UK Education Guide

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Education Prospectus

2014–2015

shutterstock.com

abrand newyou.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Welcome First off all, thank you for visiting us and welcome to the first edition of the eProspectus. This is a brand new innovative way to explore your passions and will hopefully give you the tools to quench your academia thirst.

Whether you are considering a full time university placement, or a weekend course with one of our esteemed institutes, we will provide you with inspiration to go further and make the leap from thinking to doing.

This can be a very scary time for even the most astute of academics, so do not hesitate to request more information from the featured institutes – they are friendly and give great advice about where to turn next.

For the career clueless we have various articles from the world of conservation, agriculture, and design – giving you food for thought about a range of sectors you could aim to work in.

shutterstock.com

There are many rewarding opportunities out there, so don’t limit yourself. Read on and find out more, and pursue those passions.

Contents Wildlife

Countryside

Gardens

• Conservation

• Rural Studies

• Horticultural Studies

• Environmental Science

• Rural Training

• Botany and Plants

• Photography

• Habitiats and Conservation

• Horticulture

• Natural History

• Walking

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Education Prospectus

2013–2014

History • Irish Studies • Local History and Archaeology • Literature shutterstock.com

abrand newyou.co.uk

shutterstock.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Wildlife Evidence suggests that we are currently living in the midst of a global biodiversity crisis. There has never been a more opportune moment to engage with nature. Conservation of biodiversity is one of the major environmental challenges currently facing humanity. Here, our range of courses and photography courses will bring you closer to nature and give you the opportunity to understand the challenge and perhaps make a difference to our future environment.

Wildlife: Conservation

Eco Sys Action The Power of Children Let’s be straight forward here, young people are representatives of a new generation that could well be the last chance of survival for many species.

The importance of education in conservation has never been so critical. You protect what you know. More than basic facts, young people need to be amazed and inspired, but they need guidance too if we want them to make changes for their planet.

Adults need to help them, connect them with the right persons, the right resources, and open the right doors. With other’s projects in mind, and with more understanding of the “big picture”, kids can add their personal touch, their creativity, join forces with their friends and make a difference.

“Don’t buy ivory!” campaign, Celia Ho, Hong Kong, China

We need to accompany youth in an environmental dynamic to increase awareness of the impact of today’s problems on the ecological future of our planet. These youth will then be capable of becoming leaders in world conservation. Schools should not stop at their unit of enquiry but

“You protect what you know, you know what you study”, student at a school in Samburu, Kenya

Fighting for nature at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, Cambodia

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Children at the Silsotchigre Wildlife Medium English School, Meghalaya, India. Huro project for the conservation of the Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock H. hoolock)

go one step further and create eco-clubs during lunch breaks or after courses, provide students with more books and magazines on endangered species, help them to organise events; parents need to encourage recycling, regularly clean a beach or a river, watch wildlife documentaries, go bird watching and even more important respect and push their kid’s dreams for the world. Young people want to learn, they want to act!

Look at what Malala Yousafzai is doing for global girl’s education, more than any organisation before! And Celia Ho, a 14 yr old girl in Hong Kong with her “Schools United for Elephants” campaign. A simple letter to her local newspaper, an iron will to change things and she has become a real hope for elephants. When she says “don’t buy ivory”, people listen to her, they trust her. That’s the power of our children, our today’s inspiration for a better tomorrow.

Boopy Boopy is an eco-detective orange sparrow, a symbol of hope and strength for children around the world, always looking for fun and meaningful actions. “Think out of the box, respect, act and inspire others” is his motto. His colourful flag embodies the spirit of children helping other kids, eco-systems and endangered species.

Contact Find out more about Boopy at:

www.ecosysaction.org Email: info@ecosysfun.com

Why just be great at it When you can master it?

Study for a postgraduate degree at Bath Spa University, advance your career and fuel your passion.

Find out how you can benefit from professional and academic expertise by checking out our wide range of postgraduate courses., including: • MA Travel and Nature Writing • MA Literature, Landscape and Environment • MSc Environmental Management Be inspired to become even better than just great.

different thinking

How far can you go? www.bathspa.ac.uk/postgrad

Wildlife: Conservation

Global Ecology and Wildlife Conservation Certificate of Higher Education in Global Ecology and Wildlife Conservation, 2 years part-time, starting October 2013, and delivered via Distance Learning This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the principles which underpin contemporary ecological science, wildlife conservation and habitat management. The course is designed specifically for part-time students. It can be taken simply for pleasure or personal development, but also provides the opportunity to gain a valuable qualification that may help you on your way to building a career within wildlife and conservation organisations, or be a stepping stone to more advanced study.

