Reasons to choose this course:
- Develop practical skills and experience along with the knowledge for a successful career in countryside management or further study.
- Study on our beautiful 200 hectare country estate near Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
- Fieldwork and practical modules such as land-based machinery build vocational experience highly valued by employers.
About the course
This BTEC course aims to equip students with an understanding of countryside management issues for those aspiring to enter the industry. This award could be used towards entry onto the FdSc Environmental Conservation and Countryside Management programme.
Where you study
Brackenhurst is a 200 hectare estate with conservation areas woodland, wetland, farm and grasslands. It is the perfect learning environment for land-based courses and people looking for hands-on education. The estate acts and outdoor classroom for developing practical skills and techniques associated with countryside management. We also have modern teaching facilities to support the academic side of this course.
DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme
The estate is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme that supports effective environmental management of farm land and countryside estates. Initiatives include the establishment of six metre field margins of permanent grass to protect hedgerows and ditches from fertilizer sprays and soil leaching. Over the years species of wildlife have flourished at Brackenhurst including Barn Owls, Lapwings, Yellowhammers, butterflies and moths.
For more information:
Please note the following information for applicants
Assessment
Students are assessed using a variety of methods including written assignments, oral presentations, class and practical tests.
Optional field trips
Students can attend a weekend residential field trip to Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve in November to carry out practical work on the reserve and have a chance to spend time watching migratory birds.
There is also the opportunity to attend a week-long residential field trip to the Peak District National Park, where you will spend time carrying out comparisons between Dark and White Peak vegetation, conducting heather moorland assessment surveys, using basic hill skills such as micronavigation, and investigating archaeology and landscape history.
Modules
Theory Modules:
- Archaeology and Landscape History
- Forest and Woodland Management
- Identification of Organisms
- Principles of Ecology
- Woodland Ecology
- Woodland Habitat Management.
Independent Study Modules:
- Investigative Project in the Countryside Management Sector
- Work related Experience in the Countryside Management Sector.
Practical Modules:
- Emergency First Aid
- Estate Skills
- Greenwood Crafts
- Land-based Machinery (Brushcutters and Tractors)
- Tree Felling and Chainsaws.
Your future career
Previous students have gone on to a variety of careers in rural tourism, estate management and employment with local authorities, charities or wildlife trusts. Some have secured posts as rangers and wardens for country parks and nature reserves. In some cases, students have set up their own businesses as estate workers.
This course does not currently offer placements.
Full entry requirement details
- You will need four GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science at Grade C or above or a City and Guilds National Certificate or equivalent.
- Applications are welcome from mature and international students and will be assessed on an individual basis (including those with non-traditional entry profiles).
International student entry requirements
How to apply
- Students need to complete and return an application form (available from Brackenhurst Student Administration)
- Once we have your application, we will invite you to visit Brackenhurst and meet the Programme Leader
Contact us
If you want to speak to us about this course, open days or how to apply then get in touch using the following details:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)1636 817099 (Brackenhurst campus)
Financial help
Possible financial assistance may be available to:
- those who are in receipt of Jobseekers allowance (including the partner where the claim is joint)
- those who are in receipt of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) in the work related activity group (further guidance to follow)
- learners of all ages studying their first full Level Two qualification
- 19-24 year olds studying their first full Level Three qualification
- Level Three jumpers of all ages (those taking a full Level Three without having a full Level Two qualification)
- those with learning aims that are funded as Adult Skills for Life and Functional skills in Literacy and Numeracy.
Residential Bursary
This bursary is means tested and awarded on a sliding scale depending on parent/guardian's income. You need to be holding a firm offer before applying for this and it does not cover the total cost of accommodation.
