Bryony Dillon

BA (Hons) Outdoor Education and Learning

Did you relocate specifically to study with us?

I relocated from North Lanarkshire to Perth for the course in 2017.

Did you consider other universities when you were deciding to study? If so, why did you choose us?

I had received offers from UWS and Glasgow University before deciding to study with Perth College UHI. I chose my current course as the others I had firm places on, I felt would work for my ultimate final goals, however, did not suit me as a person. From my initial interview I felt comfortable, confident, and excited to study on the course.

Why was this right course for you?

Before beginning the course, I was delivering outdoor learning programmes to primary schools in deprived areas of Lanarkshire for two years and had completed my Forest School Level 3 training. Although this was a real passion of mine, I had never considered it as the ultimate career path and looked instead to completing some studies that took the ‘community development’ path.

After my initial interview, where I was told about the varying modules that would be spread over the four years, I was able to recognise the outdoor being a real successful career path - given my interests, experiences and passion to get children outside.

I believe that the course has opened up so many new opportunities and doors for me and it’s made me excited to explore my future plans within the sector. Given the modules are so widespread, with a great balance between practical and theory, its allowed me to expand on my own comfort zones, and push the new ones to discover new loves and interests that I have been able to bring into my own life and work.

What do you think about the style of teaching and the support you receive from tutors and lecturers?

My experiences in the past, and from discussion with friends, are very different to the teaching/lecturing style I have received on this course at Perth College UHI. I enjoy the small class sizes, that allow for personal relationships and understandings to grow between both students and staff. I feel this teaching style is especially important in a sector where a lot of trust and teamwork goes into many day-to-day experiences.

Being new to many of the practical elements, I was well supported in pushing my learning and trying new things. I have yet to come across an issue I’ve faced in the past three years - whether in university or personally - that I haven’t felt comfortable and supported in discussing with lecturers and my own PAT. There is a lovely level of consideration I’ve always felt from staff when help is needed, even down to minor confusions and misunderstandings. Lecturers even out with my own course have always been encouraging.

Have you undertaken any student placements?

The opportunity to visit the Omani desert to represent the UK in a cultural exchange and awareness programme, lasting a week. Although technically not a placement, it was an experience I would never have found myself in had I not been a part of the course. The week in Oman allowed me to engage in international discussions of issues that I was then able to bring back and discuss throughout the university.

I have also had opportunities to expand on my physical skills through volunteering opportunities with various outdoor adventure and education-based organisations, where I was able to expand my practical skill base and considerations. These opportunities presented themselves very early in the course and have continued throughout my studies. Third year has allowed me to seek out my own placement as a module, exploring new career avenues and pathways. 

What career direction would you like to take after studying?

My exact career direction is still uncertain; however, I am confident in my decision to pursue a career within the Outdoor/Education and Learning sector. Having enjoyed my studies to the extent I have, and to still be passionate about my chosen subject, has only cemented my belief in my direction of travel. I know that in the future, I would love to continue my work within the Early Years and Primary School sector - exploring various ways of learning and teaching successfully in the outdoor environment, as well as gaining a wider perspective of how this is translated internationally in various cultures and communities, through travel.

My past experiences would tell me that I would follow the learning and education route, however I am very keen to expand my qualification and practical skill base in the coming 18 months, which might change this path.

How do you feel your studies will help you in your career progression?

I feel even to this point, my studies have helped my career massively in terms of my technical and theoretical understanding of my position and the work I do.

I have been able to bring in new practical skills, and understandings to my outdoor session, making them more active and enjoyable for the children. I have also had the opportunity to really look at my own leadership and how to focus that in such a way that allows me to think about the participant/learner as the central focus, from many different perspectives. As a reflective practitioner on a daily basis, the course has allowed me to gain new skills, and adapt my own where I’ve found deficiency, with a real focus on development of myself and my practice.

What advice would you give to those considering studying?

To be open-minded beyond your own niche. Being open to not only the learning available on the course, but also to my fellow students and colleagues, has expanded my experience beyond anything I had imagined I could work toward. Definitely, engaging in as many experiences as possible has helped me to push my progression of this.

What are your favourite things about Perth College UHI? 

The university community within UHI is always a friendly one to come into and work within. The partnership with Willowgate Activity Centre is a great space and learning environment for the course.

Best thing about living in the Highlands and Islands?

Access to varying outdoor environments that supply much needed space for both studies and personal exploration. There is also a number of organisations within the close proximity that have always been open to sharing opportunities and experiences with us as students.