101 NC Professional Cookery 104 NPA Bakery Hospitality and Professional Cookery Aoigheachd agus Còcaireachd Phroifeiseanta
with Hospitality
105 Professional Cookery
102 NC Professional Cookery Skills SCQF levels 4-6
103 HNC Professional Cookery
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 99
What our
students say
I’ve really enjoyed my time at college, building on skills I
already had but learning so much more at the same time.
The tutors are brilliant and so helpful to students. They always come
up with solutions and feedback. My favourite has been patisserie but I
have benefited from working with all types of meat and fish. There is
just so much to learn. I plan to move onto the HNC next and I’ll keep
my chef job so I’ll be learning in two places and putting into practise
new things every day.
Glen Suttie. NC Professional Cookery
Glen received the Strathmore Award for his determination to
develop his skills, knowledge and understanding of professional
cookery within the hospitality industry.
100 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
NC Professional Cookery with Hospitality
SCQF level 5
There are many sides to the hospitality Key Information
industry which is vital to Scotland’s tourism
trade. Hotels, bars, restaurants, canteens Entry requirements
and cafes require skilled chefs to prepare You should have a passion for cookery and
food but as any good chef will tell you, it is hospitality and be willing to work hard and
also important to understand the whole commit to the requirements of the course.
customer experience which includes front of It would be beneficial to have relevant Nat
house/reception, layout and the visual 4/5s. Mature students will be considered on
impact of the dining area as well as the final merit. All candidates will attend an interview.
service of food.
What next?
This intermediate course will allow you to On successful completion, you could
gain experience and develop your skills in consider NC Professional Cookery SCQF
several areas of the hospitality industry by level 6 or take your new skills straight in
focusing on food preparation and cooking, to employment.
food service and customer services.
You will combine classroom theory days with
practical days in our refurbished
professional training kitchen.
• pastry and desserts Base: Fort William
• fish/shellfish/meat/poultry Course Study Key
• stocks and sauces
• integrated production cookery £FE STUDY
• cookery processes STYLE
• meal production and design
• cold preparation
• service of food and drink
• food and health
• hospitality: organisation of practical skills
• local hospitality provision
• customer care
• food hygiene
• work experience
• embedded development of core and
essential skills
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 101
NC Professional Cookery
SCQF level 6
This advanced course will build on the skills Key Information
you have already acquired while working with
us at level 5 or through your employment Entry requirements
experience. Challenge your ability and Applicants must have a passion for cookery
extend your range of creative approaches to and be willing to work hard and commit to
the preparation and display of food and you the requirements of the course. It would be
will be better prepared for a satisfying career beneficial to have relevant Nat 5s or
in this booming industry sector. equivalent or the NC in Professional
Cookery/Hospitality at SCQF level 5. Mature
You will have the opportunity to students will be considered on merit. All
experience various job roles available within candidates will attend an interview.
the professional cookery industry. Work
experience in the industry locally will allow What next?
you to learn in a professional kitchen with You could consider studying HNC
established industry chefs. There will be Professional Cookery with us or take your
cookery masterclasses with industry chefs skills straight in to employment.
and opportunities to take part in competitions.
Base: Fort William
The professional cookery elements of this Course Study Key
course have been split into practical
knowledge and kitchen operations to give £FE STUDY
you a much broader understanding of all the STYLE
roles that a chef is expected to understand
in the industry along with relevant and
mandatory certificates in Food Hygiene and
Health and Safety in Hospitality.
You will combine practical cooking days
with classroom theory sessions
each week.
• professional cookery: practical
• professional cookery: knowledge
• professional cookery: kitchen operations
• food hygiene for the hospitality industry
• hospitality costing
• health and safety in hospitality
• pastry
• work placement
• practical skills for employment
• leading a hospitality team
• enterprise activity
• embedded development of core and
essential skills
102 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
HNC Professional Cookery
SCQF level 7 UCAS CODE 122N
If you are an aspiring chef and would like Key Information
to develop your skills and knowledge in
professional cookery and kitchen Entry requirements
management, the HNC Professional 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above or
Cookery will provide you with what 1 A level at grade D or above or SVQ 2/3
you need. Professional Cookery or City and Guilds
Professional Chef award or City & Guilds
You will experience advanced and modern Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery or
cookery techniques and look at food product our NC Professional Cookery/Hospitality.
development. The training environment is If you do not have the standard entry
learner-centred and focuses on current requirements, you are still encouraged
industry standards. to apply.
Mandatory units: What next?
• hospitality supervision You could apply for HND Professional
• hospitality: financial and control systems Cookery, then BA (Hons) Hospitality
• food hygiene: intermediate Management or take your skills straight into
• food classification and purchase employment at a supervisory level.
• graded unit 1: professional cookery
Base: Fort William
Optional units:
• production cookery: cold kitchen Course Study Key
• production cookery: hot kitchen
• production cookery: sweets and desserts
• industrial experience
• hospitality industry
£HE STUDY
STYLE
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 103
NPA Bakery (Part time)
SCQF level 4
This part time course could be for you if you Key Information
have a real interest in baking and want to
spend some of your leisure time learning Entry requirements
more, if you are considering cooking as a This course is open to anyone with a keen
career or if you already work in a interest in baking.
professional kitchen and want to gain a
formal qualification and expand your skills.
• bread making What next?
• pastry You could consider further professional
• craft baking cookery courses with us or seek relevant
• cake decoration employment.
Base: Fort William and Portree
For part time funding information:
Visit our website
Course Study Key
STUDY
STYLE
104 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
Professional Cookery (Part time)
SCQF levels 4-6
These courses will expand your cooking Key Information
skills and introduce you to new and
challenging techniques and recipes. Widen Entry requirements
your knowledge of ingredients both fresh For all these courses, it would be beneficial
and dry, whilst investigating the importance to have:
of healthy eating and food hygiene and the
roles they play in commercial kitchens. SCQF level 4 – a commitment to improving
your cookery and hospitality skills or a basic
Professional Cookery Skills cookery qualification at SCQF level 3.
SCQF level 4 SCQF level 5/6 – experience in the industry or
a cookery qualification at SCQF level 4 or 5.
• cookery processes
• food hygiene What next?
• food preparation for healthy eating These courses are designed to be a natural
• craft baking progression from each other. On completion
• food preparation techniques of the level 6 course, you will have the skills
required to work independently in a
Professional Cookery Skills commercial kitchen.
SCQF level 5 Base: Portree
• food hygiene and working safely For all other up to date information about
• fish and shellfish funding and timings for these part time
• pastry and desserts courses, please visit our web site.
• meal production and design
Professional Cookery Skills
SCQF level 6
• food hygiene for the hospitality industry
• meat and poultry 2
• food production and presentation skills
• menu planning
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 105
Understanding theHumanities and
world we live inSocial Sciences
Studying in this area will help you toDaonnachdan agus Saidheansan Sòisealta
understand others through their languages,
histories, attitudes and cultures. Learn about
social justice and equality while deepening
your understanding of how people have tried
to make moral, spiritual and intellectual
sense of the world.
Social science opens up debate and helps us to
understand how and why our world is governed, policed,
educated and financed the way it is. Could things be done
differently? These courses will challenge you to think
of alternatives.
Studying humanities develops informed, critical thinking
and complex problem solving abilities. You will
understand the need for empathy as you encounter
complex information and come up with creative solutions.
Immerse yourself in our extensive and diverse range of
single and joint honours degrees or delve into current
social and cultural thinking by starting with our HNC in
Social Sciences.
106 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
109 HNC Social Sciences 113 BA (Hons) Philosophy, Humanities and Social Sciences Daonnachdan agus Saidheansan Sòisealta
111 BA (Hons) Archaeology Politics and Economics
111 BA (Hons) Culture and
113 BA (Hons) Sociology
Heritage and Politics
112 BA (Hons) Gaelic Scotland
112 BA (Hons) History 113 BA (Hons) Theological Studies
112 BA (Hons) Literature
112 BA (Hons) Scottish History 113 BA (Hons) History and Politics
113 BA (Hons) Sociology and
113 BA (Hons) Scottish History
Criminology and Politics
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 107
What our
students say
I grew up in the Ardnamurchan area.
