Outdoor and Sustainability Education
All children deserve the opportunity to learn and reach their full potential. This master’s programme will increase your knowledge about learning processes with a focus on school-based learning, using different modes and methods. The advanced courses in educational science will help teachers and other educators understand how a variety of outdoor environments can be used as resources for learning and knowledge. During the courses you will learn the theoretical backgrounds for using other learning environments than the classroom.
Outdoor education is a diverse field of research and practice. This programme derives from the Scandinavian perspective on outdoor education - the concept of "uteskola", literally meaning outdoor school. In outdoor school the syllabus is taught outdoors on a regular basis in an interplay with indoor learning. You vill broaden your professional expertis as a teacher by training to use outdoor environments for teaching and learning.
Outdoor learning for all ages
You will gain theoretical and practical knowledge on how to teach different school subjects outdoors, in natural as well as urban environments. We explore the city, nature reserves and other green settings, play grounds and school grounds as learning environments. Examples of educational settings come from the entire school system, pre-school up to secondary school. You will also have the possibility to focus on your particular interests and field of practice.
In addition to classroom lectures and seminars, students work in pairs or groups for assignments in outdoor natural and cultural landscapes. All program courses include individually written assignments and you will collect your own empirical data for your thesis.
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
Note:
- A motivation letter and a recommendation letter are NOT required documents when applying to the programmes at this university.
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Selection will be based on academic merits.
A Teacher or Pre-school Teacher Degree of at least 180 ECTS credits
or
Bachelor's Degree with a major in one of the following subjects Education, Pedagogy, Pedagogical work, Biology, Ecology, Geography or Sustainable development
or
Bachelor's degree and additional clearly documented work experience of at least one year, full time, in outdoor or sustainability education or the equivalent
Following the final examination, students will have gained theoretical knowledge and practical experience within the field of outdoor education for working with pedagogical development in schools or other educational fields in society.
Alternatively, students may continue to conduct research leading to a doctoral degree.
