- Duration
2 year course
Between 2 and 4 days per week depending on the level studied.
- Location
- Plumpton College
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.
Work Experience
Study programmes include a minimum of compulsory work experience hours achieved through one day a week or block placements. The amount of hours required is dependent on the study programme.
Careers Hub
We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.
Industry Work Placement
All students aged 16-18 on our Level 2 & Level 3 programmes will now have to take part in an exciting and compulsory 50-day industry placement programme alongside completion of their vocational course. The programme will give you the chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment whilst being paired with your ideal employer.
Our mission is to pair students with their ideal employer and to support them continuously during the placement.
There is flexibility on how students complete the placement; it can be during non-college weekdays, weekends, in blocks or over the holiday period. You will receive all of the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk
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
Entry Requirements
- You’ll need to have achieved 5 GCSEs between Grade 9-4 (previous grade structure A-C) including English, Maths and a Science
- Successful completion of a related Level 2 qualification and GCSE maths or English at grade c/4 or above
Mature students without the above requirements will be considered
What is it like to be a student on this course?
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."
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.
Students aged 19-23 studying their Level 1, 2 or first Level 3 may be entitled to tuition fee waiver depending on criteria eligibility.
Students aged 24+ who are studying a second Level 3 course or aged 24+ who are studying their first Level 3 course will have to pay tuition fees, depending on the course.
Students on low income who can prove they earn less than £25,000 (from September 2024); are unemployed; or receive state benefits could be entitled to a tuition fee waiver.
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, which contribute to quality resources and equipment for their studies.
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 depending on the course studied.
Work Experience
Work experience enhances your studies and is an important part of your course. It ensures you leave 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.