I began by studying English Literature at Edinburgh
Napier and after three years, I returned to the
Highlands and transferred to the UHI, moving back to
Ardnamurchan and studying at the WHC UHI centre in
Strontian. Thus began my relationship with distance
learning and VC. I did eventually get used to the latter,
though my general unfamiliarity and stormy weather
meant there were a few speed bumps along the way.
For two happy years I studied Culture and Heritage,
at the end of which I gained a First-Class Honours.
Rory Green.
BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage
108 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
HNC Social Sciences
SCQF level 7 UCAS CODE 143L
The study of Social Science will help you to • History B: analysing topics within a
find answers to the bigger questions in our historical period
society. We are all exposed to so much
information that it is difficult to assess what • Philosophy A: an introduction to
is real and what is fake. You will investigate political debate
and examine the areas of our lives that we
can and cannot control: much of our social • Criminology
existence is influenced by forces that we do
not know or understand, so you will explore Key Information
those factors by developing the skills to
search for the truth. Entry requirements
1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above,
You will gradually develop your critical preferably including English, History or
thinking and your complex problem-solving Modern Studies OR 1 A level at grade D or
abilities by looking for creative solutions to above, with a preference for English or
social, political and psychological problems. History. Prospective students without the
standard entry requirements as listed above
Explore how topics cross over between are encouraged to apply.
all areas of life, for example, the concept
of power – you will explore this from a What next?
socio-political perspective but also an You could consider moving straight into the
historical, a criminological and a 2nd year of several UHI Humanities degrees
psychological perspective and how this or move in to employment that requires
weaves into our everyday social, political creative and critical thinking.
and psychological behaviours.
Base: Anywhere
Mandatory units are: Course Study Key
• Social sciences: research and methodology
• Social sciences: graded unit 1 £HE STUDY
• Psychology A: history and development STYLE
of psychology
• Sociology A: introducing sociological
concepts and theories
• Sociology B: application and analysis of
sociological theory to sociological topics
Optional units may include:
• Politics A: an introduction to political
theory of the state
• Psychology B: explanation and research
of psychological topics
• Politics B: the UK and Scotland
• History A: introducing topics within a
historical period
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 109
University of the Highland and Islands
Humanities degrees
As one of 13 UHI partner colleges, you can BA (Hons) History
study with us from a wide range of UHI
degrees. These are both single and joint • BA (Hons) History and Politics
degrees within the Humanities and Social • BA (Hons) History and Archaeology
Sciences faculty. A list of the joint options is • BA (Hons) History and Literature
shown opposite. • BA (Hons) History and Criminology
• BA (Hons) History and Theology
The pages that follow have brief • BA (Hons) History and Sociology
information about the single Honours from
which the joint Honours are created. BA (Hons) Scottish History
For all other up to date information, • BA (Hons) Scottish History and
please visit our web site. Archaeology
https://www.whc.uhi.ac.uk/study-at-
whc/subject-areas/humanities-and- • BA (Hons) Scottish History and Literature
social-sciences/ • BA (Hons) Scottish History and Politics
• BA (Hons) Scottish History with
Key Information common to all*
Gaelic Studies
Entry requirements • BA (Hons) Scottish History and Theology
Highers: BBC OR A Levels: BC • BA (Hons) Scottish History and
With 2 being from relevant academic
subjects. For full information, please check Criminology
UHI website. • BA (Hons) Scottish History and Sociology
*BA (Hons) Theological Studies Highers:
CCC OR A Levels: CC BA (Hons) Literature
Course Study Key • BA (Hons) Literature and Criminology
• BA (Hons) Literature and Sociology
£HE STUDY • BA (Hons) Literature and Theology
STYLE • BA (Hons) Literature and Politics
• BA (Hons) Literature and Creative Writing
BA (Hons) Philosophy
• BA (Hons) Philosophy and History
• BA (Hons) Philosophy and Literature
• BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics
• BA (Hons) Philosophy and Sociology
• BA (Hons) Philosophy and Theology
• BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics
and Economics
Continued >
110 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
University of the Highland and Islands
Humanities degrees
BA(Hons) Social Science BA (Hons) Archaeology
UCAS CODE V400
• BA (Hons) Criminology and Theology
• BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology With world-renowned archaeological
• BA (Hons) Politics and Archaeology heritage sites such as Skara Brae,
• BA (Hons) Politics and Criminology Maeshowe, the Camster Cairns and Mousa
• BA (Hons) Politics and Theology Broch, what better place could there be to
• BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics study archaeology than in the Highlands and
• BA (Hons) Sociology and Theology Islands of Scotland? BA (Hons) Archaeology
is closely linked to the distinctive cultural
BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage heritage of the region, but also places that
heritage within a much broader global
• BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage context. The degree will provide you with a
and Archaeology detailed understanding of the practice of
archaeology within Britain, Europe and the
• BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage Atlantic region, as well as practical skills in
and Scottish History archaeology through hands on experience.
• BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage
with Gaelic Studies UCAS CODE V900
• BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage Explore key cultural, literary, linguistic,
and Criminology historical, musical and philosophical issues
at a national and regional level, with the
• BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage cultural identity of the Highlands and Islands
and History of Scotland and the communities that live
there at its heart. This is a unique
• BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage opportunity to immerse yourself in the
and Literature wealth of varied and fascinating culture and
heritage issues associated with the area
• BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage and an understanding of their place in a
and Politics global context. You can choose your own
topics to research for your third year
• BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage interdisciplinary project and fourth year
and Sociology dissertation, bringing together the multi-
disciplinary teaching and learning you will
• BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage experience throughout
and Theology your studies.
BA (Hons) Archaeology
• BA (Hons) Archaeology with
Gaelic Studies
• BA (Hons) Archaeology and Criminology
• BA (Hons) Archaeology and Sociology
• BA (Hons) Archaeology and Theology
• BA (Hons) Archaeology and Literature
BA (Hons) Criminology
• BA (Hons) Criminology and Theology
Continued >
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 111
University of the Highland and Islands
Humanities degrees
BA (Hons) Gaelic Scotland BA (Hons) Literature
UCAS CODE Q538 UCAS CODE Q320
Are you interested in the Gaelic language Explore literature in a global context, looking
and culture? This degree will enable you to at language and literary history within texts
develop an understanding of current Gaelic and on the international literary stage. You
issues and acquire skills for employment in a will cover a wide range of authors, in English
range of relevant sectors. There is no and translation, as well as theory from
requirement for Gaelic language skills on classic to contemporary. With a solid
entry. The course will develop and foundation in genres and periods and
strengthen all levels of linguistic capability research-based modules our graduates are
depending on your starting point. The Gaelic confident and enthusiastic writers,
Scotland degree is about all aspects of researchers and readers. We teach a range
Gaelic, taught in English, with Gaelic of advanced specialist modules alongside
language modules suitable for all levels of more traditional content, and you are able to
ability. As well as the language strands, you combine your studies with other disciplines.
will study elements of Gaelic history and You will also study language, translation and
literature, and examine issues related to the the interrelation of Scots, Gaelic, English
development of the Gaelic language and other languages in Scotland.
and culture.
BA (Hons) Scottish History
BA (Hons) History UCAS CODE V212
UCAS CODE V210
If you are interested in the history of the
Exploring history from the medieval to the Highlands and Islands and of Scotland as a
modern period, this degree allows you to whole, then this degree will enable you to
investigate the cultural, socio-political, and investigate the cultural, political, social and
economic history of Britain, Europe, North economic links between Scotland and the
America and the wider world. northern European and northern Atlantic
regions. In the first and second years, you
In the first and second years, you will will follow a traditional broad approach to the
follow a broad approach to the study of study of history from the medieval to the
history, moving on in years three and four to modern period. In years three and four you
examine in-depth particular topics of history, will examine in-depth specific places,
allowing you to study specific places, periods and themes which reflect the
periods and themes which reflect staff research specialisms of the expert staff at
research specialisms. the University's Centre for History.
