Course modules
Year 1
Academic and Vocational Skills
This module aims to develop academic, practical and technical skills utilising first-hand experience within a relevant work environment.
Applied Tree Biology
This module aims to develop a thorough knowledge of tree growth and development, tree morphology and anatomy and tree adaptation to a range of environmental conditions. The module will explore the relationship between trees and a range of organisms (e.g. mammals, insects, fungi, bacteria) and allow students to apply sound biological knowledge to cultural and management practices.
Arboricultural Practices
This module aims to promote sustainable practice within the arboricultural industry by providing students with a comprehensive understanding of current techniques and equipment used in a range of arboricultural operations.
Dendrology
This module aims to provide the necessary botanical skills to be able to identify a mixture of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants of significance in arboriculture, with some bias towards those most relevant in the UK. It also aims to teach students to understand the importance of a tree’s morphology, ecology, form and function, and cultural associations in tree selection and in conservation.
Essential Plant and Soil Science
This module aims to provide students with the essential knowledge of plants and soils needed to allow successful management of plant growth and development, concentrating on what plants require from the environment and how these materials are used as well as the properties and importance of soil in supporting plant growth. The module also aims to develop student’s skills in collection, analysis and presentation of data.
Tree Production, Establishment and Biosecurity
This module aims to introduce students to the best industry standards and techniques in the production, movement, selection, planting and establishment of trees in a range of situations and environments from single trees in an urban environment to large forestry scale plantings.
Year 2
Environmental Plant Physiology
This module builds upon the knowledge of plants gained in previous plant science modules. It aims to extend your understanding of how plants interact with their environment and relate this to the management practices employed in your particular industry. It will also consider how plant physiology is influenced by changes in environmental conditions, such as those associated with climate change, and how changes in a plants environment lead to changes and adaptations to plant processes that allow them to survive in a range of different environments.
Industry Project
You will use the skills developed in earlier modules to identify a suitable industry related project. Through planning, executing and then reporting on the project outcomes, you will be encouraged to use the industry project to develop your own personal skills as well as professional working relationships with industry contacts. Theories and skills of project management will be developed through supporting lectures.
Pests, Diseases and Weeds
This module aims to deliver the basic diagnostic skills, pathology knowledge and understanding of disease management expected of professional practitioners in the areas of arboriculture, horticulture or turf grass. The module will introduce the range of organisms that can damage plants and then explore the characteristics of each category of organism in some detail. Current theories in pathology and pest management will be explored and a range of case studies, where pathological theory can be related to specific pest and disease situations will be investigated.
Research Methods
The research methods module will enable you to develop a scientific approach to problem solving, which can act as a firm foundation for appraising research throughout your careers. You will gain an understanding of appropriate and inappropriate experimental design and this will enable a critical evaluation of investigational methodology and so enable you to both conduct, and evaluate the quality of investigations in your area of study.
Tree Management and the Law
An appreciation of the law and the legal framework as it relates to trees and the wider environment is important to anybody working in arboriculture. This is especially the case when conducting tree inspections for the purposes of a tree health assessment, doing risk assessments, carrying out development site surveys and considering tree protection. The module will introduce methodology for the assessment of tree condition and the interpretation of biological, structural, environmental and historical data. Techniques for preventing or mitigating arboricultural impacts will be evaluated and their merits debated. Emphasis will be placed on the development of reasoned argument to support tree management decisions. Current mapping technologies to accurately represent trees in relation to their local environment will also be used.
Woodland and Veteran Tree Management
Woodlands provide many potential environmental, economic and social benefits and may be variously used for conservation, recreation and amenity. You will gain an insight into how woodland management practices vary according to the objectives of management, and draw up your own woodland management plan to suit a defined set of management objectives. The veteran trees that enhance both our rural and urban landscapes also need to be managed appropriately. The module aims to give you an understanding of the value and appropriate management of these valuable trees.
Business Development and Planning (Option)
This module will allow you to examine the business process and develop key business skills. Students will take an enterprising idea forward to formulate a successful business plan. Students will research, develop and present a sustainable business with reference to market research. The module will equip students with creative thinking and innovation skills and challenge them to find solutions for a sustainable business enterprise.
Entry requirements & additional information
- Entry requirements
- Learning and assessment
- Progression
- Careers
- Professional accreditations
- Special requirements
Entry requirements
5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)
Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:
- 2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
- BTEC/C&G Level 3
- 2 Scottish Highers at C or above
- 3 Irish Highers at C or above
- International Baccalaureate at 24 points
- NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
- Access to HE Diploma in a relevant discipline
AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview
Learning and assessment
Learning and Assessment:
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops.
Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
This course is designed to ensure a wide variety of assessment types are undertaken, many of which directly reflect industry-related documentation and practices. These assessment methods will include technical reports, portfolios, individual presentations, laboratory/practical reports and identification tests.
Additional Information:
Modules may include guest speakers of standing within the industry or off-site visits to facilities such as arboretums, trade fairs and areas of environmental significance.
There is also additional cost for students who wish to undertake training towards nationally recognised practical skills and competences through the Academic and Vocational Skills. Chainsaw trousers and boots are required for students who wish to take advantage of this practical training and many students choose to purchase their own.
Advice and guidance will be given within the early weeks to ensure correct personal protective equipment is purchased. Students who wish to undertake the external NPTC competence tests following the training will also incur an additional cost for the assessment.
What Work Experience can I get?
The Academic and Vocational Skills module will use a relevant working environment to provide the opportunity for students to develop technical skills and help prepare them for employment.
There is no formal industry placement on this course but there may be opportunities at the end of the course, for students to undertake work experience or internships with employers throughout the UK and overseas.
Progression
On successful completion of the course, students may apply to study the second year of the Foundation Degree.
Careers
There are opportunities in the arboriculture industry for students with a Foundation Certificate.
Examples of possible careers include:
- Arboricultural Officer
- Tree Surveyor
- Climbing Arborist
- Team leader
- Lecturer in arboriculture
- Arboricultural contracts manager
Professional accreditations
Arboriculture degree courses at Myerscough College have been accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. This Foundation degree provides an opportunity to progress on to completing an accredited degree course.
Special requirements
Extra Costs:
Additional costs for items that are optional for the course:
- Chainsaw boots and trousers - £500 approx.
Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:
- Assessments for Industry Certificate of Competence - £400 approx