- Duration
2 years
- Attendance
- 3 days per week
- Location
- Plumpton College
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.
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
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.
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.
With industry connections we will work with students to pair them with their ideal placement employer, and provide support and guidance throughout this process.
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:
-
Land and Wildlife Management/Fisheries
-
Plumpton College Certificate
-
Additional work related qualifications
- College Award
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 Level 2 course 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?
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."
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.
