Free Access to HE Land Based Studies Course in Nantwich – Reaseheath College

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA

About this course

Free Access to HE Land Based Studies Course in Nantwich. Classes run at Reaseheath College, part-time during the day over 35 weeks.

The course is a university access course designed for adults with work or life experience rather than formal academic qualifications. You'll study a range of land-based subjects at Level 3, covering areas such as animal science, agriculture, ecology, and environmental science. The course is equivalent to three A levels.

You'll need GCSE Maths or English at grade 4 or above, or an equivalent qualification. You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma in Land-Based Studies.

Who this course is for

Access to Higher Education (Land Based) is an entry route into Higher Education. Access courses are nationally recognised qualifications to help people gain knowledge and confidence to study for a degree. They are designed for those who do not hold relevant or formal academic qualifications for a degree, but who do have work and/or life experience. A range of land-based subjects are studied at an advanced level, over 1 year. The course, which is equivalent to three A levels, will prepare you to study at degree level at Reaseheath or elsewhere. Qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis at interview. We are looking for people with ambition to go on to a higher level of course and a keen motivation to learn

Entry requirements

Maths or English at GCSE Grade 4 or above or equivalent qualification. Students will be assessed on interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore core principles of animal science and livestock management.
  • You'll study agricultural systems and land management practices.
  • You'll examine ecology and environmental science concepts.
  • You'll develop academic writing and research skills for degree-level study.
  • You'll analyse data and interpret scientific information.
  • You'll build knowledge of rural land use and sustainability.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Reaseheath College. Assessment is through a portfolio of assignments and written work completed across the year. Each unit is assessed separately, and you'll need to pass all units to achieve the Diploma. There is an interview as part of the enrolment process.

What you will need to bring

Reaseheath College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Conservation officer, works to protect natural habitats and wildlife.
  • Farm manager, oversees livestock or crop production on a farm.
  • Environmental consultant, advises organisations on land and sustainability issues.
  • Animal welfare officer, monitors and enforces animal welfare standards.
  • Rural surveyor, assesses and manages rural land and property.
  • Wildlife biologist, studies animal behaviour and ecosystems (typically needs a degree).

What you could study next

  • Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Ecology, or a related land-based subject (Level 6), the most common next step after this Diploma.
  • Foundation degree in Land Management or Environmental Science (Level 5), a shorter route into higher education.
  • BSc in Veterinary Nursing or Conservation Biology (Level 6), for those with a specific career focus.