WHC_Prospecuts_2021_22_Final

BA (Hons) Marine and Coastal Tourism

UCAS CODE F7N8

This unique course, the first of its kind in the Year 1 Cert HE
UK, focuses on the many uses of the marine Core modules are:
resource, how tourism interacts with these • marine and coastal tourism in the UK
and the challenges of developing • introduction to adventure tourism
sustainable marine and coastal tourism. • introduction to a customer

Policies and management strategies to centred business
protect the natural treasures of our coastal • adventure markets: products and services
waters will impact the future of the growing • adventure education journeys
marine and coastal tourism sector, and this Plus, one optional module to suit
course explores the ways in which effective your interests
management of tourism development can
have positive impacts on the conservation Year 2 Dip HE
and restoration of the marine environment. Core modules are:
• adventure operations and risk
You will have the opportunity to develop
experience, personal and leadership skills, management
and gain National Governing Body awards in • marine tourism field course
water-based activities. Practical sessions • contemporary workplace
also include guiding and interpretation skills • marine environments
and a science-based overview of Plus, one optional module to suit
these environments. your interests

You will explore activity development, Year 3 BA
responses to climate change, environmental Core modules are:
and conservation objectives, the role of • international marine and coastal tourism
coastal communities in the development of • research skills
tourism, management of customer • planning international expeditions
expectations, behaviours and analysis of • management of the marine resource
marine sector legislature from both a UK and Plus, two optional modules to suit
international perspective. your interests

This is supplemented by a programme of Year 4 BA (Hons)
guest speakers, visits to events and Core modules are:
conferences as well as field courses • critical perspectives of marine and
and student expeditions - both local
and international. coastal tourism
• emergent tourism trends
You will be ideally placed to work Plus, completion one of the following:
alongside and learn from the professionals dissertation; research and planning a new
in a number of real local development business venture; or a professional
projects, such as working with the Lochaber adventure project.
Chamber of Commerce managing new
cruise ship industry in Fort William,
Lochaber Snorkel Trail, Sea Trekking
initiatives and the development of a new
40 berth marina in Corpach.

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What our
Students say

Adventure Tourism Management is broad in what it covers and I knew I would
benefit from the choices offered and discover my niche as I went along. I have
appreciated the different directions you can follow, especially in 2nd and 3rd year
when you can choose modules that suit your interests.
The academic modules are challenging and interesting, combining social sciences,
coaching therapy and skill acquisition as well as critical perspectives on tourism,
marketing, management and adventure markets.
There are also fantastic opportunities to develop your practical skills with access to
NGB awards and by working with core external instructors who are all in the business
of adventure tourism, you have the chance to build links with local businesses.

Jenny Taylor. BA(Hons) Adventure Tourism Management

After school I was lucky enough to
successfully complete some NGB awards
in climbing, kayaking and biking and
quickly got the opportunity to work as
an outdoor instructor for a summer and
many summer outdoor seasons around
Scotland since.
I chose BA (Hons) Marine and Coastal
Tourism because there is nothing that makes
me happier than living and working by the
sea. Studying has developed my knowledge,
passion and appreciation for our marine
environment, and I would absolutely
recommend this degree to anyone who has a
passion for our oceans and the opportunities
this speciality brings to adventure tourism.

Neil Black.
BA(Hons) Marine and Coastal Tourism

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I did outdoor sports such as sailing,
kayaking and hill climbing when I was
at school. I choose to study Adventure
Education because education is my
real interest.
I like teaching, I like learning and I like sharing
my skills. I also know from experience how
much difference this kind of education can
make to a young person. The activities are a
means to an end but not the end in itself. I can
stay multi-skilled, learn about the philosophy
of education and spend time outdoors teaching
young people about the environment through
activities on the ground. Adventure can be a
conduit to personal development and a greater
understanding of the world. That’s what I want
to be involved in: helping young people learn
about themselves, the environment and how
to protect it sustainably through adventure.

Cameron Livingstone.
BA(Hons) Adventure Education

I joined this degree in 3rd year. William Holland.
I completed an HND Coaching and BA (Hons) Adventure Performance
Sports Development in Perth College and Coaching
UHI and then transferred to Fort William
to focus on Adventure Performance www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 151
and Coaching.
Both colleges are part of UHI so the style of
teaching was similar but classes here are
smaller and that means a more relaxed
atmosphere with more contact with your
lecturers. Moving was the right decision.
We have a great choice in practical activities
here and the credit system has enabled me
to achieve a range of NGBs to improve my
CV. The stand-out module for me was
International Expedition Leadership which
followed on from Planning International
Expeditions. With lecturer support we were
able to plan, implement and evaluate an
expedition of our own devising. A group of
us went to the Adirondack State Park in
America and did a six day paddling
expedition. What an amazing opportunity to
have the freedom and ownership of the
project. To plan entirety and then actually
achieve it was brilliant.