Continued >
112 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
University of the Highland and Islands
Humanities degrees
BA (Hons) Sociology and politics and society. You will study a range of
Criminology themes, methods and subjects, investigating
UCAS CODE L30C important social and political issues such
as poverty, crime, terror, ideologies
Explore the changing nature of the social and freedom.
world and of crime and investigate the
social, political, historical and individual BA (Hons) Theological Studies
forces behind such changes. The context UCAS CODE V600
for both subjects is contemporary Highlands
and Islands and British communities, Study at the Highland Theological College
as well as international perspectives, UHI; a non-denominational college
looking at their similarities and differences. recognised by the Church of Scotland, the
The degree also draws on other subjects Associated Presbyterian Churches, the
such as history, research methods, social United Free Church of Scotland and other
policy and socio-legal studies and denominations as a training provider.
research methods. You will achieve a broad knowledge and
understanding of the main disciplines of
BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics Christian theology, and the personal and
and Economics professional capabilities required for a
UCAS CODE VL52 variety of ministries or alternative
employment. A work placement will enable
Take the opportunity to study the three most you to relate your acquired theoretical
influential realities affecting people’s lives. knowledge to real life situations.
Economics: examine how economic agents
and markets behave and interact, and are BA (Hons) History and Politics
influenced by variants such as inflation, UCAS CODE V21P
economic growth, unemployment and
monetary and fiscal policy. BA (Hons) Scottish History
and Politics
Politics: examine various forms of UCAS CODE V22P
governance from clans upwards to modern
local governments, institutions, sovereign These two joint Honours degrees in
states and finally to international level. History/Scottish History and Politics offer
Philosophy: learn to think logically and you the chance to study two distinct but
coherently; to construct compelling complementary subjects. Use your
arguments; and enhance your ability to understanding of the past to enlighten your
analyse assumptions and theories critically. political engagement with the present. As
you progress you will choose from a
BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics combination of modules, equally balanced
UCAS CODE L30P between history/Scottish history and politics.
Both degrees examine links to Europe and
If you are interested in society and politics the wider world and cover area and regional
and how they are inter-related, this degree studies, global and comparative issues and
gives you the opportunity to study a range research skills and methodology.
of relevant subjects to increase your
knowledge and understanding of people,
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 113
Do you want an outdoor career?Land and Sea
Whether you're looking to join Scotland's growingFearann is Muir
marine industry or seeking to work in our beautiful
countryside, our courses combine all the practical
skills certifications you'll need along with a wealth
of work-based experience and relevant
underpinning theory.
Job opportunities in land-based industries are so varied that you
are spoiled for choice. Our courses are hands on and practical,
while giving you background knowledge and understanding of
why things are done the way they are. We work closely with
external practitioners who share their years of working
experience. We also have close working relations with
various outdoor organisations, estates and employers.
Take this opportunity to get essential industry certificates,
network, meet and learn from people who are devoted to
conserving the landscape while encouraging access
and participation.
The maritime industry provides wide employment
opportunities from harbour-based logistics to crewing
vessels around the world. Our training centre in Mallaig
provides a starting point onto these exciting career paths.
Many of our past students have gone on to employment
locally with CalMac, fish farms and marinas. Some choose
further study with cadetships in the merchant navy. We are
certified to deliver RYA and MCA training.
114 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
117 NC Rural Skills 121 NC Shipping and Land and Sea Fearann is Muir
Maritime Operations
118 NQ Countryside Skills and
Deer Management for 122 BSc (Hons) Archaeology and
Conservation Environmental Studies
119 NQ Countryside Skills with 122 BSc (Hons)
Ranger Training Archaeological Science
120 NQ Maritime and
Aquaculture Skills
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 115
What our
students say
My main aim in coming to Mallaig Originally from the Isle of Canna I’ve
was to get a qualification, spent most of my life on the West
which would help me to get Coast, surrounded by incredible
a cadetship. landscapes, flora and fauna.
I have upped my practical skills and After a variety of jobs and volunteering in the
filled the gaps in my theoretical outdoor conservation sector, I was
knowledge. I have also been able to encouraged to come to college.
pick up three parts of the STCW ticket: The practical nature of this course,
PST, PSR and First Aid. I’ve done industry tickets and the opportunity to gain
Day Skipper too. All of these were work experience with organisations such as
great for my CV. I succeeded in the Woodland Trust, John Muir Trust,
getting a cadetship and I am Jahama Highland Estates and Nevis
currently working on a North Sea Landscape Partnership was hugely attractive.
pipeline boat with Solstad Offshore, My next step is going to be applying for
a Norwegian company. seasonal ranger jobs as well as gaining
more experience through volunteering and
Robert Mattinson. practicing my newly acquired skills at home
Shipping and Maritime on Canna.
Operations 2019
Kathryn MacKinnon.
116 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk NQ Countryside Skills with
Ranger Training
NC Rural Skills
SCQF level 4
A fast paced, enjoyable and practical multi Key Information
skills course focusing on rural land practices.
Entry requirements
Delivers holistic training and includes No formal qualifications are necessary;
highly regarded Industry Awards from however, you should have a keen interest in
LANTRA and DSWA in several disciplines, working in the outdoors, and enthusiasm to
equipping you for a rewarding outdoor job, embrace the practical skills and principles of
or going on to more specialist study. land use. You must be reasonably fit, happy
to work in all weathers, and able to safely
The course aims to take a broad approach follow instruction in the use of tools and
by introducing you to many different topics. machinery. Basic literacy and numeracy are
With a balance of practical and theoretical required, and students should be at least 16.
work, you will acquire a good range of skills, Mature students are very welcome.
with a thorough understanding of how and All candidates will attend an interview.
when they should be applied.
What next?
You will investigate areas from habitat You will find employment opportunities
studies and gardening to estate with country estates and farms,
maintenance, forestry skills and working with conservation organisations, forestry
livestock. You will also develop your core operations, garden nurseries, agriculture
and essential skills while in class and and livestock operations.
at work.
Base: Broadford, Isle of Skye
It includes the opportunity to gain
valuable industry awards in: Course Study Key
• dry stone walling
• manual handling
• outdoor first aid
• tree inspection
• bat awareness
• chainsaw operation
• quad biking
£FE STUDY
STYLE
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 117
NQ Countryside Skills and Deer
Management for Conservation
SCQF level 6
This exciting course combines a range of demonstrate equivalent competence. A
practical countryside skills and industry reasonable level of competency in
awards with an emphasis on the sustainable Communication and ICT skills is necessary
and integrated management of deer in a to complete project work. You must have an
variety of landscapes. You will gain Industry interest in, and enthusiasm for, taking on the
Awards in specialist skills such as dry stone whole package, from practical and often
walling, chainsaw use, firearms safety, quad physically demanding outdoor work in all
bikes and First Aid. weathers, to classroom-based study. Mature
students are very welcome, and all
Take a step into a new career by studying: applicants will be considered on merit and
• practical countryside skills: fencing, foot be invited for interview.
paths, working with timber, using tools and What next?
machinery You will have the knowledge, skills and
• habitat studies confidence to progress to employment in a
• countryside recreation and access range of countryside roles, from estate
• industry training awards workers and forestry, to biological recording,
• sustainable deer management environmental education and land
• practical deer management management. Further study options include
• deer behavior HNC/HND in Game Keeping, Forestry,
• 3 week work placement in a deer Conservation and in Wildlife Management.
management environment
• embedded development of core and
essential skills
Key Information Base: Broadford, Isle of Skye
Course Study Key
Entry requirements £FE STUDY
You must be at least 16 years of age by the STYLE
start date of the course. Some work
placement and Industry Award options may
be restricted to those who are 18 and over.
