Why Choose This Course at Malvern?
If you’re passionate about the outdoors and want to turn that passion into a career, this course is for you. At Malvern, you’ll combine classroom-based learning with practical experience, developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to work in the outdoor activities sector.
You will learn how to plan, lead and instruct outdoor activities safely and effectively, while developing valuable skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making. The course gives you the opportunity to apply what you learn in practical and realistic settings.
Whether you’re aiming for university, an apprenticeship or employment in the outdoor activities sector, this course provides a practical and career-focused route to your next step.
Aims
This course aims to develop the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to work in the outdoor activities sector. You’ll learn how to participate in and lead outdoor activities, understand health and safety requirements, plan and deliver activities for different participants, and develop the personal and professional skills required for employment.
Alongside technical and practical skills, the course encourages the development of transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research, planning, problem-solving and self-management. These skills are valued in both higher education and the workplace.
Course Content
The course is structured around a series of practical and career-focused units. Over two years, you will explore the following areas:
- Unit A: Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
You’ll explore the structure of the sport and active leisure industry, including different career opportunities and the skills and attributes needed for employment. You’ll consider your own career aspirations and how to prepare for your future in the sector.
- Unit B: Health, Wellbeing and Sport
This unit explores the relationship between physical activity, health and wellbeing. You’ll examine how sport and physical activity can contribute to healthy lifestyles and benefit individuals and communities.
- Unit C4: Personal Skills Development in Outdoor Activities
You’ll develop the personal skills and practical abilities needed to participate effectively in outdoor activities. This includes developing your confidence, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and ability to work safely in outdoor environments.
- Unit D4: Applied Leadership and Instructing in Outdoor Activity
This unit develops your ability to lead and instruct outdoor activities. You’ll learn how to plan and deliver activities, communicate effectively with participants, manage groups and respond appropriately to different situations. This unit builds on the skills developed in Unit C4.
- Unit 24: Health and Safety Factors in Outdoor Learning
You’ll explore the health and safety considerations involved in outdoor learning. This includes identifying hazards, assessing risks and understanding how to manage safety when planning and delivering outdoor activities.
- Unit 25: Outdoor Activity Provision
You’ll investigate how outdoor activities are planned and provided for different participants and settings. You’ll consider the practical requirements involved in delivering activities and how effective provision can meet the needs of participants.
- Optional Unit
You’ll also study one optional unit, selected to complement the course and support your interests and future progression. Options available within the qualification include areas such as Sport Development, Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity, Organising Events in Sport and Physical Activities, Sports Tourism, Impacts and Sustainability of Outdoor Activities and Expedition Experience.
Assessment Details
All units on this course are internally assessed, meaning there are no externally assessed units or final written exams. Instead, you’ll be assessed through a variety of vocational and coursework-based methods that allow you to demonstrate both your knowledge and practical skills.
Assessment methods may include:
- Written assignments – Research and written tasks that demonstrate your understanding of key concepts
- Case studies – Applying your knowledge to realistic situations and scenarios
- Practical and technical assessments – Demonstrating your outdoor activity skills and ability to apply appropriate processes
- Projects – Planning and completing vocational projects, with opportunities to take responsibility for the direction and outcomes
- Leadership and practical activities – Applying your knowledge and skills when planning, leading and instructing outdoor activities
This approach allows you to build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your knowledge, practical skills and readiness for the next stage of your education or career.
Where Can It Take You?
This qualification is designed primarily to support progression into employment in the outdoor activities sector, while also providing a route into related higher education.
- University degrees in subjects related to sport, outdoor education and outdoor activity
- Apprenticeships and further training in outdoor activities, sport and related sectors
- Employment as an outdoor activities instructor or in associated roles within the outdoor activities sector
Further Information
- Qualification: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities
- Exam board: Pearson
- Course duration: 2 years
- Study load: Equivalent to 2 A levels
- Qualification size: 720 Guided Learning Hours
- Course structure: 7 units, including 6 mandatory units and 1 optional unit
- Assessment: 100% internally assessed
- Can be taken alongside: One other Level 3 qualification
- Full specification: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National in Sport and Outdoor Activities Specification
