This course is intended to provide a qualification suitable for individuals wishing to progress into a more managerial role in both the private and public sector of Arboriculture and Amenity Forestry Management.

The Course
The course is a Level 3 qualification and runs for one academic year (three terms) on a one day per week, afternoon and evening sessions. Guest speakers will be invited to contribute to specialist areas of the course. A considerable amount of background reading will be required to support your study.

Course Content
The content covers both theory and practical aspects of arboriculture at technician level. The scheme is divided into 18 units as follows:

• Unit 1 The Arboricultural Industry
• Unit 2 Plant Growth
• Unit 3 Soil Science and Management
• Unit 4 Trees and Woodlands in an Ecological Context
• Unit 5 Plant Utilisation
• Unit 6 Tree and Shrub Production and Supply
• Unit 7 Planting and Establishment
• Unit 8 Tree Inspection and Surveys
• Unit 9 Tree Related Problems
• Unit 10 Safety in Tree Work
• Unit 11 Tree Maintenance Practice
• Unit 12 Equipment and Machinery
• Unit 13 Woodland Management
• Unit 14 Urban and Rural Trees
• Unit 15 Trees and Buildings
• Unit 16 Management and Supervision
• Unit 17 Business and Finance
• Unit 18 Trees and the Law

A full breakdown of the unit content and reading list is available on the Arboriculture Association website: www.trees.org.uk

Entry Requirements
There is open access to this qualification and there are no pre-entry academic qualifications. However it is strongly recommended that candidates should have a breadth of knowledge of arboricultural practices gained through two or more years working in the industry and have studied for City & Guilds Phase 2 Arboriculture and the ABC (RFS) Certificate in Arboriculture.

It is also expected that candidates will have the ability to produce a good standard of written work and be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and the general public.

Candidates entering via a self-study route must ensure that they are aware of the examination techniques required at this level.

Training and Assessment Methods
Study is divided between formal lectures, case study and project work with group discussion, visits and plant identification tests.

In addition to the afternoon/evening sessions there may be two or three day visits on a Saturday or Sunday.

There are 2 parts to the assessment process. Part 1 consists of 2 written exam papers, each of 2½ hours duration, taken in mid June. There is a 50% aggregate pass mark with 45% minimum pass mark on each paper.

Successful completion of Part 1 enables the candidate to proceed to Part 2, practical management exercises to assess arboricultural knowledge and the application of that knowledge to actual work situations. This exam normally occurs in September or early October.

Qualification Gained
The Technician’s Certificate will be awarded to candidates who successfully complete both parts of the examination, achieving an aggregate Pass mark of 50%.

Candidates who gain aggregate marks in excess of 65% will be awarded a certificate with Credit and those gaining in excess of 75% awarded a certificate with Distinction.

Progression
This course enables progression to the RFS Diploma in Arboriculture qualifications at level 4 or higher.

Venue and Facilities
The course will take place at the main college campus in Enfield, an 18th century manor house situated within 30 acres of gardens which are open to the public. There are well equipped classrooms and workshops, library and IT facilities that enable learners to study in relaxed and comfortable surroundings. The course may also take place at the Quarles Campus, part of Havering College.

Fees

Study		Day	Start Date	Course Time	19+ Annual Tuition Fee	19+ Reg Fee	Length
Part-time		W	Sept	1pm-8pm	£800	£225	1 year

Please note that exam fees may be subject to change by the awarding bodies

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