Level 3
These are a suite of level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A level) which can be studied in a variety of combinations to allow flexibility and to help you to develop your practical game and countryside management skills.
Level 3 Certificate – you complete 3 subjects to study
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma – you complete 6 subjects to study
Level 3 Diploma – you complete 12 subject areas
Level 3 Extended Diploma – you complete all 18 subject areas
Gamekeeping and wildlife conservation have much in common, both require the sensitive management of the woodland and countryside habitat. This course aims to provide you with the traditional practical skills required for the modern gamekeeper, who is also often responsible for estate management.
The course provides a practical understanding of game, fish and deer management along with the underpinning knowledge required by countryside managers. Whilst on the course, students will carry out wide and varied practical tasks related to gamekeeping on the college estate, supplemented by visits to various estates within the local vicinity. During your course you will assist with running the College shoot.
Qualifications Gained
- BTEC National Diploma in Countryside Management
- Plumpton College Diploma Game Management
- Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC)
- Loaders qualification (NGO) (at additional cost)
- College award, Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and Maths









Entry Requirements: | Either:
Mature students without the above requirements will be considered |
---|---|
Dates & Location: | September 2018 |
Duration: | 2 years full time 3 days per week |
Facilities
We’ve got the perfect location for you here at Plumpton, in fact there are over 800 hectares of land on our estate. You’ll be able to put all of your skills into practice and develop your understanding of estate management.
- Discover our blocks of woodland on-site
As you build your skills, you’ll be able to manage our six drives for the on-site commercial shoot.
- We’re managed under the environmental stewardship scheme
You’ll learn how to measure the benefits on our estate, ensuring our habitats support game and other species that live there.
- Experience our excellent on-site bird facilities
We’ve got a dedicated workshop and classrooms where you’ll be able to discover our superb incubators and hatchery equipment.
- Opportunities to experience shows and other events
During your time at Plumpton, you’ll also build your skills in working with gun dogs; entering shows and inter college clay days.
Future Opportunities
This course is aimed at those who are looking for a career in practical gamekeeping, fish management, deer management and estate management. On completion of the course students can progress on to the Foundation Degree in Countryside Management or obtain employment in the following:
- As an under keeper
- Countryside ranger
- Game Farm assistant
- Gundog training
- Deer stalker
- Shoot manager
- Pest controller
- Estate Assistant
- Gun shop assistant
Modules
Year 1
- Use of firearms in the environmental and land-based sector
- Investigative project *
- Vertebrate pest and predator control
- Gamebird production
- Game management
- Working dogs
- Industrial experience *
- Deer management
- Estate skills
- Woodland management
- English & Maths
(* compulsory units for some Diploma levels only)
Year 2
- Principles of wildlife populations ecology and conservation *
- Farm habitat management
- Woodland habitat management
- Ecology of game species
- Deer population monitoring and management plans.
- Shoot management
- Industrial experience *
- Commercial deer stalking
- Business management
- Game meat hygiene
- Further appropriate suitable qualifications will be available
- English & Maths
(* compulsory units for some Diploma levels only)
Ready to take the next step?
Apply for this course online now to begin you journey towards a qualification in Game Management.
Talk to us
Not quite ready to apply yet? We are happy to discuss courses and help you find the perfect fit.
Other courses that may interest you
- Game Management Level 2