Land and Wildlife (Gamekeeping) - Level 3

At our York Campus the Level 3 Diploma in Land and Wildlife allows students to either select a specialist Gamekeeping route or a Countryside Management route.

Study modern gamekeeping (lowland and upland) alongside wildlife and countryside management to achieve an industry recognised qualification based on practical skills and theoretical knowledge. This course is ideal for anyone with an interest in environmental conservation and management of landscape for game and wildlife.

The course is delivered by a dedicated team of tutors with industry experience and close relationships with employers, landowners and estates. Askham Bryan College provides excellent science facilities and access to most major British habitats. We have unlimited access to upland, moorland, lowland, wetland, forest and river habitats. Our York site is a mere 40 minutes from the coast and the North York Moors National Park. The course will include industry-based experience in the form of work experience one day per week.

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

Gamekeeping Features: deer management, lowland and upland gamekeeping, 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 both 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.

Courses are a mixture of theory and practical work.

Assessment: Two externally set, externally moderated assignment, one externally set, externally marked exams, sat under examination conditions, and one portfolio of evidence. Optional unit assessments as required.

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

You could go on to study a Foundation Degree in Countryside Management or further study at degree level.