City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma Suite Countryside Management (Habitat Conservation or Game Management) (FT)

City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma Suite Countryside Management (Habitat Conservation or Game Management)

Course Length: 1 or 2 years

Venue:
Myerscough College (Preston)

• Course Content
• How to Apply

Click to Apply: Level 3 CG Diploma Suite Countryside Management (Habitat Conservation) Level 3 CG Diploma Suite Countryside Management (Game Management)

Course Length:

1 or 2 years

Venue:

Myerscough College, Preston and Witton Park, Blackburn

Brief Description of the Course:

(NB: All programmes are based on credit accumulation. Each unit of study is worth either 5 or 10 credits towards the total amount needed to achieve the qualification).

The College offers opportunity to study at level 3 (A level equivalent) for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of Countryside Management encompassing practical techniques, academic knowledge and technical skills. It is a popular option for both school leavers and successful Level 2 Diploma students. The course incorporates a mix of practicals, classroom lectures, industry visits and case study exercises.

For learners with 4 GCSE’s including English Language at Grade C, the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma has 6 units (60 Credits) of study and makes up the first year of the Level 3 Diploma qualification, 12 units (120 Credits) for learners that wish to study for 1 or 2 years. Students wishing to do the Level 3 Diploma over 2 years must have 4 GCSE’s at Grade C or above including English Language and Maths or Science or another Level 2 qualification at Merit level with a Key Skill at Level 2.

Applicants with at least 5 GCSE’s at Grade C or above including English Language, Maths and Science or course specific (which could include Chemistry, Combined Science, Biology, Physics or PE etc) will be able to apply for the Level 3 Extended Diploma studied over 2 years requiring successful completion of 18 or more units (180 Credits).

The Countryside Management course comprises a core programme with optional routes in either habitat conservation or gamekeeping. By choosing appropriate modules the students will engage in an interesting study of either conservation or gamekeeping although the general theme of both options is habitat improvement and good management of the countryside.

The habitat conservation option provides students with plenty of opportunities to obtain the knowledge and 'hands on' experience needed for managing a range of habitats such as saltmarshes, woodlands, ponds, reedbeds and grassland. Students will also learn the necessary countryside skill to manage these habitats, for example dry-stone walling, All terrain vehicle driving, tractor driving, hedge laying, tree planting and fencing.

The gamekeeping option includes the general practical countryside skills integral to the Habitat route but also involves students directly in the organisation and running of the colleges own Game and wildfowl shoot on the extensive Myerscough Estate. It also includes Gundog training, rifle and shotgun shooting, and management of the Colleges own gamebird production facilities including the incubation and rearing of at least 1,000 birds annually.’

The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to proceed to higher education or employment as habitat managers, estate workers and local authority conservation officer wardens.

Entry Criteria:

These courses give a good technical training and education providing a vocational alternative to A Levels and the opportunity for successful students to progress to Higher Education. Students are normally aged 16 or over and the following requirements are needed:

Advanced Level 3 Suite:

¨ Level 3 City and Guilds Subsidiary Diploma - (60 credits in 1 year)

4 GCSEs including English Language at Grade C or above, or a Level 2 qualification (eg First Diploma at Pass level including at least 1 key skill at level 2 in either Application of Number or Communication), or equivalent qualifications.

¨ Level 3 City and Guilds Diploma - (120 credits in 2 years)

4 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including at least 1 in English Language and Maths or Science or a Level 2 qualification (eg First Diploma at Merit level including at least 1 key skill at level 2 in either Application of Number or Communication), or equivalent qualifications.

¨ Level 3 90 Credit Diploma - (90 credits in 2 years) with the option to top up in 2nd Year to Extended Diploma (180 Credits)

5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths and English Language plus one course specific GCSE such as Science, Biology or PE or an Intermediate Level course (eg First Diploma at Distinction including at least 1 key skill at level 2 in either Application of Number or Communication), or equivalent qualifications.

In addition Learning Areas may apply specific agreed aptitude assessments that assist selection.

Applicants for all courses in Countryside Studies are expected to show a strong commitment to the industry and a strong personal statement.

List of Units:

¨ Undertake Estate Skills: This module aims to introduce you to the estate skills and knowledge and how these can be applied in practice.

¨ Undertaking Land-based Machinery Operations: You will study the purpose and operation of land-based machines including machine layout, systems and controls. You will explore daily checks and adjustments as well as appropriate personal protective equipment and the legal and recommended requirements for land-based machinery. You will learn how to safely operate and maintain machinery and consider the different conditions in which machinery might need to operate.

¨ Undertake an Investigative Project in the Land-based Sector: This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the principles of undertaking an investigative project and how this can be put into practice.

¨ Understanding the Principles of Wildlife Populations, Ecology and Conservation: This module aims to introduce you to the skills and knowledge associated with wildlife, ecology and conservation and how these can be applied in practice.

¨ Understanding Principles of Physical and Biological Environmental Processes: This module aims to introduce you to a knowledge of environmental processes and how this can be applied in practice. Those employed in managing and conserving the countryside must have a knowledge and understanding of environmental processes and the environmental impacts of human activities. You will study how physical and biological processes maintain life on earth and how humans affect them. You will study environmental systems of the earth-atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere.

¨ Undertaking Vertebrate Pest and Predator Control: This module aims to introduce you to pest and predator control skills and understanding and how these can be applied in practice.

¨ Understanding Freshwater and Wetland Management: This module aims to introduce you to freshwater and wetland management skills and knowledge and how these can be applied in practice.

