Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 9-4, including Science, English and Maths.
You must be aged 17 or over at the start of the course due to age restrictions on chainsaw use. There are no exceptions to this rule. Mature students may be considered with alternative qualifications or experience.
What will I learn?
- Over the duration of the course, you will cover:
- Principles of plant and soil science
- Tree and shrub pruning and maintenance
- Tree felling and chainsaw use
- Tree identification
- Pests and diseases of trees
- Woodland habitat management
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed via a range of methods including external and internal assessment as well as an employer led project as part of your extended industry work placement.
What can I study next?
The specialist pathway route in Agriculture, Land Management and Production will open several opportunities within the land-based sector including careers in Agriculture such as a Farmer, Agricultural Engineer or Farm Management. Other routes into the Arboriculture and Horticulture industries could lead to opportunities such as a Forestry Worker, Countryside Ranger or Landscaper.
• FdSc/BSc in Arboriculture
• FdSc in Woodland/Forestry Management
• BSc in Woodland/Forestry Management
• Level 4 Arboriculture
• Level 6 Arboriculture
This course gives you the UCAS tariff points for entry to university. Complete a full Level 3 qualification with us and we’ll guarantee you an offer of a place on one of our relevant University Centre Sparsholt degree courses. Admissions Terms & Conditions apply – for full details go to Sparsholt.ac.uk/university-centre
Careers
- Climbing arborist
- Tree Surveyor
- Conservation work
- Local authority (assistant tree officer)
- Arboretum/woodland/estate work
- Forester
- Employment with the Forestry Commission or Woodland Trust
Optional Additional Qualifications
- Tree climbing and aerial rescue (CS38)
- Chainsaw maintenance and crosscutting (CS30)
- Tree felling (CS31)
- Stump grinders
- Woodchippers
- Tractor Driving (Forestry pathway)
- Brushcutters/Polesaws (Forestry pathway)
- Hedge Trimmers (Forestry pathway)
Enrichment
Study+ at Sparsholt College allows you to engage in a range of activities that will enrich your student experience whilst studying at the college. The activities range from Digital Wellbeing and Literacy to our Beekeeping Society, British Sign Language, Wall Climbing and even additional Maths+ and English+ sessions to help you with your entire study program. All students will also be provided with the opportunity of joining the Student Government or Student Council which meets to discuss matters close to student’s hearts and make an active change on campus to matters such as sustainability and student experience.
Facilities
Sparsholt College has a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities including new projects like a Robotic Milking Parlour and Agritech Centre being built specifically for the introduction of the T Level in Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care in September 2023. Sparsholt College also has many existing facilities that you will experience whilst studying the T Level, such as the Animal Health Welfare and Research Centre, the Fullbore rifle range, Sawmill, Horticultural facilities, Equine Centre and Sika Deer Pen.