There are no mandatory entrance
qualifications, but you must be able to
demonstrate eagerness and ability to study
and will ideally have relevant qualifications
and/or experience. For example: proven
practical skills; NC Rural Skills; National 4 /5
Geography/Biology/English or be able to
118 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
NQ Countryside Skills with
Ranger Training
SCQF level 5
A unique opportunity to learn skills that will Key Information
develop your employment prospects while
knowing you're contributing to the Entry requirements
conservation of Scotland's countryside. You must be at least 16 years old by the
We have joined with Nevis Landscape start date. Some work placement and
Partnership to deliver this innovative course Industry Award options may be restricted to
through the Nevis Volunteer Ranger those who are 18 and over. There are no
Scheme, enabling you to gain nationally mandatory entrance qualifications, but you
recognised qualifications whilst working must be able to demonstrate eagerness and
alongside well-known conservation bodies ability to study. Ideally you will have relevant
and landowners, such as the Woodland qualifications and/or practical experience
Trust Scotland, Jahama Highland Estates OR NC Rural Skills OR National 4 /5
and the John Muir Trust. Geography/Biology/English. A reasonable
level of competency in communication and
You will learn a wide range of practical ICT skills is necessary to complete project
skills, while specialising in Ranger Training, work. You must have enthusiasm for taking
land use and visitor management issues. on the whole package, from practical and
A one day a week work placement will put often physically demanding outdoor work to
you in touch with potential employers and classroom-based study. Mature students are
help you understand practical conservation, very welcome, and all applicants will be
habitat monitoring and visitor related tasks. considered on merit and be invited
for interview.
You will gain industry awards in specialist
skills such as dry-stone walling, chainsaw What next?
use, quad bikes, navigation, tree survey and You could consider a range of countryside
outdoor First Aid, as well as your SQA and jobs, from estate workers and forestry to
John Muir Explorers awards. land managers, countryside rangers,
biological recording, and environmental
• practical countryside skills: fencing, foot education. Higher education options include
paths, working with timber, using tools Game Keeping, Forestry, Conservation and
and machinery Countryside Management and
Heritage Interpretation.
• habitat studies and conservation
management Base: Fort William
• countryside recreation and access Course Study Key
• industry training awards
• countryside interpretation
• volunteering in environmental
conservation
• work placement
• woodland skills
• embedded development of core and
essential skills
£FE STUDY
STYLE
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 119
NQ Maritime and Aquaculture Skills
SCQF level 5
Do you want to be part of a major growth Key Information
area in Scotland's economy? This course
can open doors into the maritime sector. Entry requirements
Whether in aquaculture, shore based There are no set entry requirements for this
operations or the merchant navy. We course. Entry is at the discretion of the
combine essential basic boat skills (with centre and on successful interview.
certification from RYA and MCA) with an Relevant experience may also provide an
understanding of aquaculture and the role it appropriate basis for undertaking this course
plays in Scotland’s waters. You will also but is not essential.
have the advantage of working with a
master mariner and we use our own What next?
Seaward 25 vessel, the Lannair, for practical You will have several choices available,
aspects of your course. making use of both strands of learning (boat
skills and aquaculture). You could continue
Study will include: your studies with NC Shipping and Maritime
• small boat engineering Operations OR you could consider a career
• maritime environment in the merchant navy, by applying for a
• seamanship cadetship with national shipping companies
• health and safety in the maritime sector OR you could apply for a Modern
• knots and rope work Apprenticeship in Harbour Operations,
• RYA essential navigation Deck Rating or Hospitality (on-board).
• RYA level 2 powerboat Another career route could be the marine/
• RYAVHF radio aquaculture sector. Fish farming and its
• MCA STCW 10*(PST, PSSR, EFA) related industries offers many job
• navigation 1 and 2 opportunities, such as trainee fish farm
• aquaculture: an introduction to technicians, boat crew at fish farms or
harbour operatives for local ferry companies.
shellfish production
• North European aquaculture: Base: Mallaig
an introduction Course Study Key
• aquatic environment: local investigation
• Scottish sea fisheries: an introduction
• embedded development of core and
essential skills
£FE STEM STUDY
STYLE
120 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
NC Shipping and Maritime Operations
SCQF level 6
This course is essential if you want to Key Information
progress on to further qualifications
(HNC/HND) which form part of Merchant Entry requirements
Navy deck and engineer officer training You should have at least 3 National 5s or
programmes. The course forms part of a equivalent, inclusive of mathematics and 1
scheme of training approved for science subject. Alternatively, our Certificate
professional certification by the Merchant in Maritime and Aquaculture Skills will be
Navy Training Board. considered. All applicants will attend
an interview.
It is also useful if you wish to follow a
career in shore based maritime operations
or ship management.
• computing: office and personal productivity What next?
applications This course can provide students with a
sound platform from which to progress
• maritime industry: an introduction towards completion of HNC/HND marine
• mathematics for science training programmes and then on to other
• safety training for seafarers Merchant Navy Certificates of Competency.
• ship construction and stability The course would also suit those wanting
• shipboard operations to enter the aquaculture, freight logistics
• bridge watch keeping and offshore wind sectors of the
• engineering dynamics maritime industry.
• Efficient Deck Hand
• nautical science: an introduction Base: Mallaig
• strength of materials
• embedded development of core and Course Study Key
essential skills
£FE STEM STUDY
STYLE
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 121
BSc (Hons) Archaeology and
Environmental Studies
UCAS code VF49
Study in one of the best natural and Key Information (common to both courses)
archaeological landscapes in the UK.
The residential field modules will enable you Base: Anywhere
to experience these while developing your Course Study Key
environmental and archaeological skills.
£HE STEM STUDY
This course gives you the opportunity STYLE
to focus on the scientific aspects of
archaeology while combining your studies
with sustainability issues, techniques in
field-based evidence and ethics.
You will undertake a work placement in
4th year giving you the opportunity to
engage with external agencies.
BSc (Hons) Archaeological Science
UCAS CODE F420
Are you interested in archaeology but wish in a range of activities including: taking part
to focus on the scientific elements of this in world- renowned archaeological
field of study? excavations; laboratory-based study; field
schools; and research.
This exciting new degree complements
existing archaeology programmes by You will have the opportunity to gain
exploring the range of science-based invaluable workplace experience through
methods that form an integral part of participation in our archaeological placement
archaeological research, from module, which will aid you in developing key
archaeobotany to zooarchaeology. real-world skills for life after your degree,
whether in postgraduate research,
You will develop scientific skills and archaeology or another chosen profession.
knowledge through a range of science-
orientated modules and you will participate
122 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 123
STEM is full of possibilitiesSTEM
STEM education covers a broad range of subjectsSTEM
and can lead into many different career pathways.
The STEM subjects look to nurture critical
thinkers, increase science literacy, and enable
the next generation of innovators. Innovation
leads to new products and processes that
sustain our economy.
By studying STEM subjects, you will learn about experimentation,
teamwork, problem-solving, data interpretation, concept
development, creativity and ingenuity.
Our STEM provision is growing and many of our courses have an
element of STEM learning in them, such as computing, maritime
skills, nursing, performance and coaching, construction and
science. STEM is full of possibilities, and you too can enter the
world of STEM. It’s a growing and vibrant sector with diverse
career opportunities and employment.
124 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
126 NPA Construction Skills 127 NPA Practical Science STEM STEM
The courses below belong to STEM or contain elements of STEM.
They sit within other subject areas in the prospectus.
58 NC Computing with 46 BA (Hons) Sports
Digital Media Management
61 HNC Computing 120 NQ Maritime and
Aquaculture Skills
62 HNC Digital Design and
Web Development 121 NC Shipping and
Maritime Operations
63 HND Computer Science
122 BSc (Hons) Archaeology
64 HND Digital Design and Environmental Studies
and Development
122 BSc (Hons) Archaeological
65 BSc (Hons) Applied Science
Software Development
93 Access to Nursing
134 NQ Outdoor Adventure
(NC Sport and Fitness) 94 Access to Nursing SWAP
135 NQ Outdoor Leadership 35 Transition to HE (T2HE)
145 BSc (Hons) Adventure
Performance and Coaching
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 125
NPA Construction Skills
SCQF level 5
If you are interested in working in the Key Information
construction industry but are not sure what
your options are, then this course will Entry requirements
provide you with foundation skills in a variety You should be reasonably fit and able to
of key areas of construction which will work at National 4/5 or equivalent level of
enable you to make choices for the future. study. Mature students are welcome. All
candidates will attend an interview.
The course is for new entrants to the
construction industry and is open to anyone What next?
who wants to increase their prospects of an You could consider apprenticeships in the
apprenticeship or of getting into construction construction industry, site labouring or
related work. further study.
