Theory put into practice
The theoretical framework of adventure and outdoor education will be put into practice as soon as the studies begin through different kinds of activities and excursions, such as hikes and treks, kayak tours, summer and winter camps, and Nordic winter activities. Through experiential and activity-based processes the students will learn how to plan, organize, implement and evaluate safe adventure and outdoor activities for different target groups in different environments and under various circumstances.
During the studies the students will learn multiple new skills, especially pedagogical, leadership, social, environmental, technical and safety skills. The studies for community educators will also cover areas such as the Nordic welfare system, preventive work, equality, diversity, and entrepreneurship.
Fill in the application form – Application period 3. – 17. JAN, 2024.
Come to study in Helsinki, Finland. Go to the application portal Studyinfo.fi and send your application.
The structure of the studies
The interplay of theory and practice is emphasized throughout the curriculum. The students’ knowledge and skills will develop from factual knowledge, supported by practical experience, towards more abstract and analytical knowledge and skills.
The studies are conducted as full-time day studies, including summer semesters. At least 30 ECTS will be conducted as supervised internships either in Finland or abroad. The students’ study and work history will be taken into account (recognition of prior learning) in their individual study plans.
The workload of the degree programme equals 210 ECTS credits. The degree programme covers the following core contents:
Common studies 75 ECTS
- Study skills and digital competencies 5 ECTS
- Career planning 5 ECTS
- Interaction skills 10 ECTS
- Future makers 20 ECTS (Project and economics 5 ECTS, Enterpreneurship in the changing world 5 ECTS, Innovation 5 ECTS, Networks and development 5 ECTS)
- Socially and culturally sustainable world (10 ECTS): Ecosocial education and accessibility 5 ECTS and Towards sustainable world 5 ECTS
- Research-based workplace development 25 ECTS, including Bachelor’s thesis 15 ECTS
- Social studies 30 ECTS
Basic studies in Communicty Education 40 ECTS
- Fields of community Education 20 ECTS including Community Educators’ professional competencies 10 ECTS and Practical training 1 10 ECTS
- Community competencies and pedagogical skills 20 ECTS including Collaborative pedagogy, Instruction and activity-based methods, Strenghtening social engagement and acengcy in society, promoting human rights and diversity
Language Studies for Community Educators 10 ECTS
- English, Swedish and Finnish
Specialization studies in Adventure Education 65 ECTS
- Outdoor skills in adventure education 10 ECTS
- Adventure education methods 5 ECTS
- Applying outdoor skills and adventure education methods 10 ECTS
- Experiential learning 5 ECTS
- Leadership in adventure education 5 ECTS
- Applications of leadership in adventure education 5 ECTS
- Adventure education processes 5 ECTS
- Practical training 20 ECTS includes Applying pedagogical skills in adventure education 10 ECTS and Developing adventure education programming 10 ECTS
For more information on study contents, see new Curriculum, effective from Autumn semester 2023.
Final thesis/project
The final project (Bachelor’s thesis) is a working life oriented development project. Through the final project, students demonstrate their capability to develop working life in a concrete manner. The final project can be conducted individually or as a group. The eventual outcome of the project may be e.g. a product or an event.
What to expect in practice
Your community education studies will focus on adventure and outdoor activities. You will be studying both indoors and outdoors. You will be given the possibility, and strongly recommended to participate in multi-day camping trips where you will be sleeping in tents and/or in wilderness cabins. Days at Helsinki campus start usually at 9.15 and last until 16.00. Field trip days may last longer. During the internship periods, the daily schedule is determined by the internship place.
During the first year of your studies, you can expect that approximately 1/3 of the time will be spent on classes/activities/practicing skills, 1/3 of the time will be spent on projects/independent studies/group assignments, and the last 1/3 will be spent in internships (working-life based practical training). Please, familiarize yourself with the structure of the studies and the curriculum.
Students’ perspectives on studying in practice: Humak Adventure and Outdoor Education blog
Equipment and clothing
Humak provides all the special adventure and outdoor equipment, such as tents, camping stoves, paddling gear, ropes, and harnesses. In terms of clothing, please pay attention to the four seasons!
More information on clothing and equipment will be provided within the welcome letter. As a new student, you will receive a list that helps you to get prepared for your studies. The list gives you examples of appropriate outdoor clothing and other camping-related gear needed for the studies.
Staff
Ms Eeva Mäkelä
Title: Senior lecturer, Adventure and Outdoor education
Education: Master of Social Sciences, ACMG Ski Guide, ski instructor, avalanche instructor, rock climbing instructor, kayaking guide, NOLS Field Instructor.
