Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management (Countryside Pathway)

The extended year of the course focuses on applying principles form the first year of the course to specific habitat management and looks into practices that can be used to manage these specific habitats. There is also a theme of planning for and addressing countryside access, recreation and tourism into habitat management activities.

You will spend 2 days a week in college and also take part in 150 hours of work placement.

• Farm, heath and grassland habitat management
• Forest and countryside access, tourism and recreation
• Investigative project
• Work experience
• Environmental processes
• Plus an additional optional choice module

There is a range of possible employment opportunities, some may depend on further study. Possible jobs include:
• Ecologist or environmental surveyor
• Countryside Ranger
• Environmental education officer
• Volunteer coordinator for an environmental charity
• Contractor for an environmental contracting firm
• Grounds maintenance for a major organisation such as the National Trust

Below are just some of the job roles our recent Land & Wildlife students have gone on to get:
• Ranger with the National Trust
• Volunteer Coordinator with Tyne Rovers Trust
• Self-employed ecological consultant working with the MoD and other large landowners
• Assistant Ranger and a Reserve Assistant with the RSPB.
• Apprentice Ranger with the North Yorks Moors National Park
• Groundskeeper with the local authority
• Invasive Species Manager with the Orkney Native Wildlife Project

Multiple university study options, including degrees such as:

• Environmental conservation
• Outdoor adventure and the environment
• Forestry management
• Woodland conservation and ecology
• Ecology
• Zoology
• Conservation and species management

Maths and English at grade 4 or higher.

Completion of 8 modules from the subsidiary year of the diploma to a pass standard.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

East Durham College's Houghall Campus is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for all our students. The campus, some of which is over 80 years old, has seen over £40m invested in new facilities over recent years. However, there are still some aspects of the site which are not fully accessible and would cause an issue for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users and due to the nature of the site, adjustments may not always be reasonable at this stage. The College is committed to further investment and improvements of the site, as we work towards ensuring the campus is as accessible as possible. If you have limited mobility or are a wheelchair user and wish to undertake a course at the Houghall Campus, please contact Student Services on 0191 375 4710 in the first instance to discuss your needs and options.

Majority assignment based with some practical assessments

September 2025

1 year full time This full time study programme courses may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.