Good practical and theoretical skills will be Base: Fort William and Portree
taught by practicing tradespeople. You do
not need any experience to join us but we Course Study Key
know you will gain plenty through practical
sessions, sharing years of work experience
with our lecturers, learning from others in the
class and making the most of our purpose
built and well-equipped construction rooms.
• blockwork £FE STEM STUDY
• plumbing STYLE
• brickwork
• carpentry and joinery
• painting and decorating
• roof slating and tiling
• electrical
• construction practices
• stonemasonry – introduction
• plastering and plaster boarding
• 2-week work placement
• embedded development of core and
essential skills
You will also have the chance to take the
following industry certificates:
• Health and Safety – IOSH
• CSCS card
• Access Platforms – Safe use
126 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
NPA Practical Science
SCQF level 5
Do you want to study part time and learn Key Information
about the world of science for the first time
or as a refresher? Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for
The science subjects are a starting point this course.
for a variety of careers in nursing, education
and the growing world of STEM (science, Base: Anywhere
technology, engineering and maths) For part time funding information:
employment. Visit our website
Course Study Key
This part time course will introduce you to
and develop your basic understanding of STEM STUDY
science concepts and show you the range of STYLE
science specialities available.
You will cover the basics in all three
science disciplines (physics, chemistry and
biology) with a focus on practical activities
which will be carried out in a realistic work
environment.
You will study:
• introduction to chemistry
• waves and optics
• radioactivity
• human body
• forensic science
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 127
Your future, your adventureSchool of
Adventure Studies
The only way to make adventure activities
even more memorable is to experience themSgoil Eòlas Dàn-Thurasachd
in one of the most breath-taking places
in the world.
Welcome to Fort William - The Outdoor Capital of the UK.
The School of Adventure Studies, based in Fort William, is
dedicated to outdoor and adventure related study. We aim
to prepare you for a career in the outdoor adventure sector
by developing your knowledge and improving your
practical skills.
We offer a wide range of courses at different levels, from
one-year National Qualifications to a choice of four
honours degrees. Depending on what stage you are at in
your education and practical ability, we should have
something to suit you.
Our close links with the outdoor sector mean that all our
courses are designed to be relevant and dynamic, taught
by expert practitioners with a focus on employability skills
and cutting-edge knowledge.
The Centre for Recreation and Tourism Research works
closely alongside the School of Adventure Studies giving
exciting research links and bringing academic research
together with teaching.
Our staff and students make up a vibrant community of
outdoor enthusiasts who will give you an exciting and
challenging learning experience.
128 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
134 NQ Outdoor Adventure 147 BA (Hons) Adventure School of Adventure Studies Sgoil Eòlas Dàn-Thurasachd
(NC Sport and Fitness) Education
135 NQ Outdoor Leadership 149 BA (Hons) Marine and
Coastal Tourism
143 BA (Hons) Adventure
Tourism Management 158 National Governing
Body Awards
145 BSc (Hons) Adventure
Performance and Coaching
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 129
Employers
value our
students:
hear it
from them
Sea Kayak Arisaig
Working in the Outdoor Environment with
clients from all walks of life requires skill
and experience.
It is often difficult to find employees that
are suitably prepared for this kind of work.
Courses at West Highland College UHI go
a long way in helping people to meet the
standards that we look for in our staff.
Many of our guides have studied at
West Highland College UHI.
Mike Martin:
owner of Sea Kayak Arisaig
West Highland College UHI is recognised by several major outdoor
and environmental organisations.
West Highland College UHI is registered West Highland College UHI is recognised
with The Adventure Activities and approved by MCA and RYA to deliver
Licensing Authority as licensed to marine training courses
provide specified activities under
the following headings: kayaking,
open canoeing, rock climbing, ice
climbing, abseiling, hill walking and
mountaineering, off road cycling,
ski touring gorge scrambling and camping.
130 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
David Exeter Outward PGL
Bound Trust
PGL recognises that our
As Head of Centre at Outward Bound ongoing success is
Loch Eil, I am proud of the very close determined by the ability
partnership that we have developed with of our staff to deliver life-
the School of Adventure Studies. Situated enriching experiences for our guests. As
just a few miles from West Highland one of the most successful outdoor
College UHI’s Fort William campus, we residential education providers in the world,
have always held a lot of values and we pride ourselves on the development,
aspirations in common, and have training and progression opportunities we
welcomed SOAS students and staff onsite provide our staff.
to enjoy our fantastic water and l and- We also place a high value on people
based facilities for their practical learning. joining us from further education. The skills
and knowledge that West Highland College
Our partnership grows ever stronger with UHI students have brought to the PGL staff
the launch of the Adventure Education team, as a result of their learning
degree, giving students real opportunities experiences, have made outstanding
for hands-on experiences in a variety of contributions to the experience of PGL
roles with Outward Bound®, including guests across the UK.
mentored work placement on the staff
team. As an employer, I truly value the skills, www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 131
competencies and depth of knowledge that
SOAS graduates bring, and this enhanced
association will complement SOAS’s
already rich practical training programme.
I am sure that your time spent studying
and developing at SOAS will not only be
the best time of your life, it will prepare you
for a lifetime’s career at the forefront of the
Outdoor sector – have brought to the PGL
staff team, as a result of their learning
experiences, have made outstanding
contributions to the experience of PGL
guests across the UK.
David Exeter
Further
Education
with the School
of Adventure
Studies
Our School of Adventure Studies welcomes all
aspiring adventurers, whether it is for personal
interest and self-development or those seeking a
professional career in the outdoors.
Not everyone is immediately ready to go straight on to degree level study.
Perhaps you need to build on practical ability and qualifications or develop your
study skills. We have the solution.
• NQ Outdoor Adventure (NC Sport and These two courses open many doors. While
Fitness) is a one year, SCQF level 5 they are focused on giving you the knowledge
equivalent course. It is based in Broadford and practical qualifications to gain employment
on the Isle of Skye giving access to the in the outdoor industry, they also allow possible
world famous Cuillin mountains and fantastic progression to degree level study either
locations for paddlesports in sea and within the School of Adventure Studies or
freshwater. This course will encourage the elsewhere. Our students develop valuable
growth of personal confidence and skills that can be applied in any field of work
competence in both practical and or study, such as leadership, teamwork,
academic areas. critical reviewing, self-development and
problem solving.
• NQ Outdoor Leadership is a one year,
SCQF level 6 equivalent course, based in Pathways from these two courses includes:
Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK. • possible progression onto one of our four
This course will build on existing academic
skills and will enable you to develop and degree programmes
share your practical competence by • freelance outdoor activity instructor or guide
learning about leadership and transferring • outdoor centre instructor
your acquired skills to others. • international outdoor activity provision
(building on placement experience)
• transfer leadership experience into a
different field
132 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
I have loved outdoor and having adventures. The instructors and
adventures since childhood. lecturers are at the top of their game and are
so inspiring and encouraging. If, like me, you
I feel so lucky to have found the School of are new to climbing, mountain biking,
Adventure Studies. It reflects what I am kayaking or mountaineering then I would
passionate about and I feel it will steer the recommend starting with Outdoor Adventure
course of my life in a positive way. in Skye which has been designed as a
I want to be an adventurer; an intrepid bridge for those who are new or
explorer and I want to share this interest with inexperienced in outdoor activities. The
others to inspire and encourage them to Outdoor Leadership course in Fort William
have these experiences and connect on a follows on from that perfectly.
fundamental level with nature.
One of the most important and relevant
The experiences that I and my classmates elements to this course is that you are
have had have been unparalleled. I started taught inter-personal skills: how best to be
with NQ Outdoor Adventure on Skye, inspire and lead others; how to be
experiencing kayaking, biking, camping on responsible and independent showing
remote beaches, navigating hills locally and competency in challenging outdoor
the Cairngorm plateau in winter conditions environments. These skills are empowering
too. We grew as individuals to be self-reliant and extend further into life.
and self-aware.