MODULES

The course is divided into six modules, each worth 20 credits. Students take each module in turn, completing three modules in each year of the course. Module 3 includes a one week residential field course in the UK and Module 6 is a personal project for which the subject of study is decided between the student and course tutors.

The six modules are: 1. Introduction to Ecology 2. The Diversity of Organisms and Principles of Taxonomy 3. Ecological Techniques and Methods in Field Ecology

4. The Historical Basis for Biodiversity; A Study of Two Continents 5. Conservation Science 6. Student-led project in Conservation Biology STUDY

Students study at home by correspondence, supported by electronic communication and a course website. In addition to course notes students receive a number of core text books and DVDs and will have access to the university library, both on and off campus. The course consists of six compulsory modules, each of which is assessed by coursework.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

CAREER RELEVANCE AND EMPLOYABILITY

By the conclusion of this course, students should be able to: •

•

•

•

•

•

Demonstrate an awareness of the main principles of ecology and explain them Demonstrate a capacity for critical scientific analysis in this area Describe current areas of advance in ecology Communicate in writing and orally, concepts and arguments in ecology Access scientific literature and demonstrate the capacity to analyse and critique evidence Apply a scientific approach to the

•

•

solution of problems in ecology Design simple ecological investigations using scientific methods and principles Demonstrate a range of skills that are necessary for lifelong learning, including the use of information technology, the capacity to access a range of resource materials, effective time management and the ability to work in small groups.

Contact Sue Livingston Course Administrator Tel: 0116 229 7599 Email: ecol.vaughan@le.ac.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Wildlife: Conservation

Durrell Conservation Academy Since its establishment in 1963, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has led the way in pulling many endangered species back from the brink of extinction.

In the case of the Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus), the odds would have seemed impossible, with only 4 individuals left in 1974, making it the world’s rarest bird. Not to be deterred, founder Gerald Durrell and colleague Prof. Carl Jones began a dedicated conservation effort that saw the population rise to over 350 healthy individuals by 2010.

The pioneering research and techniques that led to these and other extraordinary results were carefully collated, and have been passed on to subsequent generations of young conservationists at Durrell’s on-site ‘mini-

university’ – a lasting legacy and the dearest wish of Gerald Durrell himself.

Durrell Conservation Academy blends the art and science of endangered species management, drawing on the 50-plus years of proven success with some of the most critically affected animals from the most threatened habitats known to science – and even some that have been discovered, and saved, as a result.

Choosing Durrell Conservation Academy as the foundations of a career in conservation offers the almost unique benefits of ‘hands on’, real world experience. The practical skills offered are proven in the field, and kept at the cutting edge by continued input from a highly respected roster of senior training staff, 

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Wildlife: Conservation many of them directly responsible for pioneering methods built on their own beginnings as trainees of Durrell.

The many short courses on offer cover everything from field conservation skills, conservation husbandry, GIS, conservation education and interpretation, leadership and project management, through to communication using modern tools such as social media.

The flagship Durrell Endangered Species Management (DESMAN) Graduate Certificate course, validated by the University of Kent, is a 12-week intensive mix of practical and theoretical learning designed to fully equip conservationists with the full range of biological and management skills needed to run and ultimately lead their own species recovery projects.

There are courses aimed at professionals working in a wide range of conservation areas, right through to broader more introductory courses catering for recent graduates seeking cutting-edge vocational training, and for people considering a career switch into conservation.

To date, more than 3,500 students from 135 countries have passed through the academy, with many going on to successfully oversee the recovery of precious and vital species from all taxa and all ecosystems – making a better world for us all to share – just as Gerald Durrell wished when establishing his charity.

Everyone training at Durrell is able to enrol into our growing graduate network – through which alumni can contact each other, apply for alumni grants, and continue to receive support from Durrell.

To add your name to this graduate list, give yourself the best opportunity to make a difference or find further details of courses,

scholarships and initiatives offered by Durrell Conservation Academy, please visit www.durrell.org/training, telephone 01534 860037, or email academy@durrell.org.

