Adventure and Outdoor Education
Adventure and Outdoor Education – learn to lead groups outdoors
If you enjoy being outdoors and want to work with people, this program is for you. You’ll learn to use hiking, kayaking and climbing to help others learn, work together and build confidence.
What will you learn?
Planning outdoor activities. Choose activities that suit the group’s age, experience and abilities.
Leading a group. Give clear instructions, encourage teamwork and help participants learn from the experience.
Working safely. Assess risks and look after the group’s physical safety and emotional well-being.
Learning about the environment. Bring environmental education and responsible outdoor practices into your activities.
How will you study?
Classes and team projects are combined with field courses, winter activities and multi-day trips to Finnish national parks. You’ll complete three internships, in Finland or abroad, to put your skills into practice.
Your main base is Humak’s Helsinki campus, with some field courses and training periods elsewhere in Finland. This is a full-time program taught in English: 210 ECTS credits over 3.5–4 years, including summer terms. Classes on campus usually run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You’ll graduate with a Community Educator (Bachelor of Humanities) degree.
What will you need for outdoor study?
Bring your own computer and outdoor clothing and footwear for all seasons. Humak provides essential shared equipment, including tents, kayaks and safety gear. You’ll receive a detailed equipment list before your studies begin.
Budget for travel and other study expenses too. You can read more in Humak’s equipment guidance. Check the health and participation requirements for your intake before applying.
Interested? Check the current application options and requirements.
Transcript of records – if you are still at school, prepare a transcript showing your current grades. Use the Kastu template and instructions. Check whether your chosen Humak admission route accepts applicants who have not yet graduated: Humak's current public Rolling Admission requires a completed secondary school qualification.
Upper secondary qualification and supporting certificates – if you have already graduated, prepare the qualification that gives you access to higher education, together with any supporting school documents required for your admission route.
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirementsfor your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
All eligible applicants will be invited to an interview, during which the following will be assessed:
- The applicant's motivation and suitability for the program
- Study skills and interpersonal skills
- Oral English language skills
Interview assessment: The interview will be assessed on a pass/fail basis.
What can you do after Adventure and Outdoor Education?
You could work in youth services, education, NGOs or nature tourism. Depending on your interests and the role, your work might include:
Leading outdoor activities. Plan and run sessions that help participants learn new skills and work together.
Working with young people. Use outdoor learning in a youth center, school or community organization.
Coordinating projects. Organize educational activities and work with the people and organizations involved.
Running your own business. Develop outdoor learning experiences or adventure activities for different groups.
Your three internships give you a chance to try different workplaces and find out what suits you. If you plan to work in Finland, learning Finnish can open up more opportunities, especially when working with local groups.