I am continuing my studies with BA(Hons)
I then went on to study NQ Outdoor Adventure Education which focuses on
Leadership in Fort William where my skills teaching and inspiring and encouraging
and leadership abilities have been growth and development through adventure,
developed from adventures on white water play and exposure to nature.
rivers, yacht sailing, learning how to roll a
kayak, becoming a competent rock climbing The School of Adventure Studies has
instructor and technically proficient mountain opened the door for a new world for me to
bike leader. achieve these goals and dreams. I really am
very grateful for this experience and if you’re
I would recommend these courses to considering starting on this path, then I
anyone who enjoys exploring, being active would say give it a try and see where it
takes you.
Giles Wade. NQ Outdoor Adventure
NQ Outdoor Leadership
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 133
NQ Outdoor Adventure
(NC Sport and Fitness)
SCQF level 5
Do you have a sense of adventure that Key Information
you’d like to share with others by pursuing
an outdoor career? This course sits within Entry requirements
the School of Adventure Studies and you will You must be 16 years of age at the start of
have tuition from highly skilled and active the course and should have at least three
adventure-sector practitioners, helping you National 4s or above or equivalent, a
to develop sound skills and experience in passion for the outdoors (mountain and
mountain, river and sea environments. Your water environments) and a good level of
study will be 65% practical and 35% theory. fitness. If you do not meet all the entry
requirements your previous experience will
You will tackle a range of performance be considered. All candidates will attend
awards as well as the Paddlesport Instructor an interview.
Award. We will support you in creating your
own outdoor CV and finding a work Please note that you are required to have
experience placement that could lead to a satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable
future employment. You will develop Groups (PVG) check to enable
problem-solving and teamwork skills that participation in work placement.
form a sound foundation for a range of This will be provided as a mandatory
careers beyond the outdoor industry, from part of your course. Further information
emergency response services to can be found here:
management and conservation. https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme/
Areas covered: What next?
• paddle-sports and teamwork You could consider applying for our NQ
• mountain sports and leadership Outdoor Leadership in Fort William or a
• mountain biking similar course elsewhere. You could also go
• conservation and volunteering straight into employment with your practical
• anatomy, physiology, fitness and exercise qualifications.
• nutrition, health and wellbeing
• embedded development of core and
essential skills
You will also work towards these awards: Base: Broadford, Isle of Skye
• British Canoeing: Paddlesport Instructor Course Study Key
• British Canoeing: Paddlesport
£FE STEM STUDY
Explore Award STYLE
• British Canoeing: Foundation Safety and
Rescue Training
• HSE Outdoor First Aid (16 Hours)
• John Muir Trust Explore Award
• National Indoor Climbing Wall
Achievement Scheme Levels 1 and 2
• Go Mountain Bike Awards
• NNAS Bronze and Silver Awards
(navigation)
134 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
NQ Outdoor Leadership
SCQF level 6
Do you love the challenge of outdoor Key Information
adventure activities? This course, based in
our School of Adventure Studies, combines Entry requirements
the theoretical (SQA units) with practical You should have at least 3 National 5s
elements (National Governing Body Awards) or equivalent.
to provide a qualification that will start
you on a career path in the outdoor Practical requirements: have completed a
adventure sector. NQ Outdoor Adventure or NQ SCQF level 5
in a related subject area or be able to
Areas for study include: demonstrate competence in the relevant
• adventure sport performance and coaching outdoor disciplines equal to those gained in
• personal fitness and exercise our NQ Outdoor Adventure.
• leadership and personal development
• guiding and interpretation You must be 18 years of age by 1st April in
• industry experience your year of study to take up an 8-week
• research skills industry work placement which is a core
• environmental conservation part of the course. Mature students will
• expedition and residential experience be considered on merit. You will attend
• 8 weeks work experience an interview.
• employability skills
• embedded development of core and Please note that you are required to have
a satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups
essential skills (PVG) check to enable participation in
work placement. This will be provided as
You will also work towards these awards: a mandatory part of your course. Further
• British Canoeing: Paddlesport Instructor information can be found here:
• British Canoeing: Personal Performance https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme/
Awards: Open Canoe, White Water or Sea What next?
Kayak On successful completion of this course, you
• British Canoeing: Foundation Safety and may be eligible for any of our four degrees
Rescue Training/White Water Safety or other related courses. You could also
and Rescue consider a career as an outdoor activities’
• British Cycling: Mountain Bike Leadership instructor or adventure guide.
Award Level 1 or Level 2 Training
• Climbing Wall Instructor Training Base: Fort William
• Environmental Awards Course Study Key
• Customer Care and Guide Training
• Outdoor Specific First Aid Certificate £FE STEM STUDY
STYLE
Entry to awards is subject to obtaining the
required performance standard
and logbook days.
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 135
Adventure
theory to
adventure
practice
– the vocational link in
our degree teaching
At the School of Adventure Studies we have built a
strong reputation on a simple philosophy: that to
understand adventure, you need to experience
adventure, and to be a skilful employee and employer
of the future, you need to practice the skills and
develop as a practitioner as well as developing the
critical thinking abilities of a graduate.
Here, we offer you just that opportunity.
Our degree programmes offer students a Practical activities available include work on
host of practical learning opportunities in personal skills training, developing specialist
a wide range of disciplines and activities skills and expertise, coaching and
at all levels of ability. leadership training and practice and
certificated National Governing Body Awards
We base it on a “credit” system of short and qualifications. Students need to meet
courses, where some elements are any stated pre-requisite experience for
mandatory, and some are free for students selected courses.
to select and book onto.
Mandatory elements may either be closely
tied to the module teaching and assessment
or be core skills that we feel all graduates of
our courses must experience (such as
summer and winter mountain skills and
avalanche safety). You will also get the
freedom to choose some short courses to
suit your own needs.
136 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
We are situated in an area of outstanding • Excellent links and work-placement
wild natural beauty. Our team of lecturers opportunities with many adventure-based
and associate staff comprise some of the businesses and institutions in Scotland,
UK’s most experienced and qualified the UK and internationally.
professionals in the field – you can expect to
get the best possible training and • Residential field trips, clubs, international
assessment while you are here. expeditions and many other opportunities
to enhance your skills and experience in
What to expect: adventure activities.
• Receive tailored outdoor-activity skill
Choose your Adventure…
development and professional NGB
training and assessment with the School of Adventure is at the heart of The School of
Adventure Studies' 'practical credits system': Adventure Studies – we are passionate
continuous professional skills development about the outdoors, and about understanding
throughout your degree and beyond. the professional pathways towards a career
• Be part of a vibrant and active student in the most rewarding and dynamic sector in
community of outdoor enthusiasts based in the UK. Whatever your specialism or
Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK. personal interest, we are set up to give you
• Easy transfer options available between the skills and knowledge you need to inspire
adventure programmes within the School a lifetime’s career in the outdoors.
of Adventure Studies: Adventure Tourism
Management; Adventure Performance and So, what is adventure?
Coaching; and Marine and Coastal Tourism. When we use the word adventure, we’re
usually talking about adventurous activities
in the outdoor environment. However,
adventure is more than just this. It can give
you a fresh sense of perspective, novelty
and awe, but it will also demand something
from you, and the outcomes may
be uncertain.
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 137
“If you choose a
degree subject
that fits your
passions, you
will love it and
stick with it.”
It’s ok for an adventurous experience to Why four different degree programmes?
create some apprehension: it is up to the Our degree programme is broad because of
adventurous spirit to develop the skills and the range of career specialities that the
experience to learn how and when to take adventure sector offers. Whatever your
that step. interests, all our students will share the
same common skills and knowledge and be
Adventures are about human endeavour, so adaptable to whatever direction their future
we must always be aware of the importance career will take them.
of respect, companionship, ethical and
sustainable practice to ensure we protect Marine and Coastal Tourism
the values and the environment that is This degree is designed to equip students
crucial to us. for the diverse employment possibilities in
the Marine and Coastal Tourism sector. The
Adventure is also a journey of the self and a global context of marine and coastal tourism
state of mind. If you are open to experience, puts the focus on marine resource
then no matter how often you have travelled management, marine conservation, and
a certain path there is always something policy and legislation, as well as marine
new to discover. tourism guiding and coaching.
138 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
Adventure Tourism Management Which one is right for me?
