Land and Wildlife (Gamekeeping) - Level 3

Study modern gamekeeping – both lowland and upland – alongside wildlife and countryside management with this industry-recognised qualification. You’ll learn the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed from expert tutors, industry placements and visits to nearby habitats, including coastlines, moorlands and forests.

Students on this course have the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of Countryside Management, while studying a shared curriculum.

Game-keeping Features: deer management, lowland and upland game-keeping, grouse moor management and shooting estate management are covered by the course. There is also the opportunity to take additional specialist qualifications such as pest and predator control, game meat hygiene and the DSC1 (deer stalking Certificate), but charges may apply.

Countryside Management Features: Ecological surveying, experience of aquatic and terrestrial environments, digital mapping and GPS technology, financial and environmental aspects of estate management and legal aspects of countryside management. Opportunities exist to take additional specialist qualifications such as ATV driving, chainsaw use and pesticide application, but charges may apply.

Whilst on the course, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience on the College’s estates and on adjoining estates. The land at Westfield Farm, York and Hedley Hall Farm, Tadcaster are available to Countryside Management students for ecological studies and as a place to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom, such as estate skills and habitat management.

Game-keeping Features: deer management, lowland and upland game-keeping, grouse moor management and shooting estate management are covered by the course. There is also the opportunity to take additional specialist qualifications such as pest and predator control, game meat hygiene and the DSC1 (deer stalking Certificate), but charges may apply.

Countryside Management Features: Ecological surveying, experience of aquatic and terrestrial environments, digital mapping and GPS technology, financial and environmental aspects of estate management and legal aspects of countryside management. Opportunities exist to take additional specialist qualifications such as ATV driving, chainsaw use and pesticide application, but charges may apply.

Whilst on the course, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience on the College’s estates and on adjoining estates. The land at Westfield Farm, York and Hedley Hall Farm, Tadcaster are available to Countryside Management students for ecological studies and as a place to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom, such as estate skills and habitat management.

Countryside Management Features: Ecological surveying, experience of aquatic and terrestrial environments, digital mapping and GPS technology, financial and environmental aspects of estate management and legal aspects of countryside management. Opportunities exist to take additional specialist qualifications such as ATV driving, chainsaw use and pesticide application, but charges may apply.

Whilst on the course, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience on the College’s estates and on adjoining estates. The land at Westfield Farm, York and Hedley Hall Farm, Tadcaster are available to Countryside Management students for ecological studies and as a place to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom, such as estate skills and habitat management.

Students are to complete a minimum of 315 hour in their first year and 150 hours in their second year. The onus on finding a work placement is on the learner and students are encouraged to find their own work experience in a role that they are interested in. Work placement co-ordinators are on hand to help and may be able to suggest places to try.

Students often look for a placement with industry-related organisations such as local shooting estates , game farms , conservation organisations National Parks , wildlife charities – RSPB etc

4 GCSEs at grade 4 (old GCSE grade C) or above, to include 2 from English, Maths or Science with at least a grade 3 (old GCSE grade D) in the remaining subject. Alternatively a suitable Level 2 vocational qualification (Merit or above) with English, Maths and Science at Level 2.

Example of possible future career roles include:

Gamekeeper

River keeper

Game stalker

Conservation warden

National Park warden

Game warden

Progression and Development Sessions

All students enrolled on a Level 2 or Level 3 course will be required to attend Progression and Development sessions every week. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics from careers and employability, British Values and equality and diversity to essential life skills such as mental health and wellbeing, drugs and alcohol and personal safety.