Rural Skills Academy: Certificate in Land-based Studies
The Certificate in Land-based Studies is an access course to Certificate studies in all Land-based subjects delivered by the college
This new course will provide a route to a range of further courses at Oatridge College if you :-
- do not yet have the required entry qualifications to National Certificate or College certificate courses
- are unsure of which branch of the landbased industries to study
- want to enter and have career progression within the land-based sector
- are an adult who wishes to return to learning within a supported environment
- are over 16 years of age
- want to develop skills learnt from other qualifications, e.g. at school / Rural Skills Academy Skills for Work programme.
Entry Requirements
Essential
- Core Skills at Access level 3 for Communications and Numeracy. This requirement can be tested at interview.
Progression
If you complete this course successfully, you will have the opportunity to continue your studies at National Certificate or Certificate level in one of the following areas :- 
- Environment and Countryside Management
- Greenkeeping and Sports Turf Management
- Horticulture
- Landscape Construction
- Agriculture
- Animal Care
- Equine
- Landbased Engineering
Course Content
The course will be delivered over 3 days per week and will involve the learners in a range of learning activities including :-
- Project work
- Formal classroom delivery
- Individual directed study
- Group work
- Work in the community
- Portfolio building.
The course is based on practical vocational training, which is accompanied by the development of study and essential core skills, as well as personal and social development activities. These study and core skills will prepare you for moving on to the higher level courses mentioned in the section above. (See "Progression")
As a student on this course you will carry out a number of on-campus projects, and will have the opportunity to undertake practical sessions throughout the year, thus experiencing a full annual cycle of landbased activities. One half day per week is dedicated to working with subject specialists on projects on the College estate.
Well over half of the course is based on practical work and about 40% of your time will be spent developing your core and study skills to help you progress onto the specialist National Certificate and Certificate courses.
You will also be supported through group and individual tutorials and will have full access to guidance and support facilities.
Download the application form to apply for this course Application Form 1 (MS Word doc), complete it and return it by post to the address below.
Info Unit
Oatridge College
Ecclesmachan
BROXBURN
West Lothian
EH52 6NH
Download the application form to apply for this course Application Form
If you wish to discuss this course, please contact Carl Gilbert, Course Tutor on 01506 864800 or via email at cgilbert@oatridge.ac.uk
