Advanced Certificate Forestry

Following on from the Certificate in Forestry, this course develops specialist knowledge and skills in general forestry and mechanisation.

Location: Barony
Study mode: full time (1 year)
Start date: September 2025
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: ACF1

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Course overview

This course builds on skills and knowledge gained on the Certificate in Forestry course or from relevant work experience. The course covers a broad range of topics balanced with strong practical content and is aimed students wishing to work at an advanced technical level in forestry and arboriculture, for example tree climbers, machine operators and site supervisors.

You'll work in the woodlands and trees on the college grounds and local estates using specialist machinery and equipment like forwarders, decay detection software and a range of modern climbing equipment to gain sound practical experience in the subject. You will also benefit from our well-established links within the industry which have already helped many students obtain work experience and employment.

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

Admission to this course is either through the satisfactory completion of the Certificate in Forestry or via direct entry with appropriate experience in other employment sectors.

Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of 3 National 5s including English, Maths, Geography or a science subject. You should be 17 years of age or older to start this course.

Mature students considering a career change are encouraged to apply.

What you'll learn

Your core topics on this course include plant identification, chainsaw felling operations, machinery maintenance and repair, and use of GIS/GPS in forestry and treework.

Some new topics are introduced like forest measurement and thinning, tree surveys and silviculture.

You’ll get the chance to specialise in arboriculture (tree surgery) or forestry. The arboriculture route concentrates on practical aerial treework while the forestry route focusses more on machinery operation.

A mix of classroom sessions, field trips and practical training, will teach you about forestry and treework, tree pests and diseases and how your machinery works.

Through project work and exercises, you’ll be able to work on communication, mathematics and computer skills.

You'll also have the chance to undertake industry certification, such as forest machine operations, felling operations, tree climbing, aerial rescue and aerial cutting.

Student experience

Theo McNeill from Canonbie studied the Advanced Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture at SRUC Barony. Theo has always lived in the countryside so a career in a rural industry has always appealed to him.

“As I became more interested in trees and woods, I thought forestry or tree surgery would be good options. The courses at the SRUC seemed an ideal way to gain skills and qualifications to help me progress in to the sector. As I was looking to gain practical skills such as chainsaw use and tree climbing, while also learning the science and theory behind these actions, this course seemed an unparalