Course description
Get the skills and expertise you need to lead outdoor activities, with our professionally endorsed Level 3 National Extended Diploma at Writtle College.
We’ve developed our course in consultation with employers and professional bodies. It’s endorsed by the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL), meaning its content is consistent with current industry practice. After successfully completing the course, you’ll be ready to work as an outdoor activities instructor.
As a student at Writtle College, you’ll learn how to lead land- and water-based activities such as navigation, mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting, paddle-boarding and canoeing.
Your course includes a work placement of at least 20 hours, and the opportunity to work towards a CYQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
- 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 or A*-C; must include English, Maths and Science.
- Satisfactory references from most recent school, college or employer.
- Alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Training Course Content
Mandatory units
- Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
- Health, Wellbeing and Sport
- Personal Skills Development in Outdoor Activities
- Applied Leadership and Instructing in Outdoor Activity
- Research Project in Sport
- Health and Safety Factors in Outdoor Learning
- Outdoor Activity Provision
- Impacts and Sustainability of Outdoor Activities
Optional specialist units
- Sport Development
- Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
- Nutrition for Physical Performance
- Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
- Sporting Injuries
- Fitness Training
- Influence of Technology in Sport and Physical Activity
- Organising Events in Sport and Physical Activities
- Ethical and Current Issues in Sport
- Marketing Communications
- Sport and Leisure Facility Operations
- Sports Tourism
- Expedition Experience
Course delivery details
This National Extended Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities includes both mandatory and optional units. You’ll complete all mandatory units and study four optional units, as determined by your Course Leader, from the list below.
The Research Project in Sport unit can only be taken in Year 2.
There is also the opportunity to work towards a CYQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification.
Units are subject to change and availability.
Assessment
We’ll assess your progress in a number of ways including written assignments, practical assessments and presentations.
Why choose Writtle University College
Ranked Top University-Sector Institution in East Anglia for overall student satisfaction!
*Based on NSS 2022 Based on Taught Data
Beautiful rural campus situated close to the city of Chelmsford, 40 minutes from London and the coast.
Expenses
Fee: £5,678 Students over 19 starting 2023/24 (per year)
Continuing Studies
Careers and educational progression
The Level 3 National Extended Diploma, endorsed by the Institute of Outdoor Learning, will prepare you for employment as an outdoor activities instructor.
You might work:
- at outdoor pursuit centres, including both daytime and residential centres
- as an expedition leader in the UK and overseas
- with school-age children on bushcraft trips
- in holiday companies
- for national parks, wildlife trusts and country parks.
Alternatively, you might decide to continue your studies. Writtle College is part of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) which offers a number of degrees in sport.
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Welcome to Writtle College! Writtle College, a further education provider, now part of ARU, is located at the ARU Writtle campus on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Essex. We offer a wide range of exciting courses in land-based, creative and sports...