Course Overview
Follow in the footsteps of gamekeepers, stalkers and industry professionals who have a hugely positive impact on the countryside. You’ll develop practical skills in game management and estate maintenance, working on our 360-hectare campus and take part in the ongoing restoration of our ancient woodland.
This two-year course will develop your knowledge and understanding of the game industry. The mix of theoretical and practical learning will prepare you for a successful career in your chosen field.
Achieve a merit or above in Level 3 National Foundation Diploma Countryside Management, grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language and Mathematics and receive a satisfactory reference from course tutor.
Alongside undertaking activities such as lowland game keeping, you’ll strengthen your understanding of:
- Countryside Recreation
- Managing Countryside Visitor Activities
- Controlling Firearm Safety in the Land-based Sector
- Management of Deer in the UK
- Managing a Shoot
You'll focus on deer and other game species, learning how to control pests and predators for the benefit of the countryside and game.
You’ll also undertake an extended woodland management project to develop your skills in woodland management for conservation purposes as well as to benefit game.
You could also gain additional experience, completing courses including ATV, Chainsaw Competence, and the Safe Shot Certificate. Our strong links with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the National Gamekeepers Association provide excellent industry connections for students, helping to ensure they’re career ready.
On completion, you should have a thorough understanding of your subject and be ready to progress into full employment.
Course Overview
Course information
Follow in the footsteps of gamekeepers, stalkers and industry professionals who have a hugely positive impact on the countryside. You’ll develop practical skills in game management and estate maintenance, working on our 360-hectare campus and take part in the ongoing restoration of our ancient woodland.
This two-year course will develop your knowledge and understanding of the game industry. The mix of theoretical and practical learning will prepare you for a successful career in your chosen field.
Entry requirements
Achieve a merit or above in Level 3 National Foundation Diploma Countryside Management, grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language and Mathematics and receive a satisfactory reference from course tutor.
What you'll study
Alongside undertaking activities such as lowland game keeping, you’ll strengthen your understanding of:
- Countryside Recreation
- Managing Countryside Visitor Activities
- Controlling Firearm Safety in the Land-based Sector
- Management of Deer in the UK
- Managing a Shoot
You'll focus on deer and other game species, learning how to control pests and predators for the benefit of the countryside and game.
You’ll also undertake an extended woodland management project to develop your skills in woodland management for conservation purposes as well as to benefit game.
Career and education opportunities
You could also gain additional experience, completing courses including ATV, Chainsaw Competence, and the Safe Shot Certificate. Our strong links with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the National Gamekeepers Association provide excellent industry connections for students, helping to ensure they’re career ready.
On completion, you should have a thorough understanding of your subject and be ready to progress into full employment.
Why study Agriculture at Hartpury College?
Whether you’re studying Agriculture, Engineering, Farm Mechanisation or Gamekeeping, our 500-hectare farm estate will be your classroom. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in every aspect of farming and estate operation; whether it’s milking in the dairy unit, maintaining farm machinery or active participation in routine farm and gamekeeping duties.
Why study Agriculture at Hartpury College?
Whether you’re studying Agriculture, Engineering, Farm Mechanisation or Gamekeeping, our 500-hectare farm estate will be your classroom. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in every aspect of farming and estate operation; whether it’s milking in the dairy unit, maintaining farm machinery or active participation in routine farm and gamekeeping duties.
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.8% pass-rate
With a BTEC pass rate of 99.8% (Hartpury College 2024), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
Similar courses
Level 3 Foundation Diploma Countryside Management (Gamekeeping)
Develop an in-depth understanding across a wide range of agricultural subjects on our 360-hectare classroom. Work with livestock and arable on our working farm. Experience the agriculture industry first-hand and develop your skills with external work experience.
Level 2 Diploma Agriculture
Get career-ready by learning in a 360-hectare classroom and working with livestock and arable on our working farm. Experience the agriculture industry first-hand and develop your skills with external work experience.
Level 3 Extended Certificate Countryside Management (Gamekeeping)
Follow in the footsteps of gamekeepers, stalkers and industry professionals who have a hugely positive impact on the countryside. This course will develop your knowledge and understanding of the game industry. The mix of theoretical and practical learning will prepare you for a successful career in your chosen field.
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