Rural land management

[Sterry 0]

Although i hope to join the RAF after my a-levels as an officer, as a back up plan for what ever reason i would like to do a degree or similar in Rural land management. I've been looking at the Royal Agricultural College and i dont want to be doing an NVG, Btec or anyother mikey mouse "qualification".

 

I was hoping some of you guys could give me an idea of what particular course to do and if you've done and how it was.. many thanks.

[patchworkcrew 0]

BTEC isn't a mickey mouse qualification. Most Agricultural colleges will offer either BTEC 1st or Nationals at GCSE and "A" level equivalence respectively. Some will offer degree equivalent highers. In addition you would usually also study to gain NPTC eg felling small trees, tractor driving, use of firearms etc.

 

I wouldn't dismiss BTEC. If you do you are going to find your choices very limited.

 

The secret is to find out from your college what units they offer, For example the BTEC National has over 20 units including use of firearms, shoot management, deer stalking etc.

 

Bob G

[Sterry 0]

The one im thinking of doin is BSc (Hons) Agriculture (land management), i understand that NVQs and BTEC have there place but, im looking to do a more ....in depth study, in hope it will set me in better stead when goin against someone with an NVQ or BTEC.

[patchworkcrew 0]

Hello

 

Again - check out the course content. If you are going for land management will the course equip you manage a large estate or agricultural concern?

 

If you want to do this then you need to make sure the course offers a balance of practical units along with more "academic". For example do you want to work with a dairy herd? If so does the course cover this. Do you want to understand bookeeping, accounts, employment law? If you want to be a manager these are topics that will be useful. As a manager though, you need to be able to understand what your gamekeeper is talking about even if you don't have their experience so don't discard the practical side of courses.

 

Do you want to specialise in forestry, agricultural law, Computer assisted agricultural machinery etc?

 

I guess you are in the upper sixth? In which case you still have time but you need to get a wriggle on. Try to decide which area of the Land-based industries you want to work in and speak to the people who are managers in those areas. Show them the course outlines and ask them if they think the course will help you to achieve your ambition. Go and see the colleges and quiz them on the content and make sure what they offer is what you want. Trouble is the land-based industry is huge and narrowing down to suit your interests and abilities can be daunting.

 

I don't know the college you are interested in but for comparison look at Sparsholt. A centre of excellence with some fine courses at degree level.

 

I know it's only a backup plan but you have to be happy and who knows with a bit of research you might find the back up plan more attractive than the RAF. Stranger things have happened.

 

Good Luck

 

Bob G

[Sterry 0]

Im in lower sixth atm but, as with everything i like to get it sorted out and do as much research as is possible, and im just in the prilimary stage of this atm.

 

http://www.rac.ac.uk/?_id=2999 this is the course im looking at but when i get the prospectus and what not i'll get a better idea.

 

 

 

thanks patch work. i'll have a look at the college.

[patchworkcrew 0]

Since you are lower sixth you have obviously more time to do some research. They have an open day on 25th June - if you can you should try to get to it. The next one is in Sept and you sound like the kind of person that likes to get things moving and by Sept I should think you will be past the thinking about it stage and preparing to make an application.

 

If they only want upper sixth to go on the open days then send the course director an e-mail and make your case. I'm sure he will be helpful. Be sure you really want an agriculture-based course. When you get the prospectus look carefully at the other courses - particularly those that require more than the 200 points needed for the course you are interested in. Ask yourself why they want more points. Is it a better course? Is it going to stretch you a bit more and possibly prepare you more for a career? Are the class sizes smaller?

 

If you need help once you get the prospectus then post again.

 

Regards

 

Bob G

[Sterry 0]

Cheers Bob, many thanks. My school has a person whos job it is to do all the university and prepare all the stuff for it and give out advice, i'll get in with her i think lol.

 

thanks mate.

[Sterry 0]

Just an update to the situation, i have been invited to an open day and they seemed to be quite impressed that i was sorting things out early rather than later.

I have got myself some work experience working on a large mixed farm down in Devon (im here in kent/greater london) which im doing in the summer holiday, and hopefully in the wor placement my school does in y13.

 

And by god patchwork...you werent half right, my back up plan is now not quite so much of a back up plan...not helped by the RAF being completely unintrested in me as i dont have the qualification but have well over the required predicted grades.

 

Just an update on things,