About the course
This course is only accepting applicants onto the third year of the course by way of transfer from a similar programme or as part of a top-up from Foundation Degree (year 3 entry).
The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Lancashire.
The course is focused on delivering contemporary approaches to tree management informed by the latest academic research. It will equip you with the ability to effectively gather information, solve problems, make decisions and communicate your opinions - essential skills within the professional tree care industry.
You will learn how to integrate a knowledge of tree biology, plant pathology and soil science for effective tree management. Tree identification, surveys and the inspection of individual trees are key elements of the course. You will also learn how to think strategically about the management of the urban forest. You will be introduced to tree law, tree protection, safe working practices and the social, environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits of trees. This will give you the knowledge necessary to manage tree populations from individual trees to woodland communities, and to understand the underlying principles behind the management practices.
The Arboriculture and Urban Forestry programme covers a wide range of current arboriculture issues, including tree production and establishment in an urban environment, epidemic outbreaks of disease affecting trees, international developments in urban forestry, detection of decay in trees and the use of biotechnology in developing disease detection technologies and stress resistant cultivars. Issues of environmental sustainability are emphasised throughout the course. An integral and exciting part of this course is the opportunity for students to conduct their own piece of original research in an area of arboriculture that interests them. This not only allows a real area of expertise to be developed but gives Myerscough students further recognition as they progress to employment.
Applicants wishing to top-up from a Foundation Degree or HND into the final year of the BSc (Honours) course will need to demonstrate skills in research methods and plant science at Level 5 to enable them to progress onto the programme. Those applicants whose previous programme of study has not covered research skills or plant science at the appropriate level will be asked to complete a bridging module in the relevant subject. These bridging modules may be taken on-line during the summer prior to entry onto the course.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: Three Years (90 weeks)
Start date: September 2024
Course Modules
Applied Ecology and Landscape Management - option
This module explores the ways in which ecological principles can be applied to help mitigate some of the crucial ecological problems caused by changes in land use and urban development in the UK. It covers key ecological principles at the population, community and ecosystem levels, and investigates how these principles can help guide management decisions, policy and environmental practice. A major theme is how natural resources can be managed and exploited sustainably, drawing on examples from agriculture, urbanisation, forestry, EIAs, rewilding projects and natural flood management projects in the UK. Central to the module is the question of how wildlife conservation can be better incorporated into the wider needs of environmental management and infrastructure development.
Biotechnology for Plant Improvement - option
The study of plants is an increasingly technical field and advances in biotechnology are providing important tools for those involved in plant related industries. This module will review recent advances in plant breeding, including plant tissue culture and molecular techniques, and allow students to consider their application within their specialist field of study.
Greenspace Professional Practice
It is very important for professionals to have an appreciation of ethical and sustainable business operation concepts and be able to apply them. In this module you will build upon the principals of strategic planning and corporate social responsibilities to address business auditing tasks, such as re-branding and re-modelling, incorporating company policies; planning; project management; communication and negotiation with clients. You will also critically analyse a range of contemporary issues within arboriculture and associated green industries.
Management of Tree Risk
This module aims to give you the skills necessary to manage risk from storm damage or structural failure in populations of trees. You will learn how to apply the principles of tree biomechanics, zoning and hazard abatement to aid management decisions. Emphasis will be placed on the development of reasoned argument to support a tree management decisions.
Research Project (Double Module)
This double module will provide you with an opportunity to carry out a piece of independent research into a topic that interests you. You will begin by clearly defining a problem to be solved, and then design and undertake an original investigation, developing your skills in project management. The reporting of your study will develop skills in critical analysis and communicating in a coherent and critical style.
Urban Forest and Greenspace Management
The trees and greenspaces in our towns and cities that make up our urban forests play a big role in enhancing the lives of those who live in or visit them. This module will consider the evolution of our current urban forests and discuss ways that they can be developed to increase the benefits supplied to future generations. The involvement of all stakeholders in the urban forest will be considered from the role of central and local government in strategic planning, to the importance of community involvement and the role of private and voluntary sectors in partnership working.
Entry requirements & additional information
This course is only accepting applicants onto the third year of the course as part of a 'top-up' from Foundation Degree (year 3 entry).
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Learning Environment:
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops. Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Assessment:
This course is designed to ensure a wide variety of assessment types are undertaken, many of which directly reflect industry-related documentation and practices. These assessment methods will include technical reports, portfolios, exams, individual presentations, laboratory/practical reports, research posters and extended project work.
Additional Information:
Many modules will include guest speakers of standing within the industry. Off-site day visits to facilities such as arboretums, scientific laboratories, trade fairs and areas of environmental significance.
What work experience can I get?
There is no formal industry placement on this course but there may be opportunities at the end of the course, for students to undertake work experience or internships with employers throughout the UK and overseas.
On successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Arboriculture and Urban Forestry course, students can apply for MSc Arboriculture and Urban Forestry course, and other post-graduate courses.