Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship offers a unique blend of on-the-job training and academic study, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful forest manager.

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters and the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education.

Course Structure

The course is delivered in 6 x 1-week long study blocks across a variety of campuses and locations, including Ambleside, Carlisle, and Cannock Chase. The campus in Ambleside is where most of the study blocks will be held and is nestled within the stunning Lake District National Park.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
• Course Location: Ambleside
• Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
• Delivery Style: Blended learning
• Course Duration: Full-time: 3 Years
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BSc (Hons)

Entry Requirements

• Minimum entry requirements: 96 UCAS Tariff points
• Tuition fees: None (fully funded)

Course Overview

The University of Cumbria is home to the National School of Forestry (NSF) in Ambleside. As the biggest provider of undergraduate forestry and woodland courses in England, we have a strong reputation for delivering work-ready forestry graduates.

What You Will Learn

On-the-job training is integral to your learning on this degree apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you will complete at least 30 hours' work per week with your employer. This practical learning will be complemented by the academic study of a range of modules that cover the three pillars of sustainable forest management: environmental sustainability, social acceptability, and economic viability.

Year One

• Introduction to Professional Forestry
• Measuring Trees and Forests
• Silviculture
• Practical Forest Skills
• Wood Utilisation and Processing
• Woodland Ecology

Year Two

• Geographical Information Systems
• Forest Policy and Governance
• Forest Health and Protection
• Managing Forest Operations
• People and Forests
• Forestry Professional Practice

Year Three

• Business Skills
• Forest Plan Development
• Climate Smart Forestry
• Advanced Silviculture
• End Point Assessment

Teaching & Assessment

Your degree studies will begin with an induction via recorded presentations that will help you to prepare for your first week’s residential book focused on the introduction to professional forestry module.

A variety of teaching and learning methods and strategies are used to ensure ongoing development and transfer of knowledge and understanding.

Assessment

Our assessment strategy means that your tutors will:

• provide innovative, challenging and stimulating assessment which will enable you to develop the knowledge and professional skills required for employment,
• be student-centred, flexible and modern in both content and approach,
• be fully supported by and integrated with technological approaches such as the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE),
• impart academic rigour to the teaching and learning processes,
• support the development of independence, autonomy and self-reflection,
• support learners’ needs at different stages of development.

Funding

Degree apprenticeships are only offered to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. The apprenticeship training is therefore funded by the employer using their apprenticeship levy, with or without a contribution, depending on the size and status of the organisation.

Additional Costs

You’ll be spending a lot of time out in the field, so it’s essential to consider weatherproof items such as coats and trousers and sturdy walking boots. You’ll need a rucksack, ideally with a waterproof cover and plenty of warm, outdoor clothing.