Course overview
Looking to challenge yourself in the countryside sector?
The countryside sector needs people who understand both the science and the
practical elements required to manage the many conflicting demands on rural
areas. This course aims to prepare you for the task of successful countryside
management.
You’ll find this advanced level course really interesting; undertaking a mix
of coursework and practical hands-on sessions within our excellent rural site at
Plumpton College
You’ll study a wide range of relevant conservation issues and analyse the
complex impact that tourism and development have on the countryside and have a
greater understanding of the scientific implications relating to these issues,
enabling you to evaluate the threats and solutions that conservationists
currently face.
Practical skills underpin every element of this course. You will gain a
broad knowledge of the different habitats around us including relevant
legislatio, and hands-on experience of the ‘gold-star’ management
techniques that can be implemented to conserve the flora and fauna they contain.
All in all, the course will provide you with the practical skills and
knowledge necessary to provide you with a purposeful role in conservation or
will enable you to progress to higher level education.
Qualifications Gained
- City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land
& Wildlife (Countryside) - Plumpton College Certificate
- College award, Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and
Maths
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
We caught up with Adam Hersey, ex-student at Plumpton College who studied our City & Guilds level 3 Advanced Techical Diploma to ask him a few questions:
Why did you decide to study at Plumpton College?
“Because it was the best agricultural college in my region. Nestled at the base of the South Downs it has a wide range of different habitats in which to learn. I chose the course after having visited the college during one of its open days and it was clear that this was the best course, offering a broad selection of topics that would allow doors to be opened to me in years to come.”
What were your favourite parts of the course?
“For me, I really enjoyed the diversity of the modules covered. It ranged from practical estate skills, that I still use in my current job, to learning how to read the history of the land through landscape archaeology. My favourite part was learning about the different ecology habitats and the complexities of say, a woodland environment. Learning about the delicate balances between species in the world around me was fascinating.”
How has the course benefitted you career-wise?
“I had previously applied for jobs in the conservation sector and had, on a number of occasions, been given feedback that I needed more formal qualifications in conjunction with the volunteering hours I had been completing at a local National Trust property. The level 3 diploma was perfect for setting me up for a career in conservation. I liked that there was flexibility for completing the course. I was able to condense the course to a one-year subsidiary diploma giving me the qualifications needed for a career change.
I’ve been lucky enough to land my dream job. After my apprenticeship, I applied for and got the job working for the National Trust at Nymans as one of two Rangers here. Between us and a team of 25 volunteers we look after 275 acres of Ancient Woodland. It is a magnificent place to call my office.”
Adam Hersey – City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma
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