Contact www.durrell.org/training Phone: 01534 860037 Email: academy@durrell.org

www.field-studies-council.org Phone: 0845 345 4071 Email: enquiries@field-studies-council.org

Wildlife: Environmental Science

Capel Manor Capel Manor is a specialist, pan-London college offering training for Land-based and Environmental Science careers, with centres in North, South and West London; and highly qualified, vocationally experienced tutors.

Our full and part-time courses and apprenticeships in Arboriculture, Countryside/ Environmental Management and Animal Care include widely recognised BTECs and City & Guilds qualifications; equivalent to A Levels

and GCSEs and appreciated by industry and universities alike. We cater for entry level through to career changers and a wide range of interests with a practical, hands-on approach.

The College is home to a wide range of

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

animals across our centres and farms meaning students gain practical experience working with exotic, domestic, livestock and some zoo animals. Our first-rate training sites also include specialist laboratories, dedicated workshops and our own gardens, woodland and farms.

There are a wide range of career opportunities in animal care, with potential employers including veterinary practices, animal welfare organisations and kennels.

Some careers require further study and a high proportion of our Level 3 animal care learners progress to degrees in zoology, animal science and veterinary medicine.

Careers in the countryside are broad

and opportunities exist within contracting companies, local authorities and charities.

Many of our arboriculture students go on to set up businesses as tree surgeons or build careers as tree officers, surveyors and inspectors; climbers and groundsmen. 95% of our students go into employment on successful completion of their courses.

Contact www.capel.ac.uk Phone: 08456 122122 Email: enquiries@capel.ac.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Wildlife: Environmental Science

Field Ecology Professional development courses at affordable prices Certificate of Higher Education in Field Ecology You can study individual courses as ‘standalone’ or further enhance your career by combining courses to form the Certificate of Higher Education in Field Ecology. Individual courses are accredited by Aberystwyth University at level 4 National Qualifications Framework. Advantages to this form of study: · · · · · · ·

You pay for each course individually – there is no upfront fee The cost of each course is low (£100) Develop identification skills Practical ‘hands on’ experience in small groups Weekend intensive courses (Friday – Sunday) Residential options at beautiful venues in Wales 20 contact hours with the tutor

Contact www.jump.aber.ac.uk?qxdl Phone:01970 621580 Email: learning@aber.ac.uk

Wildlife: Photography

Field Studies Council Would you like to learn how to make more creative use of your camera and take better photographs?

Field Studies Council (FSC) is based in some of the UK’s most stunning locations, sure to inspire your photography from beautiful landscapes to unusual flora and fauna.

Led by experienced and passionate photographers, short courses show how to get the best out of digital cameras and what to do with the images afterwards. Demonstrations to explain theory and practical techniques are complemented by plenty of opportunities to take your own photographs in and around the local area.

A selection of one-day and short residential courses are available during the year at FSC Centres across the UK. The all-inclusive course fee covers tuition and activities, and the comfortable full board accommodation for residential courses.

FSC is an environmental education charity with 70 years’ experience of providing informative and enjoyable opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, explore, be inspired by, and understand the natural environment. A wide range of other courses are also available with FSC including walking, natural history and arts.

Contact www.field-studies-council.org/photography Phone: 0845 345 4071 Email: enquiries@field-studies-council.org

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Wildlife: Natural History

Field Studies Council Discover more about the outdoor environment with Field Studies Council’s (FSC) natural history courses Covering birds, animals, plants, habitats and courses to generally explore the natural world, you can choose to learn at the level that suits you; whether you are new to the subject or already have some experience.

FSC Centres have been chosen for the richness and diversity of their surroundings and the unique wildlife and flora often found within easy reach. Courses are led by experienced and passionate tutors with in-depth subject knowledge and will be filled with people who have similar interests.

A selection of one-day and short residential courses are available during the year at FSC Centres in stunning locations across the UK. The all-inclusive course fee covers tuition and activities, and the comfortable full board accommodation for residential courses.

FSC is an environmental education charity with 70 years’ experience of providing informative and enjoyable opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, explore, be inspired by, and understand the natural environment. A wide range of other courses are also available with FSC including walking, photography and arts.

