About the course
The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The course is a top-up degree for applicants who already hold an FdSc or HND in Arboriculture or a closely related plant or soil science based subject. The modules you will take form the final year of a full-time, three-year BSc (Hons) degree and by completing these Level 6 modules you will be able to top up your previous Level 5 qualification to a Level 6 BSc (Hons).
This On-line final year direct entry BSc (Hons) in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry is the first of its type and makes the Honours Degree accessible to students regardless of location or nationality. This is particularly useful if you are working in the arboriculture industry and need a degree to progress your career. Online courses also deliver excellent CPD opportunities.
Covering high levels of technical knowledge in science, management and technology across a range of arboricultural issues, this course applies current research to develop a strategic approach to the management of trees and their environment. Transferable and personal skills, important for employers at this level, will be developed including communication, time management, work prioritisation, critical analysis and report writing.
The top-up degree course in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry is focused around web-based learning material on the Myerscough College On-line learning network. On-line tutorials are an important element of the course, enabling students from a wide geographic area to gain an Honours Degree qualification without having to live in close proximity to the College.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: One Year (30 weeks)
Start date: January 2026
Interested in taking this course? Click here to apply for this course online
Course Modules
Management of Tree Risk
This module aims to give students 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 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.
YEAR 1
Biotechnology for Plant Improvement
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.
YEAR 2
Greenspace Professional Practice
It is very important for professionals to have an appreciation of ethical and sustainable business operation concepts and to be able to apply them. In this module you will build upon the principles of strategic planning and corporate social responsibility to address business auditing tasks incorporating company policies; planning; project management; communication and negotiation with clients. They will also critically analyse a range of contemporary issues within arboriculture and associated green industries.
Entry requirements & additional information
Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject or 2 years (one at Level 4 and the other at Level 5) of Honours Degree work in a related discipline achieved at 'pass' standard or above. Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively. Applicants must also produce evidence of successfully completing a research based module at level 5.
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.
Applicants must be involved in the industry, have recent previous industry experience or be able to get industry involvement within a few months of starting the course.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Learning Environment:
Learning activities on the course will include the provision of notes, audio-visual presentations and interactive activities via an online learning environment.
Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support learning materials and assessments. Students will have remote access to specialist software, and an online 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, exams, individual presentations, research posters, literature reviews and extended project work.
Additional Information:
Students will be given access to talks by guest speakers via the Myerscough College virtual learning environment.
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/PGDip Arboriculture and Urban Forestry course, and other post-graduate courses.
Students will need: Access to a personal computer and internet facilities
IT requirements:
Access to a PC
Microsoft Office
Broadband internet connection
Email account
Recommended browsers:
Internet Explorer
Firefox
Google Chrome
Safari