Specialist
focus

Take the opportunity to put what you’ve learned into
practice by choosing this optional module in
3rd year. Expeditioning is part of our DNA at SOAS.
An expedition is about more than just the physical
journey - it's a way to explore new places and
discover your own capabilities, as well as
understanding the importance of environmentally
and socially ethical travel.

Whichever degree you study, expedition skills and experiences are key elements.
With expert guidance and support from SOAS staff you will have inspirational and life
changing experiences, gaining confidence and self-reliance. There will be a personal
financial investment needed from you, but SOAS subsidise and support this.

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STUDY
STYLE

Final year – time to create a lasting legacy

Professional adventure project or dissertation

For many people setting out on a 4-year expedition the previous year.
Honours degree, the final year may seem a Student projects are already attracting
long way off, but this pivotal year will put you attention from national organisations such
very much in the driving seat, taking as the Scottish Wildlife Trust and are
ownership of your own final year project. emerging as real-world innovation and
developments. Project ideas have been as
Among your options you will have the choice diverse as:
to follow an academic research dissertation
or a professional adventure project. The • West Coast Snorkel Trail – bringing new
professional adventure project is a new access and opportunities.
approach to the idea of research that is
unique to SOAS – and brilliantly suited to • Developing a sustainable tourism strategy
the kind of career that you may be following for a remote Iceland community.
– driven by innovation and creativity.
Got a great idea, or see the need for a new • “No Frontiers” Trans-Pyrenees Ski
product, or a new angle on the familiar? This Touring route – an adventure tourism
is your chance to roll up your sleeves and product fusing adventure, history and
create. With the help of our expert wellness tourism.
supervision, you’ll be free to research your
idea, engage and lead others in it, and • Creating therapeutic adventure coaching
create a project that is unique to you – one solutions for people with chronic illness.
that will leave a legacy for the sector.
We have even built in scope for this idea to • Expedition-based project ideas:
be a major new expedition or project abroad, • All-female ski mountaineering expedition
perhaps inspired from your international
to Kyrgyzstan – skiing new routes and
forming new links with local communities.
• Community empowerment project in Tsum
Valley, Nepal in partnership with
Community Action Nepal.

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Our I am working towards an MEd in Tertiary
Alumni and Higher Education with Lews Castle
College UHI. The flexibility of how this
course is delivered has allowed me to
support the SOAS programme, both as a
lecturer and supporting the practical
programme. I enjoy working with the SOAS
team and have no plans to change my
career path.

I now have a better understanding of the
students I work with and of myself, allowing
me to reflect and gain insight into my
own practice.

Amy Exeter.
BA (Hons)Adventure Tourism
Management 2019

I started study at Llandrillo College in I progressed from Outdoor Adventure to
North Wales (2000). Outdoor Leadership and then onto
At that time, I felt further study wasn’t for the degree.
me, so I went into the world of work I made the right decision. There were few
specialising in the outdoor sector. When I options in Scotland that provided all the
moved to Fort William, I discovered the benefits found on the courses I chose to
School of Adventure Studies and decided to complete. I started with a background in
return to academic study. I joined BA (Hons) climbing and mountaineering and through
Adventure Tourism Management in third the use of industry leading coaches,
year. My previous experience in the sector instructors and guides I was able to hone my
supported my learning and the degree skills and achieve a wide variety of national
programme gave me the theory, background governing body qualifications for working in
knowledge and research behind these skills. the outdoors.

The year group that I joined were the most Lochaber truly is a world class playground.
wonderfully diverse group of people that It is respected on the world stage and holds
added to my experience as a student in the its own against the Alps, the Rockies and
most wonderful way. Random acts of the greater ranges. Right on my doorstep is
kindness and humour when I needed them some of the most notable rock and ice
and support from UHI student clubs, have
broadened my horizons while studying.

