BTEC National Diploma in Fish Management (Ornamental Fish)

This course has been designed in conjuction with the aquatics industry to provide scientifically-based, practical training for those who wish to pursue a career in the technical or managerial areas of aquatics retailing/wholesaling or public aquariums.

The National Diploma is a two-year, Level 3 course, which includes a significant period of practical experience in the industry. These placements allow the students to gain either a broad overview of the different components of the industry or to specialise in a particular field. For the keen student, full-time job offers often follow work experience.

The course covers a wide range of subjects and practical skills, including business management, water quality and environmental studies, plant and fish biology and husbandry, construction techniques, health and safety at work, fish health, aquatics systems and technology, and pond design and installation.

Much of the practical work takes place in the National Aquatics Training Centre, which houses both cold water and tropical ornamental fish. It provides opportunities for students to construct, monitor and maintain a variety of fish-holding and filtration systems. However, staff and students have access to many fish shops, wholesale businesses and public aquaria across southern England.

Additional skills and qualifications

When your learning agreement is discussed with your tutor early in the first term, you will be advised of extra skills and qualifications that are build into the course programme. These secondary learning goals are selected on the basis of their importance to the industry/career in which you are interested. They will contribute to your employability and enhance your CV.

Qualification equivalence (Level 3)

This course is equivalent in level to an Advanced GNVQ or three A Levels.

Employment and career prospects

Prospects for employment are good with many past students now established in responsible positions.

Holders of the Diploma now run ornamental retail premises or work in public aquariums and museums. A number of former students have established successful pond building and landscaping businesses.

Opportunities also exist for more advanced study with an increasing number of students continuing onto Higher Education courses.

The course has the involvement, support and respect of the industry nationally which is keen to take on Sparsholt-trained staff.

Preferred entry requirements

Candidates should have five GCSEs at A, B or C grades (or equivalent), including English, with mathematics and a science subject being desirable.

Twelve months pre-College employment in a relevant area (and satisfactory references) is useful for potential students, but not essential.

Students may also apply with an appropriate BTEC First Diploma course qualification.

Mature students are considered on an individual basis.


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Course Facts at a glance:

Duration:

2 Years

Tutor:

Dan Gale, NDFMS, Cert. Ed.