Catherine Dunn, MSc Outdoor Education 2020

'Edinburgh is such a progressive and forward-thinking city in everything to do with the outdoors. Scotland is also a really good place to study outdoor education given the landscapes it has to offer! The programme was the main draw though really and the idea of learning from some of the best lecturers in the field.'

Catherine from the UK shares her thoughts and advice on MSc Outdoor Education.

What were you doing before you studied at the University of Edinburgh?

Working in an office! Pretty dull really…

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh?

Because Edinburgh is such a progressive and forward-thinking city in everything to do with the outdoors. Scotland is also a really good place to study outdoor education given the landscapes it has to offer! The programme was the main draw though really and the idea of learning from some of the best lecturers in the field.

Why did you choose to study this degree?

Because I love the outdoors and wanted to make it part of my future career. I’m not sure I thought much beyond that. I wanted to return to education and, having never actually been to university, thought this would be the perfect way to return to learning.

What did you enjoy most about the programme?

The residential courses were amazing; fantastic environments to learn in, incredible ways to develop friendships and powerful ways to connect to the outdoors.

What specific skills did you develop?

Many practical skills, but really it was the skills I learnt that are directly applicable to education and environmental education that I valued the most. I learnt to teach about and for the environment, for nature and for a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone.

What was the most useful thing you learned in your lectures, workshops and tutorials?

How educating for a more sustainable future can inform everything we do as educators and how outdoor education can be at the heart of learning from primary level all the way up to higher education.

Why would you recommend the programme to others?

Yes! For me, it has been a life-changing programme and 15 months I will never forget. I have learnt so much, made life-long friends and carved a niche for myself in sustainability education.

In what way do you think the degree will contribute to your career?

It has shaped my career, it has guided everything I do now. It has given my work a structure and informed all aspects of my work, from filmmaking to educating.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying this programme at Edinburgh?

Don’t think twice, just do it. It will be worth it.