4B026E - Outdoor Art for Wellbeing 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 4B026E
Module Title: Outdoor Art for Wellbeing
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Psychology and Therapeutic Interventions
Faculty Sub Group: Therapeutic Studies
Module Leader: Emily Bull
Module Team: Becky Davies, Heloise Godfrey-Talbot
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100476 - health and social care 100493 - applied psychology 101361 - creative arts and design
HECOS Code Weighting: 30 30 40

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are: 

  • To develop students’ professional skills in planning and facilitating outdoor creative experiences, with a focus on sustainability and therapeutic engagement for young people, supporting future career pathways in community, educational, and arts-based settings. 

  • To encourage values-led practice through ethical and reflective engagement with nature, community, and young participants, fostering empathy, compassion, and a caring approach in diverse outdoor environments. 

  • To support students in building artistic identity and confidence through the creation and exhibition of site-specific outdoor artwork, enhancing transferable creative skills and deepening understanding of how art can respond meaningfully to community needs. 

Content Summary

The Outdoor Art for Wellbeing module will introduce you to the therapeutic potential of creating sustainable artwork in outdoor environments, with a particular focus on engaging children and young people. Through hands-on exploration of natural materials, site-specific art practices, and collaborative design, you will develop creative responses that promote wellbeing and environmental awareness. The module culminates in a public exhibition held in a local community garden, offering you the opportunity to exhibit your artwork with the wider community, whilst facilitating a community lantern parade with local primary schools. 

This module supports the wider aims of the Creative and Therapeutic Arts course by encouraging inclusive, socially engaged practice and fostering connections between creativity, nature, and mental health. It also builds foundational skills in planning, collaboration, and reflective practice, preparing students for future work in educational, community, and therapeutic settings. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Guided Study 10.5
Independent self-directed learning 173.5
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 56
Summative Assessment and preparation 60
Total Hours Selected 116

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Deliver site-responsive outdoor creative experiences that demonstrate inclusive, ethical, and safe practice with a focus on working with children and young people.
LO2 Explore and refine outdoor art-making skills through sustainable, therapeutic practices that reflect individual artistic identity and interests.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Creative Designs / Art 1 the submission of photographs documenting their outdoor artwork 0 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Creative Designs / Art 1

Reading List

Cocks, M., & Shackleton, C. M. (2021) Urban nature: enriching belonging, wellbeing and bioculture. Oxon: Routledge 

Gonzalez, M T., Hartig, T., Patil, G G., Martinsen, E W., Kirkevold, M. (2010) Therapeutic horticulture in clinicla depression: a prospective study of active components.  Journal of Advancing Nursing. 66, 9. Pg: 2002 – 2013. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Ltd 

Jerwood, J. Elliott, H. & Wibberley, J. (2025) I never get this space anywhere else’ - the development of outside alongside – an NHS art therapy group outdoors. International journal of art therapy. 30, 1. Pg: 5 – 16. Oxon: Routledge 

Kastner, J., Wallis, B. (1998) Land and environmental art. London: Phaidon  

Moula, Z. & Walshe, N. (2024) Arts in Nature with Children and Young People: A Guide Towards Health Equality, Wellbeing and Sustainability. Routledge. Oxon: Routledge  

Rylance, D. (2022) Forest School and Encourage Positive Behaviour: Outdoor Education Skills for Pupils with Additional or Complex. London: Jessica Kingsley Publisher 

Torrissen, W. & Løvoll, H, S. (2024) Exploring creative wellbeing frameworks in context: nature, culture and sustainable futures. Oxford: Taylor & Francis Group