: Some of our courses may have extra entry requirements or need a bit more information, like evidence or experience. Don't worry—we’ll guide you through everything when you apply!

Work Experience

The outdoor industry in the South West is on the rise, there are plenty of opportunities for you to put your new found skills to the test during your work experience placement at one of the many local outdoor centres that we work closely with. As part of your second year you will complete up to 315 hours in the industry as part of your industry placement, our links with local centres means this can be spent working alongside some of the best instructors operating in Cornwall and could even lead to employment in the summer season straight out of college.

Assessment

You will be assessed through workbooks, presentations and practical assignments throughout the year.

Progression

Once you’ve finished the Level 3 course, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the outdoor industry and will be ready to get out there into the industry doing what you love, or you may choose to further your studies and apply to university to study courses in Outdoor Adventure Education or another Sports related area.

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Set on stunning rolling hillsides, our campus epitomises the very best of land-based education. The recent addition of the £4 million Future Farm research facility means students and businesses are at the heart of the next evolution of environmental farming. Whether it’s a love of horses, sport, protective services, heavy machinery or animal care, nobody forgets their time at Duchy College Stoke Climsland. It’s time to secure your #careercollege experience.

Find out more about our Stoke Climsland campus

Events

Open Event

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Open Event at Duchy College Stoke Climsland

• 27 Sep 2025
• 24 Jan 2026
• 22 Apr 2026

Taster Event

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Taster Day at Duchy College Stoke Climsland

• 28 Oct 2025
• 17 Feb 2026
• 26 May 2026