Certificate Land-based Studies

This course is aimed at school leavers or people who are out of work, who enjoy and have an interest in hands-on land-based subjects.

Location: Elmwood
Study mode:
Start date: September 2025
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: CLBS

Course overview

The Certificate in Land-based studies course is designed to attract schools leavers or young people that are out of work, who enjoy and have an interest in hands-on land-based subjects and would like to develop their knowledge in this area.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

Students must be 16 years of age or over. Entry by interview. No formal qualifications are required but a desire to commit to the course is essential.

What you'll learn

This course will cover a variety of subjects that will give you an introduction to what the land-based sector is all about including:

agriculture
environment
horticulture
landscaping
equine and engineering

The course will also cover essential skills subjects such as communications, numeracy, IT, enterprise and employability skills with a focus on personal development.

On successful completion, you can progress to specialist SCQF Level 5 National Certificate courses or to SVQs at the same level.

Example modules include:

Environmental Issues
Crop Production
Estate Maintenance
Animal Breeds and Identification
Numeracy

Course Funding

Full-time students of Certificate Land-based Studies can apply for a Further Education Bursary.

Once you’ve accepted a place, we’ll email the bursary funding online application. Complete the application and return it along with any required documents. You should apply even if you're still waiting for exam results.

Tuition fees are waived for students who qualify for a bursary.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees & funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: Any care experienced students studying full time can apply for a bursary of around £202.50 per week. Find out more from our student funding teams at registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Education Maintenance Allowance: Students between the ages of 16-19 who meet specific criteria may be entitled to an EMA. This means-tested allowance depends on the income of the home the student stays in.
Discretionary Fund
Childcare

Meet the lecturer

Tony Wilson

Tony is based at Elmwood and has worked at SRUC since 2012, first in the Horticulture department, then in the Environment and Countryside department where he’s a tutor for the Rural Skills and Land Based Studies courses. He also teaches on the NC and HNC Wildlife and Conservation courses.

Prior to SRUC, Tony worked as a Ranger in Fife and Tayside for 30 years and is currently Treasurer for the Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association, having been Chair, Vice-chair and International Representative in the past.