On completion of my degree in 2019,
I chose to continue my studies with UHI and

154 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk

climbing available anywhere, ski When I saw the Adventure Tourism
mountaineering to rival the continent, Management course in the UHI prospectus,
mountain biking which is world renowned I hadn't even realised that a career in the
and incredible rivers and canyons in outdoors was an option. I had been an avid
remarkable glens. mountain biker for years and so mountain
biking as a job was the dream!
I have zero doubt that without my time in
Fort William I wouldn’t have made the move Near the beginning of my studies I was
into professional ski patrol work. I eventually involved in a serious accident in which I lost
did six seasons in both the Northern and my right leg below the knee and received a
Southern Hemispheres. brain injury leaving me with attention,
concentration and memory issues. I worked
I settled in Fort William and consider it to with many external organisations to
be home. I am also privileged to be a rehabilitate myself because I couldn't wait to
member of Scotland’s busiest mountain get back to my adventure sport career path.
rescue team. The college and SOAS were all supportive
in aiding my return to study. Having a
I am currently employed by the Scottish prosthetic leg may have been new territory
Ambulance Service as front line crew. My for some guides who were taking us out, but
passion for prehospital care was sparked it was never an issue. In fact, it was most
through my ski patrol and first aid work often used for a mutual learning experience.
which I started during my studies. I have
long term goals and aspirations for my My career has taken a turn from my
career within the service, which I hope to be original plan: I am now a professional
a long one. My interests lie with acute care athlete. My degree covered performance
in austere and mountainous environments sport - the area I am now in - without me
and hopefully one day I am able to work in even realising how useful it would be in
that capacity within my job role. future. I am on the British para-snowboard
team training for the Beijing Paralympics in
Cameron McIlvar. 2022. I am ranked 5th in the World in LL2
BA Adventure Performance Banked Slalom. I compete in Snowboard
and Coaching 2018 Cross as well. I think eventually I will return
to instructor work as its really rewarding
when you impact someone's learning and
enable them to progress their skills and
have an enjoyable time while doing it!

Andy Macleod.
BA Adventure Tourism
Management 2015

I had been to Fort William for the
mountain bike world cup and I really
liked the town and the outdoor
sports vibe.

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The Centre for
Recreation
and Tourism

Research

The Centre for Recreation and Tourism Research is
one of Scotland’s leading tourism research centres,
with a network of overseas colleagues, clients and
collaborators and an impressive portfolio of activity
developed since the centre’s inception in 2012.

Undertaking a range of activities, from • SCITOUR
academic and applied research to Working with partners in Greenland, Iceland
participation in trans-national projects, the and Finland, as well as the Centre for
centre is uniquely placed for tourism Mountain Centres at Perth College UHI, this
research. Working closely with the School project (http://scitour.interreg-npa.eu/) is
of Adventure Studies, the centre is heavily focused on creating a scientific tourism
involved in projects and initiatives related to: concept and brand, as well as digital
infrastructure for marketing new scientific
• slow adventure tourism products and experiences.
• nature-based tourism • The Coast that Shaped the World
• adventure tourism Co-financed by Scottish Natural Heritage’s
• cultural heritage storytelling Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (funded
• scientific tourism ERDF), and working through the West Coast
• marine and coastal tourism Waters (WCW) tourism initiative, this is a
community-led project. It seeks to gather
In 2020 the Centre is involved in or leading a maritime heritage stories and develop a
broad range of trans-national, applied website and app, along with a programme of
research tourism projects funded through immersive and innovative digital exhibitions
Horizon 2020, ERDF, INTERREG and to bring the stories to life.
ERASMUS+, including three new projects: https://www.whc.uhi.ac.uk/research/
current-projects/

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• Story Tagging Slow Adventure
In the this project Developed as a marketing concept in the
(http://storytagging.interreg-npa.eu/), co- Slow Adventure in Northern Territories
financed by the Northern Periphery and project, the team is working on various
Arctic programme, we are working with initiatives to continue to develop slow
partners in Northern Ireland, Finland, adventure as both a marketing brand and
Sweden, Russia and Scotland to develop a label and an ethos or movement, through
digital platform (accessed via apps and a product development in Spain, France and
website) that will allow creative industry Scotland in the CAPITEN maritime tourism
SMEs to harness (as stories) much of what project, and through the European Travel
makes Northern localities distinctive to the Commission, which will start promoting
people who live and work there. Europe as the ‘Home of Slow Adventure’.
Slow Adventure Ltd is separately being set
The research centre also co-ordinates the up as an ethical travel company to develop,
activities and membership of the global promote and sell slow adventure products
Adventure Tourism Research Association across Europe
(https://atra.global/), working with local hosts (https://www.slowadventure.org/).
to co-organise its annual International
Adventure Conference, next in Queenstown, For more information please email
New Zealand, December 2021. [email protected] or follow us on
Twitter (@crtrUHI) or on LinkedIn.