Adventure Performance and Coaching Here is an analogy. You are needing new
Adventure Education walking boots. How will you choose the right
pair? The most important thing you should
These three programmes cover skills that look for is not the colour, or even the brand –
are related but lead to different roles that an but the boot that fits the purpose. If the
adventure professional might follow. boots fit well, you will love them. If you
choose a degree subject that fits your
Each degree has its own identity and focus passions, you will love it and stick with it.
but there are also important similarities,
common ground, skills and knowledge that We want you to have an amazing time here
all adventure professionals must acquire in at the School of Adventure Studies, and take
order to succeed. This common ground is away an Honours degree to be proud of, as
what we call the Adventure Core and it is built well as many essential skills to use for the
into each of the three adventure degrees. rest of your life, many great memories and
many lifelong friendships.
Having this shared core allows flexibility and
the option to transfer between degrees. If Time to start
you begin by thinking that Adventure your journey
Tourism Management is for you but discover
a passion for Adventure Education, that is
ok, there are options within the first year to
change course.
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 139
About our
degrees
Entry requirements Additional costs
3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above or 2 Additional costs occur both on entry and
A levels at grade C or above. This must during your course. These could include
include a science or PE for BSc Adventure professional body memberships, clothing
Performance and Coaching. You are also and equipment, extracurricular courses and
recommended to hold a minimum of expeditions abroad. Check the School of
National 5/GCSE English and Mathematics Adventure Studies section of the
and be able to demonstrate your college website.
commitment to outdoor activities.
Applicants with significant experience in Base Fort William
outdoor activities will be considered Full time: 42 hours a week for up to 4 years.
providing they can demonstrate sufficient Classroom contact time is normally 9 hours
academic potential. a week and this can be face to face lectures,
tutorials, video conference and online
You may be required to attend an interview. learning. The other hours are practical
Successful applicants to ATM, AE and APC sessions and independent study.
degree programmes will be required to
complete a PVG Disclosure Check Career options
(paid for by college) and become Whichever degree you graduate in, you will
PVG Scheme Members. have acquired academic knowledge and
https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme/ practical skills that will be transferable to
many employment opportunities in the UK or
Advanced entry international adventure sector.
Joining at year 2 or 3 is possible from other
higher education institutes, such as Course Study Key
foundation degrees, or HNC/ HND courses
by demonstrating equivalent prior learning £HE STEM STUDY
with sufficient credit in the appropriate STYLE
subject area (Recognition of Prior
Learning-RPL).
140 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
BA (Hons) Adventure BA (Hons) Adventure Education
Tourism Management • work in outdoor centres; schools;
• start and build your own adventure tourism
educational expedition operators;
business adventure therapy; criminal justice
• work in events organisation rehabilitation
• work in NGOs and NGBs, such as • adult education
• management and business
SportScotland, Snowsport Scotland, development training
Mountaineering Council of Scotland, • countryside ranger and environmental
Scottish Canoe Association interpretation
• countryside ranger and environmental • post-graduate study, including post-
interpretation graduate teaching qualifications
• post graduate study with the University of
the Highlands and Islands BA (Hons) Marine and Coastal Tourism
• develop sustainable marine and coastal
BSc (Hons) Adventure Performance
and Coaching tourism business models
• adventure sport performance coach • become future marine tourism leaders
• applied sport scientist or performance • create and design new sustainable marine
analyst tourism products and services
• strength and conditioning coach • innovate blue economy solutions for
• sports development officer and talent
tourism, climate change and coastal
identification communities
• post-graduate study and research in areas • undertake post graduate study with the
University of the Highlands and Islands
such as sport psychology, physiology,
coaching, biomechanics or Post graduate study
performance analysis Building on the legacy of our MSc
Ecotourism, we are working on a new
programme for professional development in
the adventure sector.
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 141
What the experts say
Adele Pennington is a mountaineering instructor,
expedition leader, operations manager and organiser
of expeditions around the world.
Which adventure activities are you What are the highlights of your work, and
involved in, and how did you get to where what motivates you?
you are now? The highlights of my career have been to
Climbing and mountaineering are my focus. organise and lead successful expeditions
Initially I pursued a career in biochemistry that run like clockwork. My motivation
and teaching. Both of which allowed me to comes from happy returning clients and a
acquire skills in analytical detail, education good variety and balance in my work.
and teaching. I went through the Summer
and Winter Mountain Leader scheme in my What do you think the future holds for
20’s, followed by the Single Pitch Award and adventure tourism?
Mountaineering Instructors Award and had Adventure tourism is a growing business
an active outdoor programme as a teacher. and within it there are a variety of roles.
I decided to leave teaching and start to lead These roles can be from practitioner leading
expeditions in order to be young enough to the adventure to administrator organising
fulfil my own mountaineering ambitions and the event. Professionalism is so important in
lead trips such as an Everest expedition. whatever aspect or role is taken on.
I also became operations manager for
Jagged Globe and more recently for my own What has been the most useful part of
company Adele Pennington Mountaineering. your education?
The ability to communicate verbally with
What skills do you think are most clients and take an interest in their needs.
valuable in your role? The ability to use an excel spreadsheet and
When planning expeditions, you must to persevere with administrative tasks that
do detailed research and pay attention to are not straight forward!
detail, from having a reasonable objective,
to costings, to answering client enquiries. Adele Pennington
Furthermore, it is essential to have safety
at the forefront of any expedition.
What do you personally hold as core
principles in your work in
adventure tourism?
My clients must have a safe expedition and
the trip should exceed their expectations.
Each participant’s needs must be met and
they must understand what the expedition
entails and are appropriately trained. Value
for money is important but not at the
expense of safety or client care.
142 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
BA (Hons) Adventure Tourism Management
UCAS CODE N870
Adventure tourism has taken the adventure Year 1 Cert HE
sector by storm bringing adventure activity Core modules are:
experiences into the mainstream. New, fresh • introduction to professional
and continuously developing, our graduates
have a fantastic opportunity to become a adventure practice
part of the story in shaping this • introduction to adventure tourism
dynamic sector. • adventure geography:
This degree focuses on tourism and the Scottish perspective
business practices within the adventure • introduction to sports coaching
sector, applied in the context of essential
practical professional skills for leadership and leadership
and safety. Customers expect great service Plus, two optional modules to suit
and a safe experience that will satisfy their your interests.
dreams of adventure. You will acquire the
skills and knowledge to deliver and manage Year 2 Dip HE
this, with a critical understanding of the Core modules are:
ethical and professional values required. • understanding adventure
• the contemporary workplace
You will cover outdoor skills practice • adventure operations and risk management
(access to professional NGB training and • adventure tourism guiding and interpretation
assessment with the School of Adventure Plus, two optional modules to suit
Study’s practical credits system), safety and your interests.
leadership, tourism, research, business and
entrepreneurship – all underpinned by a Year 3 BA
growing and deepening understanding of the Core modules are:
meaning of 'adventure'. • sustainable management of
We work closely with adventure tourism adventure tourism
providers and larger scale organisations to • planning international expeditions
give you direct access to professional-level • research skills
experiences and practice. Plus, a wide Plus, three optional modules to suit
range of national and international links for your interests.
opportunities like work placements and
adventure projects. Year 4 BA (Hons)
Core modules are:
• critical perspectives of adventure tourism
• emergent tourism trends
• inclusive adventure
• perceptions of risk and decision-making
You will also choose one double credit
project or research-based module:
• dissertation
• professional adventure project
• research and plan a new business venture
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 143
What the experts say
Dave MacLeod is a world- renowned performer and
author in rock and ice climbing; sports science;
sports medicine and adventure film making.
Which adventure activities are you For example, the latest research has
involved in, and how did you get to where developed nutritional strategies for all sorts
you are now? of adventure sports applications.
I climb at a high level in bouldering, sport
climbing, rock climbing, ice climbing and What are the highlights of your work,
alpinism and have climbed hundreds of new and what motivates you?
routes around the world. I’ve written two My own self coaching is the highlight and
books on climbing performance and I am a most motivating aspect of my work. It’s
blogger. I’ve also worked in the mountains always easiest to experiment with new ideas
as a filmmaker. on yourself! Also writing two books and
reading people’s stories on my blog.
