Love the outdoors? Turn your passion into a career.
The NQ Outdoor Adventure and Leadership (Level 6) course at Glasgow Kelvin College prepares you for an exciting and rewarding career in the outdoor sector.
You’ll gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications needed to lead groups safely in outdoor environments, while developing your teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities.
Learning takes place through a mix of practical outdoor activities, classroom sessions, and residential experiences both in the UK and Europe. You’ll also have the opportunity to achieve industry-recognised National Governing Body (NGB) awards and additional certifications that boost your employability as an outdoor instructor.
With a strong focus on personal development and professional practice, this course equips you to work in outdoor education, adventure tourism, or progress to higher-level study in adventure sports coaching.
This course is ideal if you:
This hands-on course combines practical outdoor experience with personal development, leadership, and industry-recognised qualifications. You’ll build the skills and confidence needed to coach, lead, and work safely in outdoor adventure environments.
Core Learning Areas
You’ll develop your abilities across five key areas:
You’ll work towards a range of industry-recognised coaching and leadership qualifications, including:
These awards will enhance your employability and prepare you for work in outdoor centres and adventure tourism across the UK and abroad.
To apply for the NQ Outdoor Adventure and Leadership (Level 6), you should have:
✅ Four National 5 qualifications, OR
✅ One Higher at Grade C or above, OR
✅ An NQ/NC qualification at SCQF Level 5 in a sports-related subject.
An active interest in outdoor activities and some previous experience participating in them are essential (evidenced in your personal statement).
Experience assisting in outdoor activity sessions is advantageous.
ℹ️ Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the start of the course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
Students will be ready for entry-level roles across the outdoor education and adventure sports industry.
Typical positions include
🏞️ Outdoor Instructor or Assistant Instructor
🧗 Activity Leader or Guide
🚣 Adventure Sports Coach
🏕️ Outdoor Education Centre Assistant
You’ll be qualified to work in outdoor centres, adventure tourism, and education settings across Scotland, the UK, and abroad.
Many learners progress to our HND Adventure Sports Coaching course for advanced study in outdoor leadership and coaching.
This course also provides the experience and professional qualifications to move directly into work in the outdoor adventure and education sector.
The Adventure Sports Department at Glasgow Kelvin College has strong partnerships with industry leaders in the UK and overseas.
We collaborate closely with sportscotland, National Governing Bodies, Scottish Student Sport, Pinkston Watersports, and a wide range of outdoor centres and placement providers.
These connections give you access to guest speakers, field trips, and live work experience, helping you build valuable industry links while you study.
