Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Land-Based Studies, as validated by CAVA, is a qualification which prepares students aged 19 and over, without relevant qualifications, for studying a range of land-based courses at degree level including agriculture, animal sciences, wildlife and conservation.
You will study a range of units covering business, study and land-based skills. Additionally, you will study a research project across the year and also choose a pathway pair of units, typically from either animal science and welfare, ecology and conservation, or agriculture (please note these are subject to change).
The programme is modular and will be delivered over 2.5 days a week. You will be supported throughout the course by a personal tutor who will also give you guidance in applying for Higher Education courses.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to students aged 19 and over. You will need to have achieved GCSEs at grade A*-C or Grade 4 and above in English Language and Maths. Additionally, GCSE Biology at grade A-C or 4 and above would be beneficial, but a good understanding and ability to study science is necessary.
In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to accept a Functional Skills Level 2 pass in these subjects instead, however this is dependent on individual applications and planned progression routes.
A reference may also be required.
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading), the required minimum is; IELTS (SELT); 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components). International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the International Students webpage.
Selection to discuss your suitability for the course and whether the course is right for you is by interview and evidence of your GCSE (or equivalent) qualifications. As part of this process, you may be required to complete online assessments and submit a short piece of writing. Advice can be given about alternative ways forward if necessary.
How You Will Be Assessed
The qualification includes a range of graded (assessed), non graded, mandatory and optional units. There are a range of assessment techniques such as laboratory reports, business proposals, presentations and examinations. There are 60 credits across the diploma with 45 of these graded. The graded units will be awarded credits at either a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. Credits are at Level 3 which broadly equates to A Level study. Assessment is continuous over the whole year.
Course Progression
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Land-Based Studies is widely recognised by UK universities. If you are planning to study a degree course at a specific university, it would be useful to contact them to check that the course you have chosen is in an appropriate subject area and is recognised by the university or college. Please be aware that university entry criteria can change at any time.
Our students progress to a range of higher education institutions and frequently undertake degrees through City College Norwich Higher Education at our Easton College campus, and through the University of East Anglia. This course is also suitable to progress to employment or Higher Apprenticeships.
Where Your Course Can Take You
This course could lead to a range of careers including: zoo keeper, vet assistant, animal charity worker, vet nurse, conservationist, wildlife conservation, sustainability, rangers, estate workers and more.
Fees
Please contact the Advice Shop for information on fees and financial support which may be available. We recommend you also check our Finance pages for further information including student travel offers.
