Level 3 Diploma in Countryside Management & Wildlife Conservation

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

This Level 3 course is designed for students who are passionate about countryside management, wildlife conservation and environmental science, and are ready to build the skills needed for university study or a career in the sector. You will explore how natural environments are managed, protected and enhanced, combining scientific understanding with practical application. You will also benefit from access to our Spring Lane Campus, where you can apply your learning in a realistic environment designed to support your studies.

On our Level 3 Countryside Management and Wildlife Conservation course, you will understand how ecosystems function and how land, habitats and wildlife are managed, conserved and improved. There's a range of exciting topics to discover, including: • Ecology and Conservation • Woodland Management • Coastal Habitat Management • Biological and Physcial Processes • Plant and Soil Science • Practical Estate Skills • Ecological Survey Techniques • Countryside Recreation • Enterprise in the landbased sector • Identifying, Planting and Caring for Trees You will also have access to our Spring Lane Campus, where you can take part in practical learning that brings environmental science and countryside management to life in a realistic working environment.

The assessments are designed to test your knowledge of the environmental and land-based sector and ensure you are ready for your next steps. You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and external examinations. For internal assessments you will complete reports, essays, projects, investigations and practical observation assessments.

This study programme is designed to help you move quickly toward advanced jobs, higher education, or apprenticeship opportunities if you know what you want to do next and meet the entry requirements needed for success. Achieving a Level 3 qualification will improve your future earning potential and career choices. It also allows you to progress to Higher Education, Higher Apprenticeships, and Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead to roles like advanced technician or skilled supervisor at Level 3, and eventually to management or professional status as you continue your studies. To study at Level 3, including all T Level and A Level programmes, you will need an average entry score of 5.0 from your best 6 GCSE subjects, including English and Maths.

Upon completion, you will be well prepared to progress into employment within the land-based and environmental sector or continue your studies at university. Many students choose to progress to degrees in areas such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation, Wildlife Management or other related environmental disciplines. Attending progression fairs will give you the opportunity to speak directly with universities, employers and industry professionals, helping you explore higher education options and plan your next steps with confidence. Whether your goal is university, an apprenticeship or employment, this course provides a strong foundation for your future in the sector. Level 3 learner, Phoebe, is aiming to study at university and has appreciated the support in College: "The progression fair has been really helpful as I’ve been thinking about my personal statement, and how I can make it stand out. I’ve been able to speak to students who are doing the exact some course I’m looking at, so they’ve given me some tips and have helped me feel more confident about my application.”