The Diploma in Mountain Skills and Outdoors Activities is designed to graduate a new generation of mountain and outdoor practitioners. It aims to shape their skills in different activities related to nature and adventure, specifically in the mountains and the outdoors in general. The program covers a broad range of physical disciplines, including hiking, camping, cycling, rock climbing, caving, and snow activities, as well as mental wellness, such as life coaching and mindset. Additionally, it focuses on skills and capabilities in mountain environment protection, sustainability, and mountain rescue.

This program aims to prepare mountain and outdoor guide leaders, program trainers, and administrative managers for different types of organizations and institutions, such as municipalities, associations, clubs or NGOs that deal with mountains and the outdoors. Our collaboration with Lebanese federations and specialized associations provides our students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their mountain endeavors.

The program consists of a theoretical part, a significant practical field component, and a mandatory internship that offers our students the opportunity to gain real-life mountain experience.

Students wishing to enroll in this program must hold a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in any field.

Admission requirements include:

• a nature and mountain approach test to identify previous experiences in outdoor activities;
• an interview with the Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences (FSS) and the Diploma Program Coordinator;
• a physical capacity test based on the one developed and approved by the French Olympic Committee;
• a medical test to ensure that students can perform physically demanding activities;
• a language placement test: a minimum English B1.1 level or equivalent is required. Students with lower proficiency levels will need to take English remedial courses.

The assessment system for evaluating student achievement of course learning outcomes varies depending on the types of courses and evaluative components and is set as follows:

Theoretical courses grade division:
The knowledge acquired by students in theoretical courses is evaluated through a written evaluation, a project, continuous evaluation, and a final exam.

• 50% Final exam
• 30% Midterm exam
• 20% Continuous evaluation

Practical courses grade division:
Competencies acquired by students in practical courses are evaluated based on the students’ capacity and pedagogical aspect.

• 70% Capacities
• 30% Pedagogical aspect

The passing grade is set at 60/100 for theoretical courses and 80/100 for practical courses (some courses may require 100/100). The grade for practical subjects is distributed among the theory of practice score, the practical evaluation score, and the project score.

Graduation requires 360 hours (equivalent to 2 months) of internship in a pre-designed outdoor activities structure. Students must defend an internship report at the end of the program.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• transmit ethical and social values by practicing various jobs in the field of mountain sports;
• work effectively in both group and individual projects, whether in a nature reserve, municipality, school, tourism, culture, outdoor activities department, or other sports institutions;
• communicate easily in written and spoken English form;
• use digital referencing tools and security protocols for information acquisition, processing, production, and distribution, as well as better organization, planning, and evaluation of tasks;
• master fundamental techniques in different proposed types of mountain and outdoor activities and sports;
• design and organize classes, teams, workshops, or any mountain activity sports-related groups;
• manage and lead mountain rescue operations in different types of climates and harsh mountain weather conditions;
• promote and implement the Agenda 21 and the Sustainable Development Goals in every approach towards nature, particularly in the mountains.

The University Diploma in Mountain Guide and Outdoor Activities prepares students for various roles, such as:

• Mountain guide
• Social entrepreneur
• Administrative job
• Outdoor activities monitor
• Consultant