Responsibilities: Pedagogical and technical skills in adventure education, professionalism in adventure education, general studies.
Interests: Skiing, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking.
Passion: “I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the outdoors and providing learning opportunities for my students. Nature is an amazing learning environment.”
Mr Kai Lehtonen
Title: Senior Lecturer, Adventure and Outdoor education
Education: Master of Education, kayaking guide and trainer, summer and winter hiking guide, avalanche instructor.
Responsibilities: Pedagogical and technical skills in adventure education, professionalism in adventure education.
Interests: Winter sports, kayaking, mountain biking, climbing.
Passion: “Nature has always been my biggest motivator and educator. Whatever I do or plan as an adventure educator, the effect of my outdoor lessons tend to duplicate due to the unpredictability of nature.”
Mr Jussi Muittari
Title: Senior Lecturer, Adventure and Outdoor education
Education: Master of Sport Sciences, IFMGA ski and mountain guide, ski instructor.
Responsibilities: Pedagogical and technical skills in adventure education, general studies.
Interests: Freeskiing, climbing, mountain biking.
Passion: “In Adventure Education, I enjoy the combination of physical, mental and social challenges. I frequently put myself into those challenging situations and I love to coach my students to face and win their challenges.”
Ms Sini Lahti
Title: Senior lecturer, Adventure and Outdoor education
Education: Master of Humanities, nature and wilderness guide, ski instructor, avalanche instructor, kayaking guide.
Responsibilities: Pedagogical and technical skills in adventure education.
Interests: Skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, climbing.
Passion: “I love to share my passion for the outdoors and I am always happy to see the great learning moments and the development of the students.”
Mr Tero Lämsä
Title: Team Leader, Head of degree programme / Senior Lecturer, Adventure and Outdoor education
Education: Master of Education, Bachelor of Business Administration
Responsibilities: Pedagogical skills in community education and adventure education, RDI-projects, team leader of the adventure and outdoor education staff
Interests: Nature, outdoor life, kayaking, authentic learning environments
Passion: My passion for the outdoors and adventure education is strongly connected to the environmental challenges of our time and protecting our nature. Adventure education is a powerful method for supporting personal development, wellbeing and strengthening social skills but it also has a wider significance connected to our entire society.
Mr Jussi Hynninen
Title: Senior Lecturer, Adventure and Outdoor education
Education: Master’s of Sport Sciences, ISIA ski instructor and trainer, avalanche instructor, kayaking guide
Responsibilities: Pedagogical and technical skills in adventure education
Interests: Freeskiing and mountains, mountain biking and cycling, outdoors
Passion: “Skiing for sure. Through all kinds of skiing I’ve learned to enjoy nature and to share my passion and knowledge of the outdoors.”
Ms Anita Saaranen-Kauppinen
Title: Principal lecturer, Adventure and Outdoor Education
Education: Doctor of Social Sciences
Responsibilities: Studies in applied research and development, Bachelor’s theses
Interests: Social sciences, research, outdoor life, freeskiing, mountain biking
Passion: “In my opinion, curiosity is critical to learning, creativity and innovations. Questioning is a mental adventure in itself, including possibilities and risks. I enjoy encouraging students to ask questions – and to seek answers, too.”
Ms Miia Riihimäki
Title: Lecturer, Adventure and Outdoor Education
Education: Master in Transcultural European Outdoor Studies, Bachelor of Sport Studies, and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Responsibilities: Pedagogical skills in community education and adventure education
Interests: Exploration in near and far natural environments, outdoor life, winter sports, water sports
Passion: Curiosity towards life and connectedness with living beings. I want to promote the possibility of meaningful experiences, a sense of self, and opportunities for intrapersonal and interpersonal growth. Outdoor life is a great playground to explore all these aspects!
Ms Salla Kukko
Title: Senior Lecturer, Adventure and Outdoor Education Education: Master of Education, Wilderness Guide, Norwegian Friluftsliv -study (Volda University College) Responsibilities: Pedagogical skills in community education and adventure education, RDI Projects Interests: Hiking in all seasons, outdoor life, skiing, arctic environments, kayaking and water sports Passion: “I believe in the huge potential of using non-formal learning, experiential methods and authentic natural environments in supporting deep learning processes, intrinsic motivation, nature connection, well-being and personal growth. Bringing people in nature can truly change the world!”
Contact us
Admissions Services
+358 29 451 9300
Mon – Thu 13-15
admissions(at)humak.fi
