Level 3 Diploma in Countryside Management & Wildlife Conservation

This study programme is designed to help you move quickly toward advanced jobs, higher education, or apprenticeship opportunities if you know what you want to do next and meet the entry requirements needed for success.

Achieving a Level 3 qualification will improve your future earning potential and career choices. It also allows you to progress to Higher Education, Higher Apprenticeships, and Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead to roles like advanced technician or skilled supervisor at Level 3, and eventually to management or professional status as you continue your studies.

To study at Level 3, including all T Level and A Level programmes, you will need an average entry score of 5.0 from your best 6 GCSE subjects, ideally including English and Maths.

The assessments are designed to test your knowledge of the environmental and land-based sector and ensure you are ready for your next steps.

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and external examinations.

For internal assessments you will complete reports, essays, projects, investigations and practical observation assessments.

Upon completion, you will be well prepared to progress into employment within the land-based and environmental sector or continue your studies at university.

Many students choose to progress to degrees in areas such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation, Wildlife Management or other related environmental disciplines.

Attending progression fairs will give you the opportunity to speak directly with universities, employers and industry professionals, helping you explore higher education options and plan your next steps with confidence.

Whether your goal is university, an apprenticeship or employment, this course provides a strong foundation for your future in the sector.

Level 3 learner, Phoebe, is aiming to study at university and has appreciated the support in College:

“The progression fair has been really helpful as I’ve been thinking about my personal statement, and how I can make it stand out. I’ve been able to speak to students who are doing the exact some course I’m looking at, so they’ve given me some tips and have helped me feel more confident about my application.”

There are no fees for this course if you are under 18.

If you are aged 19 or above, please contact us for more information about fees and funding.

From working with industry partners locally to exploring specialist environments further afield, we offer a variety of trips that will give you a deeper insight into the wider land-based sector.

Recent highlights include collaborating with Lees Court Estate, a stunning 6,900-acre property, alongside trips to the New Forest to explore natural habitats.

By taking part in trips and working with local employers, you will discover different areas of the industry and begin to shape the direction you would like to pursue after your time at College.

We also visit universities locally and further afield, so that you can explore higher education, experience university life and see what courses are available to support your next steps.

Communication, teamwork and leadership skills are also developed through social action projects that take place throughout the year. These projects help to make a positive difference locally, with previous examples including conservation focused activities.

Every year we also open up our Spring Lane Campus, inviting the community to meet our animals and explore our facilities, while raising money for organisations across East Kent. During these events, you become the expert, demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of the plants and wildlife you have learnt to care for during your studies.

You will be required to wear PPE for practical activities, which you may need to buy prior to joining the course.

More details, full costs and financial support can be discussed at an Applicant Day.