A course in countryside studies at BCA is for anyone who has a passion for the environment and conservation. You will be able to gain a qualification that combines knowledge and practical skills to enhance employment opportunities, or to enable you to progress on to a higher qualification.
The programmes at BCA 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. Whilst a practical based subject area, understanding of theories behind current practices is essential.
Courses cover a range of disciplines from estate skills and habitat management through to environmental issues and policies, and environmental science.
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Courses available: Click on a course to find out more
Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Horticulture)
Level 2 Diploma in Countryside
Level 3 Extended Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma in Countryside
Level 2 Diploma in Aboriculture
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aboriculture
Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Horticulture) (1 year)
The aim of this qualification is to provide a sound knowledge and skills base which will allow progression to further learning or qualifications, or into employment opportunities.
Programme content
- Safe and effective working practice in the land-based Industries
- Develop performance in the land-based industries
- Contribute to the establishment of plants
- Contribute to the maintenance of plants
- Contribute to the propagation of plants
- Introduction to wildlife and conservation
- Contribute to the construction and maintenance of structures and surfaces
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade E and above, or an Entry Certificate.
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Assessment method
Safe and effective working practice in the land-based Industries is assessed by an online test. All other modules are assessed by assignments.
Equipment needed
All students will require safety boots, folders, gloves and a warm weatherproof jacket.
Progression
Successful students who have completed this course at a Merit Level and achieved a Functional Skills qualification may progress onto the Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture.
Employment opportunities
The Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies can give you the basic skills and knowledge you need to train in land-based occupations, such as a gardener or landscaper.
Level 2 Diploma in Countryside (1 year)
This course builds on the Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Horticulture) to enhance your basic knowledge and practical skills to enable you to become a ranger or estate worker. It is ideal for those who are interested in making a career with environmental and conservational industries.
Programme content
- Work experience
- Environmental and land-based businesses
- Estate maintenance
- Ecological surveys and techniques
- Conservation and improvement of British habitats
- Introduction to practical forestry skills
150 hours of work experience are required.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade D and above (certain subjects may be specified), or Level 1 Diploma, BTEC Introductory Certificate or NVQ Level 1 or equivalent.
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Assessment method
All units are assessed by assignments.
Equipment needed
All students will require safety boots, folders, gloves and a warm weatherproof jacket.
Progression
Successful completion at Merit Level can lead to progression onto the Level 3 Diploma in Countryside.
Employment opportunities
This course gives learners the opportunity to go into the land-based sector, in roles such as countryside rangers, conservation officers, ecologists and estate managers.
Level 3 Extended Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma in Countryside (2 years)
These courses expand on environmental education obtained at Level 2, for those who wish to become an estate manager, tree officer or conservation officer.
Programme content
- Undertake and review work related experience in the
land-based industries
- Understand the principles and carry out the practice of wildlife population surveys, ecology and conservation
- Undertake estate skills
- Undertaking farm habitat management
- Undertaking land-based machinery operations
- Understand the principles of plant science
- Understanding woodland management
- Understanding organism identification
- Understanding the principles of forest recreation
- Understanding freshwater and wetland management
- Understand the principles of soil science
300 hours of work experience must be obtained within the countryside industry.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade C or above, or the Level 2 Diploma in Countryside at Merit level.
Entrance for mature students will be dependent upon experience.
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Assessment method
All units are assessed by assignments.
Equipment needed
All students will require safety boots, folders, gloves and a warm weatherproof jacket.
Progression
Successful completion can lead into Higher Education university courses or employment.
Employment opportunities
This course gives learners the opportunity to go into the land-based sector, in roles such as countryside rangers, conservation officers, ecologists and estate managers.
Level 2 Diploma in Aboriculture
This course provides the knowledge and skills training
required by those aspiring to a career in the tree care
industry. There is growing recognition for the need for tree
work in the context of both leisure and conservation and
this course has been designed to meet the increasing
need for skilled workers in an expanding industry which
relates to the care of individual trees.
Programme content
- Tree climbing, tree surgery and pruning
- Tree planting and management
- Horticultural science
- Supervisory management
- Health and safety
- Machinery operations and tree felling
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aboriculture
The Extended Diploma course will help you to prepare
for a possible supervisory role in arboriculture and fully
prepare you for all aspects of arboriculture. Assessment
is by means of assignments, practical assessments,
tree identifications and pest and disease identifications.
You will develop a wide range of arboriculture skills and
knowledge which will enable you to pursue a broad range
of employment opportunities within local authorities,
the Forestry Commission, national gardens, large private
gardens, self employment or higher education.
Programme content
- Tree establishment and protection
- Arboriculture – tree identification, planting and
care/dismantling - Tree pests and diseases
- Forest and woodland management
- Tree surveys and reports
- Tree felling and chainsaw use
- Business management for land-based industries
- Work related experience in the forestry and
arboricultural sector - Principles of land-based machinery
- Urban and community forestry
- Tree biology
- Land-based machinery operations