List of Units (Cont):

¨ Understanding Coastal Management: This module aims to introduce you to coastal management skills and knowledge and how these can be applied in practice. The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the processes affecting the coastal zone and the management of coastal habitats.

¨ Undertaking Farm Habitat Management: This module aims to introduce you to farm habitat management skills and knowledge and how these can be applied in practice.

¨ Undertake and Review Work Related Experience in the Land-based Industries: The aim of this module is to give you the skills needed to identify, participate in and review work experience in the environmental and land-based sector.

¨ Undertake Grassland Habitat Management: This module aims to introduce you to grassland habitat skills and management and how these can be applied in practice.

¨ Undertaking Upland Habitat Management: This module aims to introduce you to the skills and knowledge in urban habitat management and how these can be applied in practice. Many of the UK upland habitats are a result of deflected succession and, without proper management, wilderness areas of the countryside could be lost. You will develop the knowledge and skills required to plan, carry out practical management for a variety of upland habitats.

¨ Undertaking Woodland Habitat Management: This module aims to introduce you to woodland habitat management skills and knowledge and how these can be applied in practice. The aim of this module is to provide you with the ability to recognise the features of woodland habitats and the skills required for their management.

¨ Understanding Land Use and Environmental Issues: This module aims to introduce you to knowledge of environmental issues and policies and how this can be applied in practice. You will consider different land uses in the UK and the organisations and laws involved. You will explore the aims and effects of rural policies on land management and the impact of industry and agriculture on the modern natural environment. You will look at the development of energy and the changes to biodiversity as a result of these activities.

¨ Understand Ecological Concepts and Application: This module aims to introduce you to the skills and knowledge needed for ecological concepts and application, and how these can be applied in practice. You will investigate the theoretical concepts of ecology, and consider the practical applications of these concepts in the field. You will plan and carry out ecological surveys of plants and animals and develop your understanding of the behaviour and relationships these reveal.

¨ Understanding Fishery Management: This module aims to introduce you to fishery skills and management and how these can be applied in practice.

¨ Understanding Principles of Game Management: This module aims to introduce you to the skills and knowledge used in game management and how these can be applied in practice. The module provides the knowledge and understanding of internal and external influences associated with the game management industry. You will investigate how game management has shaped the countryside and will evaluate the main legislative acts and codes of practice along with the role of organisation associated with the industry.

¨ Understanding Ecology of Game Species: This module aims to introduce you to the skills and knowledge in game species ecology and how these can be applied in practice.

¨ Understand Deer Management: This module aims to introduce you to the skills and knowledge used in deer management how these can be applied in practice.

¨ Use of Firearms in the Environmental and Land-based Sector: This module aims to introduce you to firearms skills and knowledge and how these can be applied in practice to the land-based sector. In the land-based industries firearms are an essential tool, used for recreational purposes on inanimate targets as well as for culling of species where other methods are not appropriate or legal. Practice on inanimate targets is essential before shooting live targets, ensuring that culling is humane and efficient. Recreational target shooting is a rapidly expanding sport and can offer diversification opportunities for landowners. Similarly, game and rough shooting opportunities are increasingly in demand and have become important sources of income. Culling of deer is essential for maintenance of healthy deer populations that are in balance with their environment, and shooting is the only widely used legal method of culling.

List of Units (Cont):

¨ Understand Working Dogs: This module aims to introduce you to the skills and knowledge needed for using working dogs, and how these can be applied in practice. Working dogs play key

roles in a variety of countryside management tasks. Selection of correct breed and character is very important for both dog and handler. Training methods, equipment and field etiquette are also important in the partnership between handler and working dog. Health, welfare and basic field first aid of the working dog are essential parts of this unit. Correct housing requirements for a variety of breeds must be considered, along with planned breeding of a chosen breed.

¨ Undertake Gamebird Production: This module aims to introduce you to the skills used in and understanding of gamebird production and how these can be applied in practice.

¨ Undertaking Shoot Management: This module aims to introduce you to the skills and knowledge in shoot management and how these can be applied in practice. You will explore the administrative requirements of a shooting enterprise and consider the physical resource requirements. You will plan and manage a shoot day.

*This list is an example of what may be taught, but can vary at each Centre.

Assessments:

Assessments will include assignments, presentations and reports.

Industrial /Work Experience

Students are required, with the help of the College, to obtain work experience with an appropriate work organisation one day each week of term time. This must total a minimum of 300 hours over the two years of the course.

Possible Careers / Jobs:

Employment opportunities in Countryside Management and its related industries are currently very good. The Subsidiary, Diploma and Extended Diploma Countryside Management provides the qualification and experience for entry into the industry at an operational level with future prospects for management.

Opportunities include countryside ranger, reserve warden and work with organisations such as RSPB, Environment Agency, Local Wildlife Trusts and Local Authorities. Gamekeeper, pest controller, and deer manager.

Progression:

As a course equivalent to A Level the Level 3 BTEC Diploma is an ideal spring board for progression to a Foundation Degree or Full Degree depending on UCAS points gained.

To apply for this course please select the coloured tab, relating to the centre you wish to study at, on the right hand side of this screen. You can save your progress if you prefer to do it in stages but you must complete all sections of the form.

Special Education Needs and Disability Prospective students who have a disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible. Reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate student needs and to provide appropriate support to enable successful completion of the course of study. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments.

Please note that the information provided in this fact sheet was accurate at the date of publication. However, courses are continually being modified and information is therefore subject to change.