Contact www.field-studies-council.org/naturalhistory Phone: 0845 345 4071 Email: enquiries@field-studies-council.org

shutterstock.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Countryside We all aspire to the ‘good life’, living the rural dream.

Perhaps a small-holding is your goal, or maybe even a full blown career in agriculture. Maybe you just love the countryside and want to find ways to get more involved and spend more time outside.

Whatever your reason for considering a countryside based course you should find some inspiration in this guide…

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Countryside: Rural Studies

Education in the countryside As more and more people are seeking a career working in the natural environment, courses in rural studies are becoming ever more popular. There are hundreds of jobs, skills and hobbies that get you out into the Great British countryside. You may be looking to improve a skill you already have, or learn something completely new. This guide can help you find the perfect course.

Perhaps you want a new career or a way to earn a bit of extra cash, or useful knowledge for your own home or smallholding, or just a bit of fun!

Whether it’s further or higher education, or you’re simply interested in practical short country courses, there should be something here to inspire you.

CJS Training Directory www.countryside-jobs.com/training

Comprehensive directory of countryside, conservation and wildlife training provision.

Everything from one day drystone walling to MSc in wildlife conservation. If you work outdoors and need to refresh your certification or simply like the idea of trying your hand at a traditional craft search our directory to find a course that suits.

www.countryside-jobs.com/training

CJS is endorsed by CMA, NATUR and SCRA

6361_BTEC country poster_Layout 1 22/02/2013 13:37 Page 1

BTEC Cou ntryside Managem ent

Do you want to learn any of the following skills?

• Coppicing • Woodland Management • Wildlife Identification • Ecology

• Conservation and Countryside Management • Tractor Driving • Livestock Handling

Then our BTEC in Countryside Management could be for you!

For all the information on this course and to book an Open Day visit www.ntu.ac.uk/fe.

6361/08/12

44307 Essex Chr AD 216x138_Essex Chr AD 216x138 07/06/2013 08:42 Page 1

Bring your ambitions to life Writtle College, a partner of the University of Essex, has been offering an inspirational range of specialist courses for 120 years. Our qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, degrees and masters level programmes, are designed to provide our students with the knowledge and skills essential for successful and rewarding careers.

Our subject areas include: • Agriculture • Animal Science and Management • Art and Design • Countryside • Conservation and Environment

• Equine Science and Studies • Floristry • Horticulture • Interior Architecture and Design • Landscape and Garden Design

• Landscape Architecture • Postharvest Technology • Sport • Veterinary Nursing

To book in for an Open Day or Information Event go to www.writtle.ac.uk. For more information call 01245 424200.

facebook.com/writtlecollege

@WrittleCollege

youtube.com/writtlecollege1

KCS Coutryfile Advert 2013:Layout 1 19/06/2013 13:15 Page 1

Rural courses on a working farm...

Join us on our traditional, family run, mixed farm near Abergavenny for friendly, fact-packed, fun-filled courses.

• Traditional farming & smallholding skills

• Wildlife identification & habitat creation

• Cider making • Countryside skills & crafts • Butchery All for £90 or less

www.katescountryschool.co.uk

Countryside Training is set up in Central England, with a main training center in Staffordshire. We have a purpose built training facility on the edge of a woodlands.

We are a Lantra QCF training center offering training to the land based sector.

All instructors/assessors are either Lantra or NPTC City & Guilds trained.

Courses available

All Chainsaw Units Arboricultural Units Pesticides Woodchippers Stumpgrinders Brushcutter/Strimmer Powered Pole Pruners MEWP Hand Held Hedgetrimmer Firewood Processors Ride on Mowers Tractor Driving/Attachments And many more All courses can be arranged for individuals or small to large companies. All equipment is supplied for the training courses. For candidates out of the area, Bed/Breakfast and evening meal can be organised.

Please call or visit our website for all your training needs.

www.countrysidetrainingltd.co.uk Tel: 01785 246974 Mob: 07825 302483 Unit 1 Blackheath Lane, Stafford, ST18 0YB. Company Reg 4956009

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Countryside: Rural Training

Acorn Rural Training Acorn Rural Training – A.R.T. provides instruction and certification for many rural skills.

Whatever your needs, we can offer you a range of learning opportunities that are most suited to you or your organisation.

You will receive the highest quality training and assessment from instructors with many years of experience based in the industry.

