Foundation Certificate Arboriculture (Online)

Foundation Certificate Arboriculture

• Key Information
• Course Content
• Additional Information
• How to Apply

Click to Apply: Foundation Certificate Arboriculture

Key Facts

Award Type:

Foundation Certificate

Level:

Undergraduate

Study Modes available:

Part-time (Blended Learning)

Delivery Method:

Blended

Course length:

Between 18 months and 2 years part-time

UCAS Code:

N/A

Venue:

Myerscough College, Preston

Start Month:

September

Entry Requirements:

120 UCAS Tariff points from one of the following:

· 2 A-levels (at least one at C)

· BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at PPP

· BTEC Level 3 Diploma at MP

· 2 Scottish Highers at minimum C or above

· 3 Irish Highers at minimum C or above

· NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline

· International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points

AS levels and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants who do not hold a Level 3 qualification but have extensive relevant experience may be offered opportunity to undertake a pre-entry assignment to demonstrate ability to study at the required level.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview.

Course Description:

The Foundation Certificate Arboriculture, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, is ideal for anyone who wants to work in this rewarding and exciting industry, or for those people currently working in the industry. Employers look for a combination of managerial and technical skills in the science and technology of tree care. This course integrates both these aspects to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skill set for entry level work in the arboriculture industry.

Students learn how to identify and survey trees and integrate tree biology and soil science into tree care. The course also investigates the social, environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits of trees.

COURSE CONTENT:

Arboricultural Practices

Arboricultural contractors must have a thorough understanding of arboriculture equipment and their correct implementation in remedial tree care. This module provides the technical information including relevant management practices and safety issues to ensure personnel involved in the care of trees to offer a higher quality of arboricultural service.

Dendrology

Within this module the student will gain the necessary botany skills for the identification of trees, shrubs and herbs. Selection of species will be related to current issues such as climate change and prevalent diseases.

Tree Production and Establishment (half module)

Planting and establishing new trees is imperative for the sustainability of the arboricultural industry. This module will introduce the student to current and innovative practices in the production of tree nursery stock and its establishment, concentrating on the challenges of planting trees in urban locations.

Tree Survey Techniques (half module)

This module examines methods used to survey trees and collect tree and site data for inventories and management purposes. Skills taught will include manual surveying practices, data management, the use of geo-referenced data collection and basic computerised cartography.

Essential Plant Biology (half module)

This module aims to provide students with the essential knowledge of plant biology needed to allow successful management of their growth and development. Students will discover how plant form and function relates to their basic needs in terms of light, water, nutrients and reproduction.

Plant Cell Biology (half module)

Increasingly research into the biochemistry and intracellular functioning of plants is giving us insights into new management practices or allowing us to produce new and useful plant varieties. This module aims to give students a basic knowledge of plant biochemistry and cell function to allow them to start to interpret these new developments.

Essential Soil Science (half module)

The module provides the underpinning knowledge and understanding of soil science, sufficient for students to be able to recognise soil properties (in both soil samples and in the field) and their influence on plant growth and development.

Tree Biology (half module)

An understanding of tree structure and function is central to the management of trees. Students will learn the fundamentals of tree growth and development, discover how trees have adapted to different environments, gain insight into their interaction with other organisms and learn how to apply knowledge of tree biology to arboricultural practices.

Work Skills Development

This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use their industry environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.

Detailed Course Content

Click here for full details of course content, delivery and assessment including Programme Specification, Course Structure, Module Descriptors, Module Learning Plan and Reading Lists.

Assessment:

This course is designed to ensure a wide variety of assessment types are undertaken, many of which directly reflect industry-related documentation and practices. These assessment methods will include technical reports, portfolios, exams, individual presentations and laboratory/practical reports.

Links with Professional Body:

Arboriculture degree courses at Myerscough College have been accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. This Foundation Certificate provides an opportunity to progress on to completing an accredited degree course.

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for items that are essential for this course include:

Access to broadband internet and a computer (for online modules)

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for this course include:

Assessments for Industry Certificate of Competence - £621

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on this course include lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions for modules completed on campus. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support taught sessions. Students will also have access to Myerscough’s virtual learning environment and some modules may be completed entirely online using this.

Other Opportunities:

As part of the course students will undertake practical training in arboricultural operations up to a level of competency, in preparation for assessment under the City & Guilds (NPTC) skills programme. Assessment fees will be additional to course fees, as they are paid to an external awarding body.

Additional Information:

Modules may include guest speakers of standing within the industry. Off-site day visits to facilities such as arboretums, trade fairs and areas of environmental significance may also be arranged.

Work Experience:

The Work Skills Development module will use a relevant working environment to provide the opportunity for students to develop technical skills and help prepare them for employment. There is no formal industry placement on this course.

What international opportunities are available?

Myerscough College has long established relationships with arboricultural companies around the world. This has allowed many Myerscough students to obtain international experience after graduation.

Progression:

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Certificate the opportunity exists to apply to progress to the Foundation Degree.

What careers can you follow:

There are opportunities in the arboriculture industry for students with a Foundation Certificate.

Examples of possible careers include:

· Junior Arboricultural Officer

· Tree Surveyor

· Climbing Arborist

You can now APPLY ONLINE using the links on the right

How To Apply

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.

Myerscough College - general contact details Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone:01995 642222 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Individual Learning Requirements Prospective students who have a learning difficulty or disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be initiated, as appropriate. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments. If students wish to apply for a Disabled Student Allowance they need to seek advice from Student Finance England (or equivalent) which funds this provision for Higher Education Students. Please note that DSA funding is not available on all courses.

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.