Study Adventure
If you love outdoor adventure and want to turn your passion into a career, our School of Adventure Studies is the place to start.
Choose from one-year courses, undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programmes, preparing you for careers in adventure tourism, adventure performance and outdoor learning.
Ready to take the next step?
Scroll down to explore our full range of courses, see entry requirements and find the study option that suits your goals. You can also attend one of our Open Days in November or March to meet our staff, explore the campus and residences, and find out more about studying with us.
Find a course
Starting your adventure
- Outdoor Adventure NQ (Broadford)
- Outdoor Leadership NQ (Fort William)
Degree Programmes
- BA (Hons) Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning (Fort William)
- BSc (Hons) Adventure Performance and Coaching (Fort William)
- BA (Hons) Adventure Tourism Management (Fort William)
Postgraduate Programmes
- Outdoor and Adventure Therapeutic Practice PgCert (Online Virtual Classroom)
Find out more about postgraduate study
Professional Development
- Growing Roots: Creating Sustainable Adventure Experiences with Trees (Online Virtual Classroom)
Adventure starts here
Adventure is at the heart of what we do. Our students learn through hands-on experiences, expeditions and projects that take learning beyond the classroom.
- Get hands-on experience through practical adventure activities and field-based learning
- Take part in expeditions as part of our adventure degrees
- Develop your skills through practical projects and real-world experiences
- Build skills for your future with industry-relevant academic and practical learning
Explore expeditions and projects
Learn from experience
Adventure Studies is about more than what happens in the classroom. Learn from experienced staff and expert associate practitioners who bring their industry knowledge and practical experience into your studies.
You’ll also become part of a vibrant outdoor community, learning alongside students who share your passion for adventure. See what our students have to say about their experiences, from developing their skills and taking part in expeditions to making the most of life in the Highlands.
Meet our team and discover the people behind our courses.
Discover Adventure Studies
Discover more about our courses, students and the adventures that are part of studying with us. From practical learning and expeditions to life in the Highlands, see what makes studying with us unique.
Want to see more?
Follow us on social media for the latest updates, student adventures, expeditions, events and course content.
Katy's story: From chef to adventure professional
After 11 years working as a chef, Katy Duncan returned to Scotland and decided to turn her passion for nature and the outdoors into a career. She joined the BA (Hons) Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning as a mature student, despite being nervous about returning to education after years away.
During her studies, Katy took part in expeditions including overnight camps on Loch Lochy and a self-planned packrafting trip down the Vjosa River in Albania. She now works as a freelance canoe guide on multi-day expeditions across Scotland, as well as supporting young people through outdoor and creative activities.
Reflecting on her experience, Katy said:
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Grab every opportunity that comes your way, you’ll never regret it!”
Sean's story: Discovering a passion for adventure
Growing up, Sean found it difficult to connect with others and felt bored at school. After discovering his passion for the outdoors, he studied Outdoor Adventure NQ at Broadford on Skye, developing his skills through coasteering, kayaking, gorge walking and canoeing.
Sean was named Student of the Year for 2025/26 and gained his Paddle Sport Instructor award, helping him take the next step towards a career in the outdoor industry. He credits the support of his lecturers and instructors with helping him grow in confidence.
Sean said:
“My time at UHI North, West and Hebrides has taught me so much about working in the outdoors, living independently, and developing leadership skills. I have had very supportive lecturers and instructors who encouraged me even when I doubted myself.”