Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in

Aquatic Ecosystems and Fisheries Management

For more information on Level 3 Diplomas visit our choosing the right course for you page. You can find out more about each study option using the tabs below.

You will study all aspects of fish and fishery management on this course. Working on the Reaseheath site and a wide variety of local fisheries and estates, you will have the opportunity to develop practical skills and gain a broad base of knowledge. This course will be the foundation for your future career in fisheries.

A two year programme that will provide opportunities for developing new skills and knowledge that are essential in a wide variety of fishery management roles. Close contact with the industry will ensure that you are up-to-date with current trends and practice.

Advanced Technical Extended Diploma

What will I study?

  • Fish biology and behaviour
  • Estate skills
  • Fish health and welfare
  • Still water fishery creation and management
  • Cyprinid fish farming
  • Mechanisation in fish husbandry
  • Water quality
  • Water pollution control and management
  • Coarse game and sea angling techniques
  • Freshwater and wetland management
  • Fishery management
  • Fish population surveys and management
  • Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications

How long will it take?

  • 2 years, full-time

What qualifications do I need to start?

  • At least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, these must include English, Maths and Science, or
  • Relevant Level 2 Diploma
  • Appropriate practical experience
  • Career changers welcome

What qualifications will I gain?

Course options after this programme

Career options

  • Fishery manager
  • River keeper
  • Estate management
  • Water industry
  • Fish farming
  • Ecology and conservation
  • Associated retail trades
  • Ornamental fish industry
Useful information

How much will this course cost?

If you are under 19 on 31st August 2018 the tuition fees and exam costs are free for our courses. If you are aged 19 or over you may have to pay a fee.

You may also be required to pay costs associated with study tours or additional qualifications.

For more information on fees and to find out about what financial support may be available to you visit the student finance pages on our website.

Transport

Our college buses pick up over 1,400 students each day from a wide area. From September 2018 all college bus routes to Reaseheath will be FREE. To find a bus route near you visit the transport pages on our website.

Accommodation

At Reaseheath we have on-site residential accommodation for 785 students. If you are aged over 16 and studying on a full-time course you may apply for a residential place. Visit the accommodation pages on our website for more information.

How do I apply?

If you have found a course you are interested in and are in Year 11 or above you can apply now online. For a step by step guide on the application process visit the how to apply pages on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find out more information about this course on our FAQs page.

Industry placements

Extended work placements:

During your time at Reaseheath you will have the best opportunities to hone your new found knowledge and skills through our industry led extended work placements.

Whether it be working at a fishery, aquatic related business or working to help the environment you will have the opportunity to really put it in to practice at a work related placement that reflects your career aspirations.

Reaseheath has fantastic links with fisheries, the environment agency, and conservation charities plus many more aquatic/fishery related businesses who welcome our students each year and enable them to get first-hand experience of working in their chosen area of study.

How does it work?

Over your two years of study you will be provided with in-term and outside term-time opportunities to volunteer with a company of your choice for at least 45 days.  From this you will learn not just about the job but you will also become an important member of the team which will help you to gain vital softer skills such as time keeping, customer service and team working.  All of these skills will be crucial when you decide to join the world of work or move on to higher study at university level.

Advice when you need it

Our work placement coordinators are always on hand to offer help when you need it – before, during and after your placement. They provide regular guidance and can give advice on all things work placement related.

Help with costs

If you are eligible for a bursary at Reaseheath then you may also be able to get some or all of the cost of your travel to and from your work placement reimbursed. You can find out more about the financial support available by clicking here.

Apply now for this course
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Student Profile
Tom Forrester

Ambition: Fishery owner

School: Sir Graham Balfour High School, Staffordshire

Age: 19

Passionate about fish, Tom came to Reaseheath to join our specialist fish management course. He’s keen to work in France, where the carp fishing industry is particularly popular.

Along with his course work he’s gained industry experience by working as a bailiff for RH Fisheries, a major fishing syndicate. He’s also enjoyed visits to local fisheries and related companies during his studies.

Convinced he has a good future ahead, Tom has now completed his qualification and plans to progress onto a degree in countryside and environmental management.

Tom says: “Reaseheath’s staff are brilliant. They really know their stuff. You also come into contact with a lot of useful organisations.”