What do adventure performance and
adventure coaching mean to you? What do you think the future holds for
I’m pretty obsessed with every aspect of adventure sports coaching?
training and performance. My first book 9 The development of adventure sports and
out of 10 climbers make the same mistakes, the culture of performance within them blow
is essentially a behavioural science book. my mind. The benefits adventure sports
I investigated what held amateur athletes bring to wellbeing and public health are
back and found that it was behavioural recognised and there will be more resources
habits causing them to deviate from the for study and research into performance and
principles of training. I am interested in the improved facilities. Adventure sports need
interface between scientific data and the leaders with expertise and there are great
way humans make use of it. This interface is rewards for people with the imagination and
where opportunities for performance rigour to take on that role.
breakthroughs are created or lost.
What education have you had in Dave Macleod
coaching or sports science related areas?
I have a degree in Physiology & Sports
Science and a Masters in Exercise Science.
It’s critical to follow new research, so I read
a huge amount. Using new knowledge, I
have smashed my personal bests in
climbing. I also coach climbers: there is no
substitute for observing their movement,
habits and characteristics.
Where do you find the ideas of coaching
and sports science being useful to your
professional practice?
There isn’t an area where sports science
understanding is not critical for practice.
144 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
BSc (Hons) Adventure Performance
and Coaching
UCAS CODE N876
BSc (Hons) Adventure Performance and Year 1 Cert HE
Coaching brings a unique focus on sports Core modules are:
science to the domain of adventure • human structure and function
coaching. You will combine the skills and • introduction to professional
knowledge of the applied sports scientist
with those of a modern adventure adventure practice
professional, preparing you to coach and • adventure geography: the Scottish
guide the next generation of adventure
athletes and participants who demand perspective
greater outcomes in their adventure sport. • introduction to sports coaching and
Be part of a rapidly evolving sector, where leadership
the demand for healthy active lifestyles has • Activity performance and skill acquisition
brought about a drive for greater Plus, one optional module to suit
achievements in adventure sports and for your interests
the life-enhancing benefits of participation.
With over 21 Olympic adventure sports Year 2 Dip HE
disciplines, adventure sports performance Core modules are:
and competition are global phenomenon. • sport and exercise physiology
• performance and analysis of specialist skills
This programme will provide you with an • applied coaching and leadership
in-depth knowledge and understanding of • adventure operations and risk management
the key elements of sports science, while • principles of sport and exercise psychology
teaching you to apply them to the outdoor
and adventure environment – all Plus, one optional module to suit
underpinned by a growing and deepening your interests
understanding of the meaning of ‘adventure’.
Year 3 BSc
Get individualised practical skill Core modules are:
development and professional NGB training • applied sport and exercise psychology
and assessment with the School of • planning international expeditions
Adventure Study’s practical credits system • research methods (sport)
and build on our strong links and work Plus, three optional modules to suit
placement opportunities with many your interests
adventure-based businesses and institutions
nationally and internationally. Year 4 BSc (Hons)
Core modules include:
• adventure psychology: skills and behaviors
• advanced applications of coaching
and instruction
• inclusive adventure
• perceptions of risk and decision making
Double credit project or research-
based module:
• dissertation (sport)
• professional adventure project
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 145
What the experts say say
Tim Jepson (retired) was a trainer of teachers of
outdoor and adventure education.
The list of people whom he has taught and inspired as successful teachers and
leaders in the sector is phenomenal, and in outdoor circles his name is short-hand for
the highly influential course that he led.
Which adventure activities are you What have been the highlights of your
involved in, and how did you get to work, and what are the key motivations?
where you are now? Although I have had many, wonderful
My main areas are: mountaineering; rock- adventures shared with energetic and
climbing; kayaking and skiing. My interest enthusiastic trainee teachers, the true
began with my father and developed at motivation for keeping going has come later
university. I trained to be a Geography and when those trainees becomes teachers and
Outdoor Activities teacher and worked as an tell you of the adventures they are having
instructor at the National Mountaineering with their own pupils. That's true fulfilment!
Centre, Plas y Brenin. In my later career I
lectured in Education at Bangor University. What do you think the future holds for
adventure education?
What skills do you think are most valuable The need for adventure education to impact
to an adventure education practitioner? on young people's lives will never diminish.
An adventure education practitioner needs Adventurous experiences, physical, social
to be able to read people's emotions from and environmental, will become more
body language, facial expression, voice tone important as our lives become increasingly
and group interaction. They also need to be technical, hectic and uncertain.
supportive of individuals throughout a range
of emotional responses to adventurous What has adventure education taught
situations, and be creative in finding ways to you about yourself?
modify adventures in order to best meet To be open-minded and to never make
changing circumstances. assumptions - I'm still working on both
of those!
What did you personally hold as
core principles in your work in Tim Jepson
adventure education?
Learning to work towards outcomes which
are uncertain is good practice for life;
adventure is a process not an outcome;
each adventure is unique to the individual
who experiences it; adventures shared with
other people are richer than those you have
on your own; the outdoors is a great place to
have adventures, but you can have
adventures anywhere; lessons are learnt
from adventures, whether the adventurer
recognises them or not; adventures are best
when initiated by the adventurers.
146 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
BA (Hons) Adventure Education
UCAS CODE N8X9
Adventure Education is about creating and Year 2 – Dip HE
fostering the many possible learning Core modules are:
opportunities offered through adventurous • nature and learning
activities in the outdoors. It is fundamental to • social theory for adventure education
the modern adventure sector as well as a • outdoor learning and teaching practice
significant and diverse area of employment. • understanding adventure
• adventure operations and risk management
As an educator in this field, you will be Plus, one optional module to suit
responsible for providing safe, adventurous your interests.
experiences and promoting learning to help
others to discover, reflect, and develop. Year 3 - BA
Core modules are:
You will develop your knowledge, • planning international expeditions
understanding and skills to plan, prepare • an anthropology of place: adventure
and lead adventure education activities in
potentially challenging and wild places, while education and cultural perspectives
also providing links to all stages of the on nature
school curriculum. • investigation: personal and social
development in adventure education
Location, flexibility, passion, lifestyle: this • research skills
degree is part of the Adventure Pathways Plus, two optional modules to suit
Scheme of programmes which gives you the your interests.
flexibility to transfer to other degree
programmes within the School of Adventure Year 4 - BA (Hons)
Studies should you wish. Core modules are:
• inclusive adventure
We work closely with Adventure Education • critical perspectives of adventure
providers, including the Outward Bound
Trust®, to give you direct access to education
professional-level experiences and practice, • applied adventure education practice
as well as enabling you to establish national • perceptions of risk and decision making
and international links for work placements,
student exchanges and shared practice.
Year 1 – Cert HE Double-credit project or research-
Core modules are: based module:
• foundations of outdoor learning • dissertation
• adventure geography: the Scottish
• professional adventure project.
perspective
• introduction to professional adventure
practice
• introduction to sports coaching and
leadership
Plus, two optional modules to suit
your interests.
www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 147
What the experts say
Mark Carwardine is a zoologist, an outspoken
conservationist, an award-winning writer, a TV and
radio presenter, a widely published wildlife
photographer, a best-selling author, a wildlife tour
operator and leader, a lecturer, and a
magazine columnist.
Mark has a great interest in the oceans of Speaking about the BA (Hons) Marine
the world and he understands the urgent and Coastal Tourism programme:
need to protect the marine environment and “What a fantastic course! This is a critically
the diverse species that inhabit it. His field important subject - we desperately need
guide Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises, is more people with the knowledge and
one of the bestselling natural history books experience to manage our marine and
of all time. This is just one of over fifty books coastal resources responsibly – and it will
he has written on a variety of wildlife, travel become increasingly important in the years
and conservation subjects. to come. It sounds tremendously good
fun, too!”
A keen photographer, Mark has been
Chairman of the Judging Panel of the Mark Carwardine
prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the
Year competition and he was selected
as one of The World's 40 Most I
nfluential Nature Photographers in
Outdoor Photography magazine.
Mark has worked in TV and radio for
many years promoting discussion on a
wide variety of wildlife, travel and
conservation subjects.
He co-founded several wildlife-tour
companies and he now runs his own
wildlife and photography tours to unique
destinations around the world.
He continues to campaign tirelessly on
issues of conservation and environment.
148 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
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