Outdoor Leadership
(Level 6)
Take the first step!
INTRODUCTION:
Course Code: 6M5147
The Outdoor Leadership programme facilitates learners seeking a pathway to employment in the outdoor and adventure tourism industry or to higher education in Outdoor Education.
Successful candidates will graduate with multiple qualifications from both QQI and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) for Sport and Coaching Ireland. Through both practical experiential activities and classroom-based learning, learners develop proficiencies and theoretical knowledge to instruct and train others in a variety of outdoor activity areas, including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and powerboating.
The programme provides candidates with the opportunity to earn a variety of professional instructor training awards that lead directly to employment in the industry or progress to higher education through our established links with ATU and MTU Kerry.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- For entry to Level 6, a full QQI Level 5 in a complementary area is required or completion of NGB intermediate awards in sailing, windsurfing, powerboating and river kayaking.
- 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 here and satisfactory presentation at 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 6 in Outdoor Leadership (6M5148).
COURSE CONTENT:
The following subjects may be offered:
Windsurfing Instruction - 6N5365
River Kayaking Instruction - 6N5192
Sailing Instructor - 6N5348
Sports Industry Practice - 6N4650
Communications - 6N1950
Work Experience - 6N1946
Powerboat Instruction - 6N5191
Sea Kayaking Instructional Skills - 6N5193
Safety Boat Skills - 5N5305
As a mature student and coming from an office based working life, I was looking for a new career and education that was close to my heart and actually meant something to me. With our experienced and inspiring teachers and instructors, I discovered a place where learning was fun, experiential and exciting at the same time. The 2 years gave me all the connections and qualification that I needed to work in the industry. Furthermore, this course was the first step into a world of people that are down to earth, enthusiastic, passionate and connected with life, nature and and their surroundings. Building on this great experiences, I continued my studies in an Outdoor Learning Degree in Tralee (Level 7).
Sebastian Tretter, Past OE Student, 2014-16
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 may decide to continue studies in:
ATU Mayo: Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Education (Level 7)
MTU Kerry: Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Learning (Level 7)
MTU Cork: Sports and Exercise Management (Level 7)
Possibilities in Education, Social Care, Emergency Services, Wildlife Biology, Retail and Manufacturing.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
Our graduates are highly sought-after by a wide range of workplaces. Course Director Jeff Cochrane is regularly contacted by industry professionals who are interested in employing Outdoor Leadership graduates.
Past employers include: Outdoor Education Centres, Adventure Centres, Activity & Adventure tourism, Climbing walls and Gyms, Outdoor Retail Outlets, Yacht & Sailing Clubs, Kayaking Tour providers, Youth Training & Development Organisations.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Participants will be required to undertake 10 days of work placement in a suitable area. The college will assist participants in identifying suitable placements.
My time on the Kinsale Outdoor Education Instructor Training Course was a great learning experience, brilliant fun and I finished with qualifications which were essential to furthering my career in the outdoor adventure industry. Thanks to the skills and experience I gained, I quickly got a fulltime job setting up and running a SOLAS (formerly FAS) course in Outdoor Recreation. The Kinsale course is run by enthusiastic, experienced instructors and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of a career in this area.
Ruth Herman
TESTIMONIALS & HIGHLIGHTS:
CONTACT DETAILS:
Jeff Cochrane, Course Co-Ordinator
Email: kinsalecampus@corketb.ie
Tel: (021) 4772 275