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National
Governing
Body Awards

A wide range of NGB courses and achievement
awards are available to study privately, or as part
of our undergraduate and degree courses.

We use professional, highly experienced guides
and trainers so that you achieve industry
recognised qualifications.

Mountain Training British Canoeing

Mountain Leader Training/Assessment, Paddlesport Instructor
Rock Climbing Instructor and
Climbing Wall Instructor British Canoeing

British Cycling Paddlesport Leader: Open Canoe,
General Kayak and Stand
BMBLA Mountain Bike Leader up Paddleboard
Award Levels 1 and 2
British Canoeing
British Canoeing
Leadership Awards: Open Canoe,
Paddle Awards and Personal Sea Kayak and White Water
Performance Awards

158 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk

British Canoeing Royal Yachting Association

Coach Award: Core and Dingy Sailing Level 1
Sheltered Water and Level 2

British Canoeing Royal Yachting
Association
Foundation Safety and
Rescue Training VHF Marine Radio

British Canoeing British Sub-Aqua Club

White Water Safety and Snorkel Diver
Rescue Training
British Sub-Aqua Club
British Canoeing
Snorkel Instructor Training Course
Coastal Navigation and and Assessment
Tidal Planning
International
Royal Yachting Rafting Federation
Association
Raft Guide
Power Boat Level 2
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Work Based Training, Enhancing economic growth
Employment Skills and CPD through training

Trèanadh Stèidhichte air Obair, Sgilean Cosnaidh agus CPD West Highland College UHI strives to benefit
the development and prospects of this region
and its communities, contributing directly to
the sustainable economic, social and cultural
life of our area and to be an inspiration for all
those who want to live, learn and work in
such an outstanding place.

Part of our strategy to achieve this involves us working
with local businesses, employers and individuals to
provide a range of workforce development opportunities
and individual training industry-recognised qualifications
and bespoke training courses.

We offer a wide range of apprenticeships and in-work
programmes to help businesses develop and up-skill their
employees and our Employment Development team works
with Skills Development Scotland and Highland Council on
various programmes including the Deprived Area Activity
Agreement. Over the past three years our team has helped
over 300 individuals to progress into sustainable
employment, further education or training.

Our Business Enterprise Solutions and Training team (BEST)
facilitate a variety of high quality mandatory courses and
bespoke training for businesses and their employees to
access without having to travel outside the area.

Based on BiGGAR Economic’s report in 2020 to the University
of the Highlands and Islands stating that £1 income
generates a Gross Value Added (GVA) impact of £5. The
economic impact of the College to the West Highland
Economy (Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross) is circa £31M.

160 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk

162 Apprenticeships 166 Business Enterprise Solutions Work Based Training, Employment Skills and CPD Trèanadh Stèidhichte air Obair, Sgilean Cosnaidh agus CPD
and Training (BEST)
165 Scottish Vocational
Qualifications (SVQ) 168 Skills for Employment

www.whc.uhi.ac.uk 161

Apprenticeships
for your

employees

Developing your employees opportunity to invest in young people by
West Highland College UHI is at the heart of providing them with the opportunity to train
the West Highland business community. We towards a nationally recognised qualification
have many years' experience of working while working as one of your employees. For
with local businesses, employers and your business the programme ensures that
individual learners to provide training you can have highly qualified and skilled
programmes to help business growth and staff to ensure business competitiveness,
employee development. growth and sustainability.

We are committed to supporting Benefits include:
businesses and individuals wanting to • trained workforce tailored to
update or develop their skills and
knowledge. We work with businesses to employers’ needs
provide training solutions tailored to specific • improved quality
business needs across a range of sectors • investment in your organisation’s future
including healthcare, construction, IT, • motivated staff
aquaculture, hospitality, food and drink,
business and management. Your Apprentice
The Modern Apprenticeship (MA) initiative
Apprenticeships offers young people the chance to work
Apprenticeships are a family of funded towards a recognised Scottish Vocational
training opportunities from Skills Qualification (SVQ) with further opportunities
Development Scotland (SDS) which include for higher level study with the introduction of
Foundation Apprenticeships (for those at Graduate Apprenticeships. SVQs were
school), Modern and Graduate developed in consultation with industry and
Apprenticeship programmes. are designed to create a high-calibre
workforce. West Highland College UHI
Modern Apprenticeships operates a highly successful MA programme
Modern Apprenticeships are ideal for your in partnership with SDS. We can support
business no matter what size or stage in you from the outset, providing information
development. The programme offers you the about the programme, advice on how best to