Whether you are considering a change of career, an update or more experience, promotion or for your own general use and safety, A.R.T. can provide the professional and specialist instruction that is tailored to your needs.

City & Guild Courses available: CHAINSAW – Various TREE FELLING • Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue • Chainsaw in the Canopy. N.P.T.C. ARB MACHINERY • Brushwood Chipper. N.P.T.C. • Stump Grinder. N.P.T.C. • MEWP - Mobile Elevated Work Platform. N.P.T.C. PLANT MACHINERY • 360 Mini Digger - 3 Days (this includes assessment) N.P.T.C. • 360 Excavator - 3 Days (this includes assessment) N.P.T.C. • Loader - 2 Days (this includes assessment) N.P.T.C. • Dumper - 2 Days (this includes assessment) N.P.T.C. • 360 Digger & Dumper - 4 Days (this includes assessment) N.P.T.C. • Fork Lift Truck Operation - 3 Days (this includes assessment) N.P.T.C. • 4 x 4 Driving Courses ...see website for many more

Contact www.acornruraltraining.co.uk Contact Steve Horsfield on: Tel: 01730 262640 Mob: 07778 996 950 Email: acornruraltraining@btinternet.com

Club Perk #455: Enjoying watching seals bask in the sun

Each time you camp on a Camping and Caravanning Club Site you give yourself the chance to experience fantastic perks, like spotting Atlantic seals in seas close to our Cardigan Bay Club Site. Our Club Perks give you hundreds of reasons to make 2013 a year to remember.

To book and discover the perks for yourself call 024 7798 9417 or visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/bookasite

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Countryside: Rural Training

Cotswolds Rural Skills Ever wondered how a dry-stone wall is constructed? Ever looked at a newly laid hedge and pondered how it’s done? If so, why not satisfy your curiosity and try one of the Cotswolds Conservation Board’s rural skills courses?

Whether you want to try your hand at blacksmithing, rebuild a 200 year old dry stone wall or have a go at the age old craft of hedgelaying, then our courses are for you! Perhaps you have your own section of dry-stone wall that you want to rebuild, or length of hedge you would like to lay? We can help by showing you how it’s done. We have courses in: • Dry-stone walling • Hedgelaying • Woodland Coppicing • Blacksmithing • Lime Mortar (historic building restoration) • Cotswold tile roofing ...and more!!

Corporate Team Building Activities Planning your next team building day?

Tired of cryptic challenges and building rafts made out of milk bottles? Want to do something constructive that will leave you and your fellow colleagues with a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment? Our rural skills activities are a great way of bringing your team together while making a lasting contribution to one of the UK’s most important landscapes.

“One of the best courses our team has done” – Jon Aitken, Gavin Jones Landscapes Ltd

“A well run and informative course with an excellent tutor” – Doug, Cirencester “A great 2 days! What an achievement!”

– Gerry, Milton Keynes

Contact For further information and to book courses online

www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk Tel: 01451 862000

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Finding your perfect career just got even easier!

From floristry to forestry and agriculture to animal care, the land-based and environmental sector offers an exciting and diverse array of careers.

But how do you know what suits you best?

After all, finding something that matches your skills, personality and interests isn’t always easy. Lantra’s brand new Careers website has recently launched and is packed with lots of useful resources such as factsheets, case studies, career pathways, job profiles and CourseFinder.

One of the most exciting features on our new website is Role Finder. This unique interactive tool has been especially developed to help you identify suitable jobs in the sector.

Like working with animals? Want to manage people? Prefer working outdoors? Enjoy science and technology? See yourself as a natural leader? Simply select the statements that apply to you and we’ll do the rest!

So what makes it different?

• Role Finder focuses on you, not just your education or qualifications. It looks at your skills, personality, experience, interests and preferences too • It matches you with several roles in the sector then gives you full details , including working life, salary and progression routes • It’s been developed by career expert s at Lantra who know the sector inside out • It’s free and easy to use!

lantra.co.uk/careers

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Find the perfect course to help you land your dream job Whether you’re just starting out in the land-based and environmental industries or looking to progress your career, you’ve come to the right place. Lantra Awards is one of the leading providers of training courses and qualifications in the UK. Over 50,000 learners every year choose Lantra Awards for our training courses. With over 40 years experience we are passionate about developing and delivering quality products and services. This means you can benefit from nationally recognised certification on successful completion of your training or qualification.

