Table of contents

Study Model

Autumn 2025

Compulsory courses

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Spring 2026

Compulsory courses

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Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the programme. students will:

Knowledge

  • have knowledge about what the Norwegian outdoor activities tradition entails and the cultural heritage that we are developing
  • have knowledge about the purpose and be conscious of the responsibility when outdoor activity is a part of teaching, health, development and experiences for different target audiences
  • have a didactic foundation for being able to supervise, educate, and lead different target audiences in Norwegian outdoor activities
  • be familiar with laws, regulations and plans to protect the environment

Skills

  • be able to practice outdoor activities in various environments - in the mountains, on the coast, in the forest and on water and waterways
  • be able to practice outdoor activities in different seasons
  • be able to lead and supervise various groups in structured and unstructured outdoor education activities in different environments

General competence

  • be familiar with new thinking and innovation processes in the profession
  • be able to plan and execute appropriate tasks alone and in a group
  • be able to present academic material practically, orally and in writing

Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

Recommended previous knowledge

There is no specified performance level requirement to enter the study programme, but in order to be able to successfully complete the programme the students have to be in good physical condition and be able to actively participate in the lessons.
Students must have good swimming skills and be able to perform simple lifesaving. Furthermore the student must be in good shape in order to take part in long canoe and hiking trips in the forest/mountains with a fully packed backpack, in summer as well as in winter. Adequate cross-country skiing skills are also required.

The field trips and practical training require that each student is able to cope with these challenges.

General description and profile of the programme

The study programme includes Outdoor Activities Theory and practical courses in Outdoor Activities. Outdoor Activities in this context will be activities in the outdoors, often with the Norwegian outdoor tradition in focus. Traditional guiding for different categories of participants in different landscapes of nature and culture is included. Guiding in landscapes of trade where imparting knowledge about culture, trade, zoology, botany, geology etc. is also emphasised.

Throughout the programme, the students gain practical experience in the organisation Midt-Agder outdoor recreation, and the Norwegian Tourist Association (DNT).

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching will be in the form of lectures, seminars, individual studies, field trips, excursions, self initiated excursions and coaching / teaching practice.
Practice takes place in collaboration with the organisation Midt-Agder Outdoor, and the Norwegian Tourist Association (DNT).
The programme emphasises active participation by the students, involvement and joint responsibility. Field trips and excursions, as well as preliminary - and after work are compulsory. The field trips in all seasons will extend for several days, and sometimes also during weekends.

Assessment methods

Various methods of assessment will be used such as school examination, practical-oral examination, reports and project work. Please see the course descriptions for each course.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

The one-year programme Outdoor Education is an undergraduate study programme in outdoor activities. The programme will provide a valuable basis for activities related to outdoor life in various organizations (for example the Norwegian Tourist Association and the outdoor organizations), health rehabilitation and in the commercial nature-based tourism industry. The study provides professional competence in outdoor activities that is relevant for kindergarten, primary school, upper secondary school and 'folkehøgskole'.
The one-year programme Outdoor Education can be included in the bachelor's program in sports, and the bachelor's program in public health work.

Other information

A police certificate is required for admission to the programme.
See further information: uia.no/politiattest


The teaching provides that the students have the opportunity to qualify/certify themselves in the following:
- Kayak
- Climbing
- Boat driving test
- Tour leader summer/autumn - The Norwegian Tourist Association (DNT)
- Tour leader winter - The Norwegian Tourist Association (DNT)
The teaching is free, but there may be a fee to be issued with a course certificate.

All students at UiA are required to have their own portable computer (laptop) for use in teaching and examinations, cf. Regulations on Studies and Examinations at the University of Agder § 12d.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 3:37:49 PM