Level 4 Diploma In Arboriculture

The Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture is designed for those people working in arboriculture, in both the public and private sectors, to complement their training and experience, and to provide evidence of their knowledge of arboriculture.

• Woody vegetation formation and physiology
• Tree biomechanics and maintenance
• Pest, disease and disorder identification
• Principles of tree management
• Development and tree protection
• Selection, planting and design with hardy nursery stock for amenity and landscape purposes

The ABC Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture aims to:

• Improve job prospects
• Encourage knowledge and application of current arboriculture industry best practice
• Encourage learners to follow a programme of structured continuing professional development (CPD)
• Facilitate access to higher level management qualifications/ level 5 arboriculture

Job opportunities:

• Tree surveyor
• Tree inspector
• Consultant
• Management of tree stock
• Management of tree teams

Level 5/Degree

Level 3 Diploma in Arboriculture and Maths/English GCSE at grade 4 or above.

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.

Through assignment work, professional discussion and observations.

November 2025

Friday pm 1-7 on a weekly basis until July 2026.