QQI LEVEL 5 COURSES

No CAO points requirement!

Applications Open for September 2023

Outdoor Adventure Education

The Course, which was established in 1987, is now recognised as the primary training opportunity for people interested in outdoor and adventure education. The intensive two-year course is based in the college campus in Kinsale, utilising the extensive resources and equipment available ashore and afloat.

Course Code:5M5148
Entry requirements:1. Leaving Certificate or equivalent. For mature applicants appropriate
experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
2. All applicants will be required to attend an interview
3. An offer of a place on this course means the applicant has met
the minimum entry requirements set out and attended for interview
Course Duration:1 year
Commencement Date:September 2023
Course Co-Ordinator: Jeff Cochrane and Tadhg Boyden
Contact information:info@kinsalecollege.ie
Outdoor Adventure Education Kinsale Campus

Watch more videos from Outdoor Adventure Kinsale Campus

1

Career Opportunities

Our Career Network

Youth Work, Outdoor Education Centre Instructor, Senior Instructor, Self Employment, Work Abroad with Adventure Tourism Companies, Coaching, Adventure Sports Development Officer, Adventure Therapy.

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Education Progression Opportunities

Opportunities

Students who successfully complete the Level 5 Award in Outdoor Recreation will be eligible to apply for the Level 6 Award in Kinsale College.

• L7/8 Bachelor of Arts Honours in Outdoor Education in GMIT – GA 885
• L7 Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Learning – Tralee IT

Possibilities in Education, Social Care, Emergency Services, Wildlife Biology, Retail and Manufacturing. 

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Work Placement/Experience

Course Targets

Participants will be required to undertake 10 days of work placement in a suitable environment. The College will assist participants in identifying suitable placements.

Other Information
The course in the first year aims to develop personal competency in a range of outdoor activities.
• Outdoor Adventure Activities: Dingy Sailing, Windsurfing, White Water Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Mountain Navigation, River Safety and Rescue and Power Boating.
• Management of Outdoor Education Activities: Outdoor Leadership, Team Building, Philosophy of Outdoor Education, Equipment Maintenance and First Aid & Emergency Care.
• Applicants should be strong swimmers and in good physical health 

See all our QQI Level 5 Courses

Student Experiences

“The two-year instructor training course gave me the best possible stepping stone for a career in the outdoor industry. The challenges and experiences over the two years, from intensive training to exams; from kayaking white water rivers to climbing sea cliffs; from excellent friendships to training under some of Ireland’s best outdoor instructors, was phenomenal. On completing the course, I worked for several outdoor education centres throughout Ireland, developing the qualifications and experience I had been given from Kinsale. The qualifications and experience took me to work in Scotland, where I also worked as a white water raft guide and ski leader. Returning to Ireland, I was lucky enough to work with Ireland’s National Outdoor Training Centre for a short time, before setting up my own business in 2006. My business – Outdoors Ireland –specializes in guided tours, training courses and team building. Now with two operation bases (Killarney and Galway), a small team of instructors and a fleet of trailers and equipment; the key to our work and success comes from the experience and training I received all those years ago in Kinsale. The fun, training, experience and knowledge I received from the instructor course is a resource I still use on a weekly, if not daily, basis. In fact generally when I am recruiting for staff I firstly look to instructors who are qualifying from Kinsale. Whether as a life experience or a career choice I cannot recommend this course highly enough and I often remember it as I stand on Ireland’s highest mountains; pause partway up a sandstone cliff, or watch the sunset from a sea kayak.”
Nathan Kingerlee, OE Graduate.