162 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk

advertise for an apprentice and help you to What Modern Apprenticeships
advertise your vacancy across our networks. do we offer?
Once you have recruited your apprentice, • Business and Administration
we will work with you to develop the MA • Food and Beverage Service
training plan in consultation with the • Professional Cookery
apprentice developed around your business • Hospitality Services/Supervision
needs. Throughout the duration of the • Social Services (Children and
apprenticeship, which is normally up to 12
months (depending on the framework), we Young People)
will support your business and your • Social Services and Health Care
apprentices throughout the whole process. • Aquaculture
• I.T. Services*
Who is eligible? • Retail *
All 16 - 19 year olds are eligible provided they • Warehousing, Storing and Distribution*
are in employment. Funding may also be
available for ages 20-24 and 25+ in *subject to approval
certain sectors.
Whether you're looking to find out more
as a possible apprentice or an employee,
please contact:
Nigel Patterson on 01397 874241 or email
[email protected]

For further information, visit the Skills
Development Scotland website.

https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
/what-we-do/apprenticeships/modern-
apprenticeships/

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What our
apprentices
say

“ Having done an HNC in Business, I got a job working in Customer
Services at the college.
I just thought this is somewhere where I want to work and where I want to be. I had business
skills but not so many office or admin skills, so when I saw the college was advertising for
MAs, I applied because I thought working towards the MA would help build my skills set.
My experience with the college has been nothing but good. I am really glad I completed the
MA. There’s a great support network throughout the college and receiving my certificate in the
post has made me realise how much work I have actually put into it. The best bit of being an
apprentice is you get paid while you learn. Here in college, I’ve met loads of different people
from around the world. My day to day job is never the same. I help young people who come
into the college, dealing with queries about courses and phone calls. My own confidence has
really grown dealing with all these practicalities. I would really recommend any young person
to consider an MA. It has been a really positive experience for me.
Sanita Kleine. MA in Business and Administration

164 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk

Scottish
Vocational
Qualifications

(SVQ)

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are work-based qualifications. They act as
a guarantee that someone can do their job well and to the national standards for
their sector. There are no formal written exams. Evidence is provided from your
everyday work and you are supported by our college assessors to prepare and
present this. SVQs form the core of a Modern Apprenticeship.

Business and Administration SVQ 2 STEM STUDY
Business and Administration SVQ 3 STYLE
Food and Beverage Service SVQ 2
Front of House Reception SVQ 2 To understand the SCQF
Hospitality Services SVQ 2
Professional Cookery SVQ 2 levels of each
Professional Cookery SVQ 3
Social Services and Health Care SVQ 2 SVQ, have a look at our
Social Services and Health Care SVQ 3
Social Services (Children and Young people) SVQ 3 “qualifications explained”
Aquaculture SVQ 2 page
Aquaculture SVQ 3

* Warehousing Storage and Distribution
SVQ 2 and SVQ 3

* Retail Skills SVQ 2 and Retail Skills
(Professional) SVQ 3

* I.T. Services
* Hospitality Supervision

Leadership SVQ 3
* Social Services and Health Care SVQ 4

* Subject to approval

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Business
Enterprise
Solutions

and Training

(BEST)

Upskill and reskill

Business We deliver training solutions for businesses
Business, Enterprise, Solutions and Training and organisations, large and small, covering
(BEST) works with businesses to identify all sectors across the West Highlands.
and deliver a comprehensive range of Our training courses are delivered as locally
business training - from first aid to safe as possible, using the college’s network of
chainsaw use, food hygiene to RYA courses local centres. However, many of our courses
and many more. have moved successfully online over the last
year which means you can access them
The BEST team liaises with employers to from home or directly from work if appropriate.
source the most appropriate training, when
and where needed, which will increase skills Contact us: 01397 874874
and expertise overall and allow businesses [email protected]
to maximise their potential and staff to https://www.whc.uhi.ac.uk/business
develop their capabilities.

166 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk

Leisure Funding for individuals
Working closely with feedback from college Some courses can be funded using an
centres staff who know the communities Individual Training Account (ITA) from Skills
surrounding them, we also deliver short Development Scotland. To apply to receive
leisure courses, many of which are online. up to £200 towards the costs of learning or
This year we have introduced people to training please find further information at:
mushroom foraging, creative felting, animal www.myworldofwork.co.uk or
tracks and signs, growing with polytunnels call 0800 917 8000
amongst others. These have been hugely
popular and are increasing due to demand.
Keep your eye on our website and on the
college’s social media pages.

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