Tourism Course of the Month: AU692 Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Education at ATU Galway / Mayo

This four year course combines academic study and hands on training in adventure sports. Students work towards (NGB) National Governing Body qualifications in a wide selection of adventure sports while gaining the knowledge to implement education and adventure tourism programmes.

Upon competition of this course students will have an understanding of the role of outdoor education and examine the Irish landscape, heritage and ecology.

One day a week is spent partaking in adventure sport practicals in venues across Mayo and Galway.

The course will prepare you for work in Education and Teaching, Leisure Sport & Fitness and Tourism & Hospitality. Students will also take part in a Work Experience Placement.

See the course here.

Modules of study include:

-        Adventure Activities- Personal Skills

-        Health and Fitness

-        Anatomy and Physiology

-        Adventure Activities : Learning to Lead

-        Web Design

-        Adventure Activities – Leading in the Outdoors

-        The Irish Cultural Landscape

-        Human Activity and the Environment

-        Sustainable Tourism Management

-        Critical Thinking.

See full list of modules here

See what previous graduates of this course have to say.

Entry Requirements

As of 2022 the points required for this course are 272. Applicants will need a minimum of

F2/O6/H7 in Irish or a O6/H7 IN English F2/O6/H7 in Maths.

This course accepts ANY QQI Level 5 or Level 6 Major Award as an entry requirement. See courses here.

Essential Module Requirements here.

Career Progression:

Graduates will be eligible for employment in organisation such as Adventure Tourism, Outdoor Education Centres, Schools, Youth Services, Social Care Organisations. There are also job opportunities in the area of rural development, countryside recreation and eco-tourism.

The Experiences sector is hugely diverse, from working in internationally renowned museum, as an adventure guide or as instructor in the great outdoors, there are endless opportunities!

Video: http://ow.ly/gNrJ50NriMw

Sample Careers:

-        Activity Instructor

-        Community Education Officer

-        Outdoor Activities Instructor

-        Physical Therapist

-        Sport Psychologist

Skills shortage:

As of Summer 2022, close to 90% of businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector were finding it difficult to recruit staff, meaning that there were thousands of vacancies across the country in this sector that needed to be filled. (Source: The Irish Times) Recent graduates looking to enter this sectorshould have lots of job opportunities across a wide range of businesses. You can view live jobs in this sector by visiting TourismCareers.