What are the choices?

Here are some of the highlights from our extensive range of products…

Land-based Activities If you’re involved in a variety of land-based roles and looking to formalise your experience this qualification could be for you.

Agricultural Machinery Our training courses and qualifications cover everything you need to know about operating and maintaining vital machinery and vehicles such as tractors, 4x4s and ATVs.

Forestry and Arboriculture If you’re looking for the most comprehensive and up-to-date forestry and arboriculture training and qualifications in the UK then you’ve come to the right place.

Pesticides/Pest Control This covers everything you need to tackle those pests, to help you keep your plants and crops happy and healthy.

First Aid/Health & Safety/Manual Handling Find out how to stay safe in a land-based setting and what to do in an emergency.

To find your perfect course www.lantra-awards.co.uk

Countryfile: Habitats and Conservation

Field Studies Council Field Studies Council (FSC) offers a range of courses covering broad conservation and ecology issues.

These include biological recording, higher level species identification, habitat management and National Vegetation Classification and are ideal for those seeking training or continuing personal development (CPD), as well as for amateurs with a general interest in ecological and environmental issues.

FSC Centres have been chosen for the richness and diversity of their surroundings and the unique wildlife and flora often found within easy reach.

Courses are led by experienced and passionate tutors with an in-depth subject knowledge.

A selection of one-day and short residential courses are available during the year at FSC Centres in stunning locations across the UK. The all-inclusive course fee covers tuition and activities, and the comfortable full board accommodation for residential courses.

FSC is an environmental education charity with 70 years’ experience of providing informative and enjoyable opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, explore, be inspired by, and understand the natural environment. A wide range of other natural history courses are also available with FSC including birds, mammals, invertebrates, flowers, grasses and fungi.

Contact www.field-studies-council.org/habitats Phone: 0845 345 4071 Email: enquiries@field-studies-council.org

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Countryfile: Walking

Field Studies Council Walking is a great way to explore the outdoors and Field Studies Council (FSC) courses help develop your knowledge of the natural world while you walk.

Short courses explore local landscapes and wildlife with an expert on hand to guide you.

There are also more focused courses on geology and some of a more active nature such as navigation skills.

FSC Centres have been chosen for the richness and diversity of their surroundings and the unique wildlife and flora often found within easy reach. Courses are led by experienced and passionate tutors with an in-depth subject knowledge and will be filled with people who have similar interests.

A selection of one-day and short residential

courses are available during the year at FSC Centres in stunning locations across the UK. The all-inclusive course fee covers tuition and activities, and the comfortable full board accommodation for residential courses.

FSC is an environmental education charity with 70 years’ experience of providing informative and enjoyable opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, explore, be inspired by, and understand the natural environment. A wide range of other courses are also available with FSC including walking, photography and arts.

Contact www.field-studies-council.org/exploring Phone: 0845 345 4071 Email: enquiries@field-studies-council.org

shutterstock.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Gardens There are a plethora of garden related courses available for enthusiasts embarking on a career change or simply looking to follow their passion.

Here’s a selection of the UK’s leading schools offering land-based courses...

Gardens: Horticultural Studies

Capel Manor Develop new skills in horticulture or learn the strategies behind good planting and design at Capel Manor.

Leading the field with highly qualified and vocationally experienced tutors, our reasonably priced full, part-time and evening courses and apprenticeships are suitable for beginners, career changers and entrepreneurs. They include everything from introductory courses to two year diplomas and apprenticeships, and offer the opportunity to take part in shows and competitions.

Established as a centre for horticultural

studies in 1968, Capel Manor has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality training and strong links with the industry. It is home to the National Gardening Centre, the Institute of Horticulture and Which? Gardening magazine.

The College is equipped with wide-ranging plant collections, design studios and specialist facilities for teaching practical skills, such as horticultural machinery.

Our centres across London include a 13th-

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

century manor house and 30-acre country estate in Enfield, and grounds in parks across London including Regent’s Park, Gunnersbury Park and Crystal Palace Park.

Our students have developed successful careers in everything from designing and building gardens and parks to working in botanical gardens, country estates, and in football stadiums as groundsmen. Some have gone into journalism and television. A large number go on to set up their own businesses, while our garden design students and staff have won prizes at Hampton Court and Chelsea Flower Shows on an almost annual basis for the past 17 years.

Contact www.capel.ac.uk Phone: 08456 122122 Email: enquiries@capel.ac.uk

www.field-studies-council.org Phone: 0845 345 4071 Email: enquiries@field-studies-council.org

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Gardens: Botany and Plants

Field Studies Council Find out more about the plants in your garden and further afield with an identification course led by Field Studies Council (FSC) Courses range from Wild Flower Identification to Gardening for Wildlife and Urban Botany and you can also opt for learning about particular species like trees, ferns or grasses.

FSC Centres have been chosen for the richness and diversity of their surroundings and the unique wildlife and flora often found within easy reach. Courses are led by experienced and passionate tutors with an in-depth subject knowledge and will be filled with people who have similar interests.

A selection of one-day and short residential courses are available during the year at FSC Centres in stunning locations across the UK. The all-inclusive course fee covers tuition and activities, and the comfortable full board accommodation for residential courses.

FSC is an environmental education charity with 70 years’ experience of providing informative and enjoyable opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, explore, be inspired by, and understand the natural environment. A wide range of other courses are also available with FSC including walking, natural history and arts.

Contact www.field-studies-council.org/plants Phone: 0845 345 4071 Email: enquiries@field-studies-council.org

The Inchbald School of Garden Design

“Inchbald’s 40 years of experience in teaching garden design made choosing their online course easy.”

Sarah Hammond www.sarahhammonddesign.com Online Garden Design Graduate

I’ve been working as a designer for a number of years and took the course as I wanted to consolidate and develop my knowledge and skills and also gain the confidence to grow my business beyond a local, word of mouth operation. I saw the Inchbald with its reputation and standing, and the fact that it offered a challenging, rigorous course as the perfect place to do that.

Online Garden Design Courses Our online design courses aim to continue the high quality of teaching which is central to the garden design school and which our reputation has been built on over the past 40 years.

You get the same standard of tutoring and unlike most other online courses, have the opportunity to meet your fellow students at an open day at the beginning of the course. This can be invaluable, as you can share ideas throughout the course and it can be an important support network when you are working from home.

The unique features of our online garden design courses make them superior to conventional distance learning, correspondence or home-study courses. When you join an Inchbald online course you join a small class with other students. You follow a course timetable and develop close working relationships with your tutors and fellow students. Crucial to all of our online courses is the regular feedback and advice from tutors on your weekly work assignments. You set up your design studio at home and have 24/7 access to your class through your bespoke course website.

Through discussion forums online, you share ideas and observations with fellow students and your tutors. This stimulates and informs your design education, and this contact with others who are studying the same course at the same time helps to sustain you. The course schedule sets a dynamic pace allowing you to see progress, and establishes a valuable professional ethos, in which you are expected to meet deadlines and commitments. Most importantly, your tutors are personally interested in your progress and development and give you

CAREERS

YEARS

GROWING

40

regular and frequent guidance and feedback on your work.

In association with:

We have a range of online courses to choose from, including three month short courses, one year to three year diploma courses and Postgraduate Diploma and MA degree courses.

020 7630 9011 liza.online@inchbald.co.uk www.inchbald.co.uk

E S T A B L I S H E D

1 9 6 0

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Gardens: Horticulture

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

A recent Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) report has revealed that 72% of horticultural businesses across the sector are struggling to fill vacancies with skilled workers. However horticulture offers a very varied and rewarding career, and also offers a wonderful opportunity for those looking for a change of direction and a new career.

The first stage is to gain qualifications and experience. The RHS has been offering horticultural qualifications for many years, and they are well-respected in the industry and offer an entry point to many different areas of horticulture. Philip Windle, RHS Head of Qualifications, said: “One of the most appealing aspects of our qualifications, especially for

career-changers, is the flexibility of study offered. Both our theory based qualifications and those in practical skills are designed to be studied part-time, and the theory qualifications can also be studied through distance learning.

Courses leading to qualifications are offered at colleges and other approved centres throughout the UK, with both day and evening classes available�.

As well as gaining the knowledge and the practical skills, those thinking of a career change should consider gaining experience of working in a horticultural environment.

One option is to work as a volunteer in a public garden, park or community horticultural project.

RHS GardenWisley_B.247728_1NB.indd 1

08/07/2013 15:33

shutterstock.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

History If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of history or archaeology, there are a vast range of courses available – all over the UK. You can choose between undergraduate, postgraduate, short or even online courses. Here is a selection of what is on offer...

History: Irish Studies

St Mary’s University College London’s only MA in Irish Studies commences week beginning 16 September 2013.

The course is designed both for full-time one year students as well as part-time students taking the course over two years or longer. The 2013-14 timetable is as follows: SEMESTER ONE

SEMESTER TWO

Tuesdays 2-4 Irish Language 3 Tuesdays 6-8 Modern Irish Literature Thursdays 3-4 Academic Orientation Thursdays 6-8 Researching (Irish) Modernities

Tuesdays 6-8

Thursdays 6-8

Staging and Screening Exile New Perspectives in Irish History

Ad_Irish Studies_BBC History_MAY13_PROOF 19/06/2013 14:12 Page 1

Full-time fees are £3500.

Part-time students pay only for the modules they study (£583 per module).

Enrol online or by completing a Postgraduate Admission Form (pgadmit@smuc.ac.uk)

MA in Irish Studies Take the decision now to study for an MA in Irish Studies at St Mary’s University College

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time Starting September 2013 This flexible programme, London's only MA in Irish Studies, will appeal to recent graduates as well as those students wishing to return to formal education. It will provide a sound platform in research training, a route towards doctoral studies and a career in academia.

Contact www.smuc.ac.uk/irishstudies Dr Ivan Gibbons, Programme Director Email: ivan.gibbons@smuc.ac.uk

Students will benefit from St Mary's historic links with Ireland dating back to 1850. In addition, London's pre-eminence as an international centre for Irish culture will enable students to access the city's rich Irish cultural and community network including our annual Irish Studies conference and our Centre for Irish Studies.

For more information, please contact Dr Ivan Gibbons, Programme Director in Irish Studies Email: ivan.gibbons@smuc.ac.uk

www.smuc.ac.uk/irish-studies St Mary’s University College Twickenham London

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

History: Local History and Archaeology

Field Studies Council Would you like to discover more about local history, archaeology or even historic transport?

Field Studies Council (FSC) has a selection of courses which cover many facets of history and pre-history, from Stone Age times to our modern industrial society.

With their enjoyable blend of field excursions, slideshows, discussions and other activities, these courses are for anyone curious to learn how the past can be brought to life and the way people’s ideas and actions have shaped today’s landscape and built environment.

A selection of one-day and short residential courses are available during the year at FSC

Centres in stunning locations across the UK. The all-inclusive course fee covers tuition and activities, and the comfortable full board accommodation for residential courses.

FSC is an environmental education charity with 70 years’ experience of providing informative and enjoyable opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, explore, be inspired by, and understand the natural environment. A wide range of other courses are also available with FSC including walking, arts, photography and natural history.

Contact www.field-studies-council.org/history Phone: 0845 345 4071 Email: enquiries@field-studies-council.org

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

History: Literature

Looking for a new area of study?

Before you commit to formal study read one of our Very Short Introductions Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make often challenging topics highly readable. Think of it as your own private tutorial, in just 144 pages, these pocket sized books will give you an overview and insight into your chosen subject, to prepare you for your next step.

• Trusted by 5 million people world-wide • Over 350 subjects to choose from • All books £7.99 To view the full range visit us at www.oup.co.uk/vsi Join us at www.facebook.com/ veryshortintroductions for videos, blogs, extracts, reading guides and much, much more!

Contact www.oup.co.uk/vsi Facebook: www.facebook.com/veryshortintroductions

BBH414F BBH414S BBH414IT

BBH414

SPECIAL INTEREST EVENT THURSDAY 3 APRIL – SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014

Christ Church OXFORD

Politics, Patronage and Prostitution THE EXPERIENCES OF MEDIEVAL WOMEN Speakers include Historian and Broadcaster Dr Helen Castor

FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING VISIT

www.chch.ox.ac.uk

◆

Telephone: 01865 286848

www.field-studies-council.org Phone: 0845 345 4071 Email: enquiries@field-studies-council.org

Education Prospectus

2013–2014

To feature in future editions please contact:

shutterstock.com

Ashley Wheeler Email: ashley.wheeler@immediate.co.uk Tel: 0117 9338012

abrand newyou.co.uk