Course overview
Forestry involves sustainably managing trees and woodlands in rural areas for a range of benefits, including commercial and social.
This course builds on skills and knowledge gained on the Certificate in Forestry course or from relevant work experience. The course covers a broad range of topics balanced with strong practical content and is aimed students wishing to work at an advanced technical level in forestry and arboriculture, for example tree climbers, machine operators and site supervisors.
You'll work in the woodlands and trees on the college grounds and local estates using specialist machinery and equipment like forwarders, decay detection software and a range of modern climbing equipment to gain sound practical experience in the subject. You will also benefit from our well-established links within the industry which have already helped many students obtain work experience and employment.
Course description
Your core topics on this course include plant identification, chainsaw felling operations, machinery maintenance and repair, and use of GIS/GPS in forestry and treework.
Some new topics are introduced like forest measurement and thinning, tree surveys and silviculture.
You’ll get the chance to specialise in arboriculture (tree surgery) or forestry. The arboriculture route concentrates on practical aerial treework while the forestry route focusses more on machinery operation.
A mix of classroom sessions, field trips and practical training, will teach you about forestry and treework, tree pests and diseases and how your machinery works.
Through project work and exercises, you’ll be able to work on communication, mathematics and computer skills.
You'll also have the chance to undertake industry certification, such as forest machine operations, felling operations, tree climbing, aerial rescue and aerial cutting.
Entry requirements
Admission to this course is either through the satisfactory completion of the Certificate in Forestry or via direct entry with appropriate experience in other employment sectors.
Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of 3 National 5s including English, Maths, Geography or a science subject. You should be 17 years of age or older to start this course.
Mature students considering a career change are encouraged to apply.
Course options
Course Type: Full-time
Details
Venue details
Barony Campus
Parkgate
Dumfries