I first visited Sparsholt on an open day and really liked what I saw, from the yard itself to the various demonstrations going on. I’m not a big fan of exams, so having practical assessments and coursework suited me well. I also liked the small class sizes as the teachers have more time for you. The course was really interesting and I’m now doing the BSc top-up.

Even with a subject that sounds quite technical, the teacher finds an angle to get you interested and I’ve ........

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I graduated from Sparsholt College in 2007, having spent two incredibly rewarding years studying for a Foundation Degree in Garden Design. The course provided me with knowledge and understanding of what to expect of a career as a Garden Designer, and after the required two years of studying I had gained a wide range of knowledge and skills; a great base upon which to build as I ventured out into the working world.
 
Since graduating, I have gone on to set-up my own business; &l........

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After three years of challenging, yet enjoyable work, it was a fantastic sense of achievement when I was awarded my BSc (Hons) in Garden Design.

Since then I’ve relocated to Gibraltar where I’m developing a design business of my own and working alongside the horticultural team at the Alameda Botanic Gardens. In this diverse environment I’m continuing to learn the practical skills and techniques for organic and sustainable design, and to help protect an ecological syst........

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I decided to go into engineering because of my very keen interest in cars...some might call it an obsession and enrolled on the Automotive Vehicle course Level 2 (now Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) Level 2: Certificate in Vehicle Service & Repair).

I knew it would be tough but on the day of the interview and tour of the College, I immediately felt at ease and knew I'd enjoy studying the couse and becoming a student. Since then, I have learned more than I imagined.

I was v........

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I have worked at West Midland Safari Park since 1979 and have always loved my job. When I saw an advertisement for Sparsholt's FdSc degree in Zoo Resource Management, it seemed the ideal course for allowing my study to be combined with full-time work.

The College has excellent resources such as IT, a well stocked library, interesting and relevant guest speakers and most important of all excellent tutorial support. Even when away from College, the tutors were always available to answer ........

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Ant Watkins graduated from Sparsholt College Hampshire with a Higher National Diploma in Fishery Studies & Fishery Management (this course has now been superseded by the Foundation Degree).

He went on to work as an aquatic ecologist for the environmental consultancy division of Jacobs Babtie at their Fawley laboratory, near Southampton. Ant is also a keen angler and here shows off a 19 lb pike from the River Avon.

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I still remember my ‘moment of clarity’ well...

I was in a traffic jam on my way to work. As a lifelong angler, and general ‘outdoors’ person, I wondered how I had managed to end up working in a large office dealing with accounts and insurance. Then aged 26, my mind wandered back to when I had visited Sparsholt College for an open day after leaving school at 16. Where would I have been now if I had chosen a different career path? My resignation letter almost beg........

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In 2008, I left full time employment to embark on a challenging, but exciting journey; to study a Foundation Degree in Lowland Woodland Management at Sparsholt.

With a really good reputation, and close enough to my home to make the commute a viable one, Sparsholt was an obvious choice for me. The College has great facilities, lending great scope to the potential for exploring the practical elements of the course. The learning resources too are fantastic, the library in my opinion parti........

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I started at Sparsholt College not really understanding the industry I was entering, although wanting a career where I could work outside. My eyes were soon opened to a whole new world of trees. Work experience showed me there was a lot more to arboriculture than just climbing tree and following this I gained a permanent position with an arboricultural consultant. This led me to expanding my academic qualification and carrying on to the degree course.

My time at Sparsholt has........

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During a gap year between A Levels and taking up a place at Bristol University to study geography I spent a lot of time riding and competing to quite a high level. Towards the end of my gap year I became concerned that my riding would suffer from going to university and became less and less willing to go. It became clear that working with horses was what I wanted to do and what I enjoyed doing. I decided I was not willing to sacrifice this for the sake of going to uni........

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I first started at Sparsholt College back in 1999 when I enrolled on an HND in Equine Studies and graduated in 2001. I went to work for a large financial services company and loved my new found wealth and sufficiency. However, four years down the line I felt like I was going nowhere and could not see myself doing the same job when I was 50. Something had to be done.

I had always wanted to finish my degree but I had been caught up in the rat race and did not feel confiden........

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In 2007, and prior to enrolling on the BSc in Animal Management, I’d completed a National Diploma in Animal Management. It was after only a year away though, that I found myself missing the unique learning environment and specialist facilities Sparsholt offers. So in 2008, I decided to further my education at the College, by enrolling on the BSc in Animal Management.

My favourite element of the course has been the amount of hands-on experience we’re given, such as lambing, ........

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I worked with horses when I left school, but following a bad accident I was advised to take up an alternative career and I found myself working for 15 years as a personnel manager in the Ministry of Defence!

Fortunately the injury healed well and I was able to continue riding and working with horses on a casual basis. I decided to return to the equine Industry to work and resigned from the Civil Service once my place had been confirmed on the HND Equine Studies cour........

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I have really enjoyed my time on the course at Sparsholt and I’ve been a part of a great group of people. The course has been really beneficial for me as we have covered all aspects of sport which has prepared me for the future.

In September I am going to Chichester University to study Sports Coaching Science and the course at Sparsholt has really prepared me for this as it has developed me as an independent learner and has provided me with valuable coaching experience. Other uni........

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When I starting looking at universities I found Sparsholt had the best veterinary nursing facilities compared to the others I visited. The Animal Management Centre had a wide variety of species for practicals and there were also amazing library resources and a dedicated Veterinary Nursing Centre.  I also like the fact there is lots of green outdoor space on and around campus.

I met some great new friends for life here and enjoyed the mix of study time and practical experience thro........

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