Who is the Course For?
The course is designed for people who want a career as a Countryside Ranger or similar. It will help you increase your understanding and experience of the countryside. You will enhance your employment prospects through a mix of sound theory, extensive field trips and practical work. Contact with countryside professionals, such as Rangers and RSPB staff is an integral part of the course.

Entry Requirements
Applicants require a minimum of 4 Standard Grades at 3 or 4, one of which should be English. Relevant experience or an interest in conservation and the environment is advantageous. Applicants with a mature attitude seeking a change in career are welcome and will be assessed on an individual basis.

How will I Study?
The course is delivered over thirty weeks. Field trips and work placement play an important part in delivery. Students have the option of taking a Higher in Managing Environmental Resources as part of their studies.
SCQF level for this course is Level 5/6
Attendance 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Start date September

Course Content
Wildlife Conservation 1 & 2
Plant Identification
Investigating Ecosystems
Natural Resource Use
Build/Repair Drystane Dykes
Countryside Woodwork/Access Fence Construction
Countryside Recreation
Land Use in Scotland
Recreational Use of Forests
Investigating Animal Wildlife
Communication
Information Technology
First Aid Measures
Landscape Assessment
Introduction to Gamekeeping
Biodiversity in Scotland
Countryside Interpretation
Work Experience

Job Opportunities and Progression Routes
On successful completion students can advance to higher education in environmental and conservation subjects or employment in a post such as a countryside ranger.

Who is the Course For?
The course is designed for people wishing to extend their awareness and understanding of key issues related to Countryside Management including conservation, recreation and other land uses.

Duration of Study
One year full-time.
Distance Learning is an option under consideration for development – if interested please call Central Admissions to register, on 01334 658856.

Entry Requirements
Applicants should have 2 Highers at C or above or a National Certificate in a relevant subject. Practical relevant experience within the conservation area would also be an advantage. Applicants with a mature attitude seeking a change in career are welcome and will be assessed on an individual basis.

How will I Study?
The course is delivered over 3 twelve-week blocks.

SCQF level for this course is Level 7
Attendance 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Start date September

Course Content
Biology: An Introduction
Ecology: An introduction to Identification Skills for the Living World
Biodiversity Conservation
Countryside Recreation Interpretation: An Introduction
Leadership of Countryside Activities
Land Use Systems
Environmental Awareness
Earth Science: An introduction
Communication: Selecting and Presenting Complex Information
Practical use of Software Applications Packages

Job Opportunities and Progression Routes
On successful completion of the course students can progress to Higher Education courses or full or part-time posts such as countryside rangers and wardens with Scottish National Heritage.

Who is the Course For?
The course is designed for people wishing to further their understanding of key issues related to Countryside Management. It provides a detailed grounding in all aspects of the countryside including conservation, recreation and other land uses.

Duration of Study
One year full-time study following the successful completion of an HNC.

Entry Requirements
Applicants should have successfully completed an HNC in an appropriate subject. Minimum Age - 18.

How will I Study?
The course is delivered over 3 twelve-week blocks.
SCQF level for this course is Level 8
Attendance 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Start date September

Course Content
The HNC forms year 1. Year 2 is as follows.
Ecology: Principles and Practice - A practical investigation of a habitat
Problem Solving Using Teamwork and Quantitative Methods
Interpretive Principles
Education for Sustainability: Opportunities and Delivery
Countryside Visitor Management
Countryside Access: Law and Organisation.
Land Use in Practice
Quality Service and Customer Care
Developing Personal Effectiveness
History and Archaeology: An Introduction
Planning: An introduction
Information Handling and Presentation
Managing the Aquatic Environment
Applied Interpretation
Heritage Studies

Job Opportunities and Progression Routes
On successful completion of the course students can progress to a degree course or full or part-time posts such as countryside rangers and wardens with Scottish National Heritage.