FdSc Adventure Sport*
*This programme is subject to Validation and final approval for 2026 entry.
Course Details
-
Department
Sport -
Qualification
Level 4 -
Course Type
Full Time -
Length
2 Years -
Location(s)
York
Course at a glance
Askham Bryan College's Adventure Sport Foundation Degree will help you master practical and theoretical skills across multiple disciplines, gain industry-recognised qualifications, and become a leader in the adventure sports industry. Our unique programme equips you with the expertise needed to thrive locally and beyond, leading to excellent career prospects and employability in the adventure sports sector. This programme is subject to Validation and final approval.
UCAS Code
C5T5
Centre Code
A70
What you will learn
Students will get the opportunity to explore an exciting and diverse curriculum spanning expedition skills, navigational skills, fitness and training and practical real-world fieldwork.
Students will have the opportunity to make use of:
Explore the excellent gym facilities at Askham Bryan College, featuring an onsite climbing wall and a variety of sport amenities designed to enhance your development as an adventure sport specialist.
Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, with unparalleled access to the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the great outdoors, our campus provides the perfect backdrop for adventure sports. Whether you’re scaling heights, exploring scenic trails, or navigating waterways our facilities and location ensure an exhilarating experience for all adventure enthusiasts.
This course is 2-years full time (part-time study may also be available – contact he@askham-bryan.ac.uk for more information about part-time study).
Year 1 Modules
This programme is subject to Validation and final approval, and module content is subject to change.
- Fundamental Skills for Rock, Mountain and Complex Environments
This module is designed to develop students’ competence and confidence in the core practical skills of mountaineering, rock-climbing and combining to access complex environments such as cave and canyons.
- Leading Water-based Activities
This module is designed to develop students’ competence and confidence in the practical skills of leadership water-based activities, developing relevant leadership skills within their chosen discipline.
- Sociology for Adventure Sport
Through sociological theories and case studies, this module investigates how factors such as gender, race, class, and disability influence access, representation, and belonging in adventure sport communities.
- Strength and Conditioning
The aim of this module is to provide students with fundamental knowledge in the key concepts of fitness, strength and conditioning, with particular reference to athletes within adventure sports disciplines.
- Environmental Education
The aim of this module is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address the environmental impacts of adventure sports.
Year 2 Modules
This programme is subject to Validation and final approval, and module content is subject to change.
- Leading Rock and Mountainous Terrains
This module is designed to develop students’ competence and confidence in the practical skills of leadership Mountaineering and rock-climbing environment.
- Sustainable Expedition Creation
This module equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to design, execute, and evaluate sustainable multiday expeditions in walking, climbing, or paddlesports.
- Launching your Adventure Sport Career
This module aims to prepare students for successful employment and career progression within the adventure sport industry.
- Psychology of Adventure Sport
This module aims to develop students’ understanding of psychological theory as it applies to leadership, coaching, and performance within adventure sport contexts.
- Independent Research Project
The aim of the module is to introduce the student to key components of the research process, within the context of their specialist discipline.
Key Information
This programme is subject to Validation and final approval.
64 UCAS Points (2026/27 entry)
5 GCSEs including Maths, English and Science at Grade C/4 or above. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted in lieu of GCSEs. Applicants must have successfully completed a full Level 3 study and/or have significant industry experience.
Some students may be asked to attend an interview.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) will be considered on an individual basis.
If you have any queries in relation to entry qualifications, please contact the University Centre directly.
On successful completion, graduates may wish to consider progressing onto a top-up course to allow achievement of a BSc or BSc (Hons) degree. Students should discuss with their course manager regarding suitable relevant programmes and entry criteria.
Students completing the course may enter a wide variety of roles in adventure sports and related industries:
Outdoor and Adventure Careers
1. Outdoor Activity Instructor – Leading groups in activities like climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, etc.
2. Adventure Tour Guide – Guiding adventure travel experiences locally or internationally.
3. Expedition Leader – Planning and leading expeditions in remote or challenging environments.
4. Mountain Leader / Climbing Instructor – Specializing in mountain environments and climbing instruction.
5. Watersports Instructor – Teaching kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or sailing.
Education and Youth Work
6. Outdoor Education Instructor – Working in schools or outdoor centers to deliver educational programs.
7. Youth Worker (Adventure-Based) – Using adventure sports to engage and support young people.
8. Forest School Leader – Running nature-based learning sessions for children.
Health, Fitness, and Therapy
9. Personal Trainer / Fitness Coach – Specializing in outdoor fitness or adventure-based training.
10. Adventure Therapy Facilitator – Using outdoor activities for therapeutic purposes.
11. Rehabilitation Assistant (Outdoor Focus) – Supporting physical or mental health recovery through activity.
Environmental and Conservation Roles
12. Conservation Ranger – Working in national parks or reserves, often involving physical outdoor work.
13. Environmental Educator – Teaching about nature and sustainability through outdoor experiences.
Business and Management
14. Adventure Tourism Entrepreneur – Starting your own adventure travel or outdoor business.
15. Outdoor Centre Manager – Overseeing operations at an adventure or education center.
16. Event Coordinator (Adventure Sports) – Organizing races, festivals, or outdoor events.
Media and Communication
17. Adventure Photographer/Videographer – Capturing and sharing outdoor experiences.
18. Outdoor Blogger/Vlogger – Creating content around adventure sports and travel.
Further Study and Specialization
19. Progression to BSc in Outdoor Education, Sports Science, or Environmental Studies
20. Teaching Qualification (PGCE) – To become a qualified teacher in physical education or outdoor learning.
UK, Isle of Man and Channel Isles Students on BSc Honours Degree/ BSc Top up/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree/ Higher National Diploma Fees:
2026/27 = £9,275 per academic year
Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA
Non-Home (Overseas Students) on Honours Degree/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree Fees:
2026/27 = £14,450 per academic year
Fees are charged per academic year of the course. Please note that if any restudy or reassessments are required there will be additional fee costs associated to this. Please see refer to information on tuition fees and additional costs – Student Finance
Please note: fee information is correct as at the time of issue; but can be subject to change following changes to national guidance.
The programme requires students to undertake 300 hours of work placement, with 150 hours completed each academic year. Work placement is undertaken with an external provider which is arranged by the student.
All work placements are subject to a health and safety check by the college to ensure that placements are suitable and safe. Support can be made available via the course manager to help source and suitable placement.
If you are already working in the sector, it may be possible to APEL (accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) this element of the programme. Evidence of such employment will be needed, outlining duties etc for consideration at the APL panel, where applications will be considered on an individual basis. If you have any queries in relation to this, then please contact the University Centre team directly.
Students will engage in a range of engaging assessment methods to shape their subject expertise, in addition to transferable skills and graduate attributes.
Students will undertake traditional coursework and presentations, time-constrained assessments and practical activities to link theory with real-world applications.
These costs are in addition to tuition fees and accommodation (where applicable). Students will need to plan and budget for some extra costs as part of this course, which you need to pay for yourself.
Below is a list with approximate additional course costs to help with your planning and budgeting.