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Course overview

This gamekeeping course will help get you started in a career in field sports and wildlife management.

HNC Game and Wildlife Management is delivered over 2 years and is ideal for people who are in full-time or part-time employment and would like to progress their career.

Throughout the course you will develop the skills needed to continue a career in the game and wildlife management sector with a sound knowledge of gamekeeping practice. The HNC will provide you with a qualification, that will further your personnel and professional development namely technical competence and managerial skills. There may be a requirement to attend a study weekend during each year of study.

Note: Please note that students undertaking this course who are domiciled out with Scotland the qualification title is Advanced Certificate Game and Wildlife Management. This is a requirement of the awarding body, SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority). SRUC can assure you that the content and qualification level of the HNC and Advanced Certificate are exactly the same.

Course description

This course aims to provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to work in a professional manner at a supervisory level in the game and wildlife management industry.

If you are looking to progress your career as a gamekeeper, or in conservation and land management, this HNC in Gamekeeping with Wildlife Management will allow you to develop your professional practice, as well as continuing the hands-on training you require.

Essentially it is aimed at those who will be employed as a beat keeper, stalking ghillie, and or single handed upland or lowland gamekeeper associated with a sporting estate.

Example modules include:

  • Gamebird Management
  • Sustainable Deer Management
  • Wildlife Legislation
  • Managing Game Sporting Activities
  • Public Relations
  • Biodiversity for Wildlife Management

Entry requirements

NC Gamekeeping or equivalent level 5 award.

Relevant industry experience associated with the gamekeeping or countryside management sector.

Different combinations of relevant national qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.

Applicants must be employed on a working estate

Course options

Course Type: Distance learning
Details
Date: 01/09/2026 Cost: Get in touch with the course provider or visit their website for more information
Venue details

Non Campus Specific

Who to contact ?
0131 535 4000

Course provider

SRUC Scotland's Rural College