Level 2 Countryside Studies Course in Weymouth. Classes run at Weymouth College, full-time during the day. The course is free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 to 25, you may be eligible for government funding or a student loan depending on your circumstances. You'll cover habitat maintenance, countryside estate management, land-based machinery, plant and soil science, and wildlife monitoring. The course includes a work placement in a real countryside setting. It takes one year to complete.
Who this course is for
Further Education Students
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English and maths OR successful completion of a Level 1 course at Merit level in a relevant vocational subject with the English and maths skills required to complete the qualification. Interest and enthusiasm in the countryside, wildlife and the environment
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills in habitat maintenance and restoration.
You'll learn how to monitor and support native wildlife species.
You'll study plant and soil science as they apply to land management.
You'll gain experience in countryside estate maintenance and access management.
You'll operate land-based machinery used in countryside work.
You'll complete a work placement to build hands-on industry experience.
You'll explore how land-based industries are organised and managed.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical, hands-on work. Assessment is through assignments, projects, and a work placement. The BTEC format means your work is assessed continuously rather than through a single exam. You'll build a portfolio of evidence across the units you study, covering topics from habitat management to machinery operations.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Weymouth College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Countryside assistant. Support habitat and wildlife management on rural land.
Assistant warden or ranger. Help manage nature reserves and public access.
Estate worker. Carry out practical maintenance on countryside estates.
Conservation volunteer coordinator. Support community conservation projects.
Habitat surveyor (entry level). Assist with wildlife and habitat surveys.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. The natural next step if you achieve a merit grade and have the required English and maths. It opens doors to more specialist roles in ecology and conservation.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture or Land Management. Broadens your options into farming and rural estate management.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Countryside Management. A higher-level route for those aiming toward professional or technical roles in the sector.
