Rural Skills (NC) SCQF Level 4
Study mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time., You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time.
Course type: SCQF Level 4
Start in: August
Learning mode: You attend classes in person at your local campus or learning centre., You will learn off campus, including at industry partner locations.
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable., You complete course tasks independently. These may be set by your lecturer or chosen by you.
What is special about this course?
The National Certificate in Rural Skills is designed to equip candidates with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in current and future employment or progression to further academic and/or professional qualifications. Many learners embark on current provision with limited prior achievement and, a key purpose of this programme is to support learners to build up employability skills and develop basic skills and capabilities which are transferable.
Careers in nature-based industries are changing in line with the industry which increasingly demands more and more professional skills, attitudes and expertise in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Entry requirements
Entry is at the discretion of the centre and if required a personal learning support plan can be put in place to support candidates.
The course content includes the following units:-
- Enterprise Activity
- Bedding Plant Production: An Introduction
- Tree and Shrub Planting
- Developing Skills for Employment
- Rural Estate Maintenance
- Rural Work Activities
- Gardening Skills: An Introduction
- Horticulture: Create a Landscaped Site
- Horticulture: Prepare an Area for Landscaping
- Rural Species Identification and Habitats
- Landscape Aftercare
- Rural Environment: An Introduction
- Build and Repair Drystone Dykes
- Laying Slabs and Paving: An Introduction
How will I study my course?
- Full Time
Teaching will take place indoors and outdoors at UHI Orkney and partner organisations.
How long will my course last?
2 Years- UHI Orkney, Kirkwall
Fees
For finance/funding information – please refer to UHI Orkney Finance.
For course fees – please email ocrevenue@uhi.ac.uk
Funding
This course may be supported by a Further Education Bursary from Orkney Islands Council and the candidate may also be eligible for an Educational Maintenance Allowance. More information can be found at http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/G/bursaries.htm
What can I do on completion of my course?
The NC in Rural Skills offers progression to other SCQF Level 5 NC courses in specialised areas. For example, Horticulture, Animal Care, Horse Care, Agriculture, Countryside Management, and also to Modern Apprenticeships in the nature-based industries.
Though career progression is not as clear-cut as in some other professional areas, opportunities for advancement exist and are growing. Employment destinations may include farms, countryside estates, parks, fish farms, managed woodlands, game parks, local authorities, and gardening centres.
Apply for Rural Skills (NC) SCQF Level 4
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Orkney. UHI Orkney operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.