Outdoor Adventure Education
(Level 5)
Take the first step!
INTRODUCTION:
Course Code: 5M5148
The Course, which was established in 1987, is now recognised as the primary training opportunity for people interested in outdoor and adventure education.
The course is based in the college campus in Kinsale, utilising the extensive resources and equipment available ashore and afloat. Former students who have successfully completed the course are now employed in sailing schools, activity centres and other outdoor education centres in Ireland, the United Kingdom and the Mediterranean.
Apart from practical training, the course emphasises the educational possibilities of the outdoors through experiential education and place based learning.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- Leaving Certificate or equivalent. For mature applicants appropriate experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
- All applicants will be required to attend an interview.
- An offer of a place on this course means the applicant has met the minimum entry requirements set out and attended for interview.
START DATE:
September 2025.
DURATION:
This is a one-year course. Timetables vary from year to year please contact the college directly for detailed timetable information.
CERTIFICATION:
- QQI Level 5 in Outdoor Adventure Education (5M5148).
COURSE CONTENT:
The following subjects may be offered:
Outdoor Recreation - 5N5386
Adventure Activities - 5N4646
Work Experience - 5N1356
Communication - 5N0690
Kayaking Instruction Skills - 5N5186
Sailing Skills - 5N5385
Windsurfing - 5N5188
Powerboat Skills - 4N4636
Occupational First Aid - 5N1207
Single Pitch Rock-climbing - 5N6045
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
HOW TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Applications for all our courses will be available on the website and in the college from in January 2025 for all courses commencing in September 2025.
Interviews will be held for all courses throughout the college year. To apply, simply click HERE. Alternatively you can ring (021) 4772 275 for assistance with your application.
EDUCATION PROGRESSION 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.
- GMIT: L7/8 Bachelor of Arts Honours in Outdoor Education in (GA 885).
- MTU Kerry: L7 Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Learning.
Possibilities in Education, Social Care, Emergency Services, Wildlife Biology, Retail and Manufacturing.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
Youth Work, Outdoor Education Centre Instructor, Senior Instructor, Self Employment, Work Abroad with Adventure Tourism Companies, Coaching, Adventure Sports Development Officer, Adventure Therapy.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
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.
TESTIMONIALS & HIGHLIGHTS:
CONTACT DETAILS:
Jeff Cochrane & Tadhg Boyden, Course Co-Ordinators
Email: kinsalecampus@corketb.ie
Tel: (021) 4772 275