Course Overview
This course will help you develop a comprehensive overview of the countryside, wildlife and conservation industry. It encompasses practical techniques, technical skills and core knowledge. This course is delivered through classroom-based lessons, practical sessions and tutorials, and you undertake 150 hours of relevant work experience each year.
Topics may include:
- Professional working responsibilities
- Plant and soil science
- Work experience in the land-based sector
- Countryside estate skills activities
- Managing environmental habitats
- Wildlife ecology and conservation management
- Countryside recreation
- Land-based machinery operation
- Woodland management
- Identification, planting, and care of trees.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is through practical work, written assignments, examinations and online testing, presentations and projects.
Progression Options
The course provides an ideal progression route to higher education opportunities, such as the Foundation Degree in Animal Management, Ecology and Conservation pathways available at University Centre Somerset.
With related practical experience, you could find employment within the extensive countryside and conservation sector. Opportunities exist within private estates, nature reserves, Government and non-Government organisations, charities, contractors and possible self-employment.
Roles such as Reserve Assistant, Ranger or Warden are common career plans. Some examples of employers include the National Trust, RSPB, WWT, and Wildlife Trusts.
Entry Requirements
You need five GCSEs in the 9 to 4 range, including English and maths, or to have completed a Level 2 qualification in Countryside Management (or equivalent) at Merit grade. Entry is subject to a successful interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
