Course overview
In the Fisheries and Aquatic science course at Plumpton College, our level 3
pathways will include:
- The multi-disciplinary study of aquatic ecosystems, both freshwater and
marine aquatic ecology - Limnology & Conservation (freshwater and wetland management)
- Fish Farming (aquaculture)
- Water Quality
- Fisheries management
- Recreation fishery creation
- Angling development
- Fish health and biology.
The Level 3 two-year program is designed to develop you as an individual, and
offers a spring board for progression into this National and International
sector of employment or by using the UCAS points scheme you may qualify for
higher education at university.
Plumpton College has excellent facilities within its large estate located
within the South Downs National Park. You can look forward to a healthy balance
of practical and theoretical experience during your sessions. Our facilities
include an aquaculture production business (fish farm) and our college coarse
fishery. You’ll also benefit from trips and visits where you’ll learn surveying
and capture techniques including seine netting and
electrofishing.
Modules
You’ll study units that will develop your skills including:
- Principles of physical and biological environmental processes
- Population surveys, ecology and conservation
- Stillwater fishery creation
- Warm water and marine aquaculture
- Fisheries and habitat management
- Fish health
- Fish biology
- Water quality
- Aquatic eco-systems
- Estate skills
- Machinery operations
- Coarse, game and sea angling (this unit helps develop both practical and theoretical skills required to partake and conduct different angling techniques, styles and understanding; including instruction and experience with our working partners at Nash Tackle, and the exclusive Carp Syndicate, where you will experience fishing with Nash team members at the annual Plumpton College carp school.
- River fishery creation
- Specialist projects
- Cyprinid fish farming
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Student testimonial
What’s your favourite part about the course?
“Lots of practical’s, learning and using tools and industry based equipment and visiting sites and the high levels of experience gained in the industry, it’s been really rewarding and great fun. I have also met some good friends with similar interests.”
What interested you about the course?
“I wanted to study a course where I could expand my knowledge on fisheries and aquatic ecology and follow my passion for marine biology by learning and qualifying at the same time. Plenty of trips and work opportunities to pursue later down the road. Plenty of outdoor lessons which makes the lessons fun and interesting.”
What advice would you give to students thinking about studying at Plumpton?
“Don’t be scared to follow a passion of yours, the college provides many great opportunities to go into the industry you have chosen. Make good use of the facilities the college has to offer and try your best, ok its smaller than some colleges but it’s one of the best out there.”
Jack Wardleworth – City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma Yr 1
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
Interested in this course? There are currently no start dates available, but please contact us to discuss your options and find out when you can apply.
Not ready to apply?
Register your interest