A course in countryside studies at BCA is for anyone who has a passion for the environment around them and a strong desire to protect it now, and for future generations.
The programmes are intended for those learners with an interest in gaining both the practical and theoretical skills to enable either full time employment or progression onto higher qualifications. They cover a range of disciplines from estate skills and habitat management through to environmental issues and policies, and environmental science. They offer students many employment opportunities from countryside rangers and conservation officers, to ecologists and estate managers.
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Courses available: Click on a course to find out more
Level 1 BTEC in Land and Environment
Level 2 BTEC in Countryside and Environment
Level 3 BTEC in Countryside Management
Level 1 BTEC in Land and Environment (1 year)
This one year full-time programme is designed to encourage you to develop the personal skills and qualities you need for work, learning and to help you achieve your full potential. This practical “hands on” programme is taught in the context of real jobs and careers in this vocational sector. It will give you the chance to explore the opportunities offered in this area, and to acquire the appropriate vocational skills.
Programme Content
The programme consists of eight units and these are all taught and assessed within the working environment of the College estate:
Starting Work in the Land-based Industries
Working Safely in the Land-based Industries
Skills Development in Land-based Industries
Personal Effectiveness
Financial Management
Plants and Soil
Horticulture
Landbased Machinery Operations
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs at Grade E or above or an Entry Certificate equivalent.
Progression
Successful completion provides progression onto higher level programmes.
Level 2 BTEC in Countryside and Environment
(1 year)
An ideal programme to introduce students to a range of countryside activities and practises.
Programme Content
The programme develops a basic knowledge of the countryside industry and can be used as a foundation for further study. Countryside knowledge and skills are developed using a combination of practical instruction, lectures, assignments and project work. A number of core subjects are studied along with the specialist module, which is Countryside Skills. The programme is 60% theory and 40% practical.
Core Subjects and Skills:
Work Related Experience in Countryside and Environment
A unit that will enable you to gain practical experience on a relevant work placement for 3 weeks.
Countryside and Environment Industry and Organisations
A unit that will enable you to gain knowledge of how the land-based sector is set up and the key organisations and businesses involved.
Specialist Modules:
Practical Land-based Skills
A unit that will enable you to gain practical experience of the types of
estate skills needed in the industry and the
associated Health and Safety aspects.
Conservation and Improvement of British
Habitats
A unit that will enable you to
gain knowledge and experience of how to manage
and maintain habitats for conservation purposes.
Countryside Access and Recreation
A unit that
will enable you to understand the types of recreation that take place in the countryside and the potential issues that they may cause.
Ecology of Trees, Woods and Forests
A unit that will enable the learner to see the intricate links within a woodland ecosystem along with gaining the ability to identify a number of common species and learn how they grow and develop.
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs at Grade D or above, or BTEC Level 1 in Countryside at Merit level.
You will need to satisfy our Programme Tutor of your commitment and ability to benefit from the programme and show the motivation and aptitude to succeed in a land-based career.
Progression
Job opportunities might include practical employment on estates, in country parks and with local councils. Students achieving a merit or distinction would gain entry to the National Diploma in Countryside Management.
Level 3 BTEC in Countryside Management
(2 year)
This course is a two-year programme that introduces learners to a wide range of disciplines within the countryside management sector. This is a level 3 qualification and is the equivalent of three A levels; as such this makes it an ideal choice for the learner who wants a direct route into employment or higher level study within this industry. The course is assessed through assignments and is taught using a combination of practical activities, lectures, projects and student-led work.
This programme is 25% practical and 75% theory.
Programme Content
The subjects covered within the course can vary greatly and give a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of disciplines that will be essential in industry. Previous learners have gained employment with organisations such as the National Trust, Local Authorities, Country Parks, Wildlife Groups and other private businesses.
Core Units:
Investigative Project in the Countryside Sector
Principles of Ecology
Land-based Estate Construction, Repair and Maintenance Skills
Work Related Experience in the Countryside Management Sector
Specialist Units:
Principles of Plant and Soil Science
Environmental Issues and Policies
Greenwood Crafts
Land Use and Policies
Environmental Interpretation in the Land-based Industries
Physical and Biological Environmental Processes
Freshwater and Wetland Management
Urban Habitat Conservation
Sustainable Development
Woodland Ecology
Woodland Habitat Management
Tree Establishment and Protection
Plant Use and Protection
Identification of Organisms
Entry Requirements
You should possess one or more of the following:
- Four passes at GCSE Grade C or above (to include Maths, Science and English)
- BTEC Level 2 in Countryside ) or First Diploma in Countryside (at merit level
These conditions may be modified for mature candidates or for those with previous practical experience and training.
Progression
On successful completion of the programme, you would be able to progress to a Higher Education programme.
Employment Opportunities
On completion of the programme you should be able to perform a range of work activities, some complex and non routine, often while controlling or guiding others. For those entering the industry, management posts are possible after further experience.
