UWTSD Outdoor Adventure Education degree helps graduate find his calling in the outdoors.
For Owen Gittos, studying Outdoor Adventure Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) was about much more than earning a degree. It was about finding a place where his passion for the outdoors could flourish, overcoming academic challenges, and preparing for a career that truly reflects who he is.
After trying several college courses, working in different jobs and completing an engineering apprenticeship where he felt he “didn’t belong”, Owen began exploring opportunities that combined his love of surfing and mountain biking. He said:
“I’ve always wanted to go to university, but I didn’t know what I wanted to study. One day my dad jokingly said I could do a surfing degree in Cornwall, so I started looking into outdoor adventure degrees, and that’s how I found UWTSD.”
Choosing to study in Carmarthen proved to be the perfect fit. Its proximity to both the coast and mountains, together with the University’s close-knit community and specialist Cynefin campus, offered exactly the environment Owen was looking for.
“I wanted to find something I genuinely enjoyed and was good at, while also meeting new people and making new friends.”
Throughout his studies, Owen embraced the practical nature of the course, taking part in a wide range of outdoor activities and expeditions that have left lasting memories.
Among his highlights were an unforgettable surf kayaking session at Pendine, a 30-metre abseil followed by a traditional climb in Pembrokeshire, and expeditions to Scotland. Sea kayaking along Scotland’s west coast, wild camping on white sandy beaches under clear blue skies, and developing winter mountain skills in challenging conditions were experiences that strengthened both his confidence and technical abilities.
“We experienced everything from perfect calm conditions to navigating in white-outs and standing on the UK’s windiest mountain in 60mph winds and snow. Every expedition taught us something different.”
Alongside the practical experiences, Owen also made an original academic contribution through his dissertation. He designed an evidence-based Green Social Prescribing mountain biking programme, exploring how mountain biking can be used to improve health and wellbeing.
“My dissertation focused on creating a mountain biking programme that hasn’t been developed before. It’s based on research into how mountain biking can support people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and there’s potential for the programme to be launched in the near future.”
Although Owen found academic study challenging, the support he received at UWTSD proved transformative. Early in his studies, the University identified that he is dyslexic and recognised traits of ADHD that had gone unnoticed throughout school.
“The University recognised my learning needs straight away and gave me the support I needed. They helped me understand how I learn best and how to get the most out of myself. That made a huge difference.”
He also praised the teaching team for their encouragement and the balance between classroom learning and practical experience.
“The lecturers are incredibly friendly and supportive. Having practical sessions every week, alongside optional expeditions, gave us valuable industry experience and helped build the skills employers are looking for.”
UWTSD’s Outdoor Adventure Education Programme Manager, Denise Leonard, added:
“Owen technically entered the course as a mature student, having come through a non-traditional route. As a teaching team, we could see from the start that his life experience outside the classroom fuelled his desire to learn and grow, driving him towards his dream of working in Outdoor Adventure Education. Throughout the degree, he made the most of every opportunity available to him, including the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. This ultimately shaped him into a highly employable, well-rounded practitioner with a genuine understanding of his professional practice. I have no doubt he has a long and successful career ahead of him” cyf
Since graduating, Owen has already begun building a successful career as a freelance outdoor instructor, putting his degree into practice immediately.
“I’ve gone straight into freelancing and I’m getting lots of opportunities and making great contacts. I’ve definitely found the career I want to pursue.”
Looking ahead, Owen plans to continue developing his professional qualifications, travel, and bring his Green Social Prescribing mountain biking programme to life, helping others experience the health and wellbeing benefits of the outdoors.
For more information about UWTSD’s Outdoor Adventure Education, please visit the website or contact Denise Leonard on denise.leonard@uwtsd.ac.uk
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476