Outdoor Studies (friluftsliv)
See study programmeOutdoor life is an integral part of Norwegian culture. From a very early age, children are taught to respect and enjoy the outdoors. The Norwegian word “friluftsliv” can be translated directly as “free air life” and covers many aspects of outdoor life, including:
- taking in fresh air,
- engaging in outdoor activities, for movement and enjoyment, or in competition,
- learning to understand and respect the natural world,
- discovering the world around us by research or as informal exploration.
The one-year programme in Outdoor Studies is for people who want to develop better knowledge and skills in outdoor life and outdoor activities such as:
- Glaciers
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Climbing
- Winter outdoor activities
The programme of study also provides an introduction to educational and social science perspectives on outdoor life. Together with the practical learning, this will help enable students to plan, implement and assess outdoor activities for relevant target groups, and view the phenomenon of outdoor life in a larger societal context.
Outdoor studies is a full-time programme with weekly teaching - either at the study location (campus), or on group and individual trips.
The study places great emphasis on risk and safety work, and topics such as trip planning, consequence thinking, risk-reducing measures, and good trip routines are closely linked to all practical activities
Knowledge:
• Have knowledge related to relevant outdoor activities
• Have knowledge about risk and safety thinking and safety perspectives in outdoor life
• Have insight into national and international research within the field of outdoor life.
• Have knowledge about outdoor education, outdoor activity guiding, use of outdoor activities as educational tools, and groups and group processes.
• Have knowledge about environmental philosophy, outdoor life as a phenomenon, the history and traditions of outdoor life, and the roles and importance of outdoor life in Norwegian society. As a result, the aim is for students to view outdoor life in a larger societal context.
• Have insight into the concept of sustainability and relate this to outdoor life
Skills:
• Are able to reflect on the educational and societal perspectives of outdoor life
• Are able to minimise our footprint by leaving areas as we found them and respecting wildlife and plants.
• Are able to plan, implement and assess outdoor activities for relevant target groups
• Have skills in relevant outdoor activities in different natural environments and seasons
• Master techniques in relevant outdoor activities
• Are able to assess their own skills and adjust/develop them under supervision.
• Are able to function as a member of a group, have the ability to adjust behaviour through guidance and contribute to group development
• Are able to ensure safety for yourself and others in the relevant outdoor activities.
• Can find, assess and refer to information and subject matter within the field of outdoor studies, and present it so that it highlights an issue/research question/area.
• Can master relevant tools and techniques within different outdoor activities such as climbing, kayaking/canoeing and skiing, and can communicate this to activity participants.
General competence:
• Have knowledge about the relationship between good personal skills, knowledge and energy reserves/stamina, and the importance of this for safe outdoor activities.
• Have knowledge about professional dilemmas of an ethical nature in the teacher/guide role.
• Have insight into how one can use outdoor activities as an educational tool and the opportunities this provides in relation to learning and development, and are able to implement this individually and in groups.
• Are able to view knowledge and skills in context, and use a combination of these in practical situations, and can communicate this knowledge to participants taking part in different activities.
The admission requirement is Higher Education Entrance Qualification.
You apply for admission through The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service.
International students:
1. If you are an international student, you must apply for this programme through our local admission, and not The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service. Please contact the Admissions Office if you need help.
2. If you are an exchange student from one of our partner institutions and are interested in this programme, you should apply for our semester packages - Outdoor studies . Autumn package and Spring package. Exchange students are admitted on the basis of nomination by their home institution. The student must first be nominated by their home institution before they can apply to the semester package. After the nomination is received by Nord University the student will receive information about the admission process. Please go to Nord’s student exchange site for more information about the admissions process and requirements at Nord University. If you need help you can contact our international coordinator.
It is also possible to apply for admission to the courses as a single-course but note that the admission is restricted. You will find more information on how to apply for admission to a single-course on the Admissions Office's information pages (only in Norwegian).
Insurance
Students travelling to Norway are required to have a valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Norway. Read more about insurance for incoming international students.
Further Education
The program of study can be taken as an independent unit, be included as part of a customized bachelor's degree at Nord University or can become the basis for Master studies in Sport/Physical Education at Nord University.
Combined with subject didactics (PPU = 1-year programme in educational theory and practice), the study qualifies for work in friluftsliv within the Norwegian school system. The programme can also provide a basis for further studies in friluftsliv in other colleges/universities.
Semester fee and copy fee.
Equipment students must have at their disposal:
Hiking and camping gear are required for traveling and overnighting in the mountains. For winter travel, a spade and mountain skis with steel edges are required. Having a tent, primus and cooking equipment will be an advantage.
The programme's distinctiveness requires the use of various practical learning arenas. Therefore, students must also expect costs for transport to various sports facilities within Levanger municipality. The faculty's arrangements for reimbursement of transport costs apply.
Prior learning and work experience
Admission based on prior learning and work experience according to current regulations. Contact the Student Adviser for more information on admission based on prior learning and work experience.
Final examination
Each course has a concluding assessment. The course descriptions provide detailed information.
Examinations are regulated by Regulations governing studies and examinations at Nord University.
Programme Evaluation
The study programme is evaluated annually by the students through course questionnaires and by the programme coordinator. Evaluations are included as a part of the university's quality assurance system.