Course Overview
Learn to manage shoots, rear game birds and develop essential game management and estate maintenance skills on our 360-hectare campus. You’ll focus on deer and other game species,
as well as learning how to control pests and predators for the benefit of the countryside. Our students play a significant part in game bird production, from rearing through to the processing of meat products.
This course will develop your knowledge and understanding of the game industry. The mix of theoretical and practical learning will prepare you for a successful career in your chosen field.
You’ll develop practical skills in game management and estate maintenance, working on our 360-hectare campus.
Alongside undertaking activities such as lowland game keeping, you’ll strengthen your understanding of:
- Countryside Estate Skill Activities
- Managing Environmental Habitats
- Controlling Countryside Pest and Predators
- Game Keeping
- Professional Working Relationships
You'll focus on deer and other game species, learning how to control pests and predators for the benefit of the countryside and game.
You’ll also undertake an extended woodland management project to develop your skills in woodland management for conservation purposes as well as to benefit game.
Learning will take place through a mixture of classroom-based theory sessions, practical training on our commercial farm, and one day per week on an industry placement. In the classroom, you’ll develop your understanding of core agricultural principles through taught lessons, group activities, and independent projects.
Practical sessions will give you the chance to work directly with crops, livestock, and machinery on our 380-hectare campus farm. Your industry placement will further build your experience and confidence, helping you develop the skills needed for progression.
You’ll be assessed through a combination of written and practical assignments designed to test your knowledge and applied skills. There are no formal written exams, with your progress measured through coursework and practical evidence built up across the year. This approach allows you to demonstrate both your knowledge and your applied skills in a hands-on, industry-focused way.
You could also gain additional experience, completing courses including ATV, Chainsaw Competence, and the Safe Shot Certificate. Our strong links with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the National Gamekeepers Association provide excellent industry connections for students, helping to ensure they’re career ready.
On completion, you should have a thorough understanding of your subject and be ready to progress onto the final year of the Diploma in Countryside Management or into full employment. This could lead to a career as a:
- Underkeeper
- Beatkeeper
- Forestry Worker
- Estate Worker
- Ranger
Course Overview
Course information
Learn to manage shoots, rear game birds and develop essential game management and estate maintenance skills on our 360-hectare campus. You’ll focus on deer and other game species,
as well as learning how to control pests and predators for the benefit of the countryside. Our students play a significant part in game bird production, from rearing through to the processing of meat products.
This course will develop your knowledge and understanding of the game industry. The mix of theoretical and practical learning will prepare you for a successful career in your chosen field.
You’ll develop practical skills in game management and estate maintenance, working on our 360-hectare campus.
What you’ll learn
Alongside undertaking activities such as lowland game keeping, you’ll strengthen your understanding of:
- Countryside Estate Skill Activities
- Managing Environmental Habitats
- Controlling Countryside Pest and Predators
- Game Keeping
- Professional Working Relationships
You'll focus on deer and other game species, learning how to control pests and predators for the benefit of the countryside and game.
You’ll also undertake an extended woodland management project to develop your skills in woodland management for conservation purposes as well as to benefit game.
How you’ll learn
Learning will take place through a mixture of classroom-based theory sessions, practical training on our commercial farm, and one day per week on an industry placement. In the classroom, you’ll develop your understanding of core agricultural principles through taught lessons, group activities, and independent projects.
Practical sessions will give you the chance to work directly with crops, livestock, and machinery on our 380-hectare campus farm. Your industry placement will further build your experience and confidence, helping you develop the skills needed for progression.
How you’ll be assessed
You’ll be assessed through a combination of written and practical assignments designed to test your knowledge and applied skills. There are no formal written exams, with your progress measured through coursework and practical evidence built up across the year. This approach allows you to demonstrate both your knowledge and your applied skills in a hands-on, industry-focused way.
What can you do after this course?
You could also gain additional experience, completing courses including ATV, Chainsaw Competence, and the Safe Shot Certificate. Our strong links with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the National Gamekeepers Association provide excellent industry connections for students, helping to ensure they’re career ready.
On completion, you should have a thorough understanding of your subject and be ready to progress onto the final year of the Diploma in Countryside Management or into full employment. This could lead to a career as a:
- Underkeeper
- Beatkeeper
- Forestry Worker
- Estate Worker
- Ranger
3 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include English Language and Mathematics.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
Do Level 3 Agriculture diplomas lead to university?
Yes – depending on the size of diploma you complete and your overall grades, you can progress to higher education, including agriculture-related university degrees at Hartpury or elsewhere.
Will I get practical experience?
Absolutely. All Level 3 diplomas combine classroom learning with hands-on training on our commercial farm.
Why study Agriculture at Hartpury College?
Whether you’re studying Agriculture, Livestock Production, Engineering, or Countryside Management, our 500-hectare farm estate will be your classroom. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in every aspect of farming and estate operation; whether it’s milking in the dairy unit, maintaining farm machinery or active participation in routine farm and countryside management duties.
Why study Agriculture at Hartpury College?
Whether you’re studying Agriculture, Livestock Production, Engineering, or Countryside Management, our 500-hectare farm estate will be your classroom. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in every aspect of farming and estate operation; whether it’s milking in the dairy unit, maintaining farm machinery or active participation in routine farm and countryside management duties.
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.8% pass-rate
With a 99.2% BTEC pass rate (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
Similar courses
Level 2 Diploma Agriculture
Get career-ready by learning in a 360-hectare classroom and working with livestock and arable on our working farm. Experience the agriculture industry first-hand and develop your skills with external work experience.
Level 2 Technical Certificate in Land-based Engineering
If you have a keen interest in and understanding of land-based industries, have a practical and enquiring mind, and want a varied working environment with current technology, then this course is ideal for you.
Level 3 Extended Certificate Agriculture
If you want to develop your skills in all areas of agriculture, this course is for you. Learn the theory in the classroom before you step onto the farm to see it in practice.
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