Video courtesy of Luigi de Khors
This exciting 3-year Outdoor Education course provides students with the opportunities to develop the academic knowledge and appropriate skills necessary to gain employment in the outdoor sector.
The course has gained a reputation as one of Ireland’s foremost adventure education programs, with former students working all over the world in the field of outdoor and adventure education.
Video courtesy of Media Student Joel Zeiser
The first year of our course aims to equip our students with a variety of personal and practical skills in outdoor adventure environments. Additionally, you will be introduced to the theory that underpins outdoor adventure education and the academic skills needed to pursue a career in the outdoor adventure sector.
The second year of our course takes you further down the path of understanding the value of outdoor education in all aspects of life. You will explore the benefits of positive outdoor experiences and all its potential. This course provides the theoretical underpinning of outdoor learning as well as looking at leadership within the outdoor activity sector.
*All modules presented are subject to change and will be confirmed each year.
** A limited number of first and second-year students can partake in fully funded 3-week work placements in Slovenia (CSOD) and Fuerteventura (Club Ion) through the Erasmus program.
***This requires mandatory training on four Saturday evenings during the year.
Students must budget around €500 per year to cover the cost of personal equipment.
The purpose of the Outdoor Adventure Management course is to develop students as professional, self-reflective individuals capable of meeting the demands of employers in the Outdoor & Adventure Education sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them. Employers are crying out for graduates that have the right skills and aptitudes including creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, resilience and motivation.
Our former students are working all over the world in some of the best positions in the outdoor sector. Some typical job roles related to this qualification are:
This course requires a high level of physical fitness and self-motivation, and a strong interest in outdoor sports. We are committed to staying true to the ethos of experiential education. We believe that theory informs practice and practice informs theory. Our course is inclusive and caters to a diverse range of learning preferences.
Mick and Jonathan are past students with a passion for the water. Mick founded City Kayaking with another past student, Donnchadh McCobb in 2011/2012 (Donnchadh has since moved on to specialize in other areas of the industry). Jonathan joined the company in 2012.
They built the City-Kayaking brand in Dublin as a unique and accessible way for tourists and locals to experience the city. In 2019 they bought the traditional sailing vessel “Brian Ború” and developed the brand “Dublin Under Sail”. On board they run 5 day, residential, youth development “Sail Training” voyages for groups of 10 as well as running day trips for tourists and locals in Dublin Bay. Both brands have a strong environmental and science strand. They are dedicated to hiring Shackeltons, which is a great opportunity for students to gain quality experience.
Mark is a past student, whilst studying with us he demonstrated his love of the mountains and hills. The passion he felt and the knowledge he has gained led him to open up his own business Wild Summits.
Edel is a past student who gained the knowledge of hidden landscapes in Ireland through her love for the outdoors and whilst studying with us. She used her experience to travel to New Zealand where she realised her dream of starting up her own touring business back home in Ireland. Edel joined FET College Dhúlaigh again, this time on our tourism course to gain her National Tour Guide badge and licence.
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Year 1
Registration fee: €100
There is additional charge of €200 for external certification.
There is an additional charge of €50 for course materials.
Year 2
Registration fee: €100
There is additional charge of €200 for external certification.
There is an additional charge of €50 for course materials.
Applicants in receipt of a Social Welfare payment will keep their payment whilst studying on the course under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.
International students are welcome, please read the following:https://www.dhulaigh.ie/student-information/prospective-students/international-students
Eléonore Conroy, Course Coordinator/ Head of Department: eleonore.conroy@cdcfe.cdetb.ie
Declan Tracy, Coordinator of 1st years: declan.tracy@cdcfe.cdetb.ie
Clodagh Higgins, Coordinator of 2nd years: clodagh.higgins@cdcfe.cdetb.ie
Willie Whelan, Coordinator of Traineeship: willie.whelan@cdcfe.cdetb.ie
Tel: 01 8481400
All photos taken by staff or recent students
| College | City of Dublin FET College, Dhúlaigh, Northeast Campus |
| Course ID | 179990 |
| Course Location | Coolock, Dublin |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 17 |
| Course Category | Sport and Leisure Management, Fitness & Sport |
| Course Type | In-house Training |
| Course Qualification | Level 5 Certificate |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| Awarding Body Details | Traineeship in Outdoor Education |
| Course Duration | 1 Year |
| Course Time | (Fully funded, Full time/Flexible) – September to May |
| Course Fee | 350 |
| Entry Requirements | Entry Requirements Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, QQI level 4 full award. Mature students are welcome. Students who may not have formal academic requirements but who have the ability to successfully participate on the course will be considered. If English is not your first language you may be asked to complete an English assessment. Water confidence and a good swimming ability is required for this course. Students must be able to swim 50m in order to participate. Students undertaking Outdoor Adventure Management work placements are also required to meet the statutory Garda Vetting requirements. Prior to formal acceptance of any conditional offer, you must attend a practical selection session taking place on the 13th of May 2026 (or late August / early September dates TBC). The session will consist of meeting with tutors, land and water based activities (water confidence required) and Q & A’s. Further details will be emailed to applicants nearer to the date. There are opportunities for direct entry to our second and third year with relevant academic and practical experience. This will be assessed through a Recognition of Prior Learning application process. Please contact the program coordinator if you would like to explore this option. |
| Career Path | Career Opportunities The purpose of the Outdoor Adventure Management course is to develop students as professional, self-reflective individuals capable of meeting the demands of employers in the Outdoor & Adventure Education sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them. Employers are crying out for graduates that have the right skills and aptitudes including creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, resilience and motivation. Our former students are working all over the world in some of the best positions in the outdoor sector. Some typical job roles related to this qualification are: Educator in an Outdoor Education Centre Instructor in an Adventure Centre Business Owners Environmental Development Staff Park Rangers Conservation Officers Forest School leaders Yacht Masters Nature Kindergarten staff Leisure and Community Centre staff Sport Development Officers Adventure Travel Guide Youth Development work High Altitude Mountain Guide Raft Guiding PE Teacher Army and Navy Officers Members of the Gardai And lots more… Links with Higher Education Links with Higher Education Students who have completed the 3 years and meet the requirements, will obtain advanced entry into the following colleges: Atlantic Technological University (Outdoor & Environmental Education Ba Hns or Geographie & Outdoor Education Ba Hns ) University of Ulster (Outdoor Adventure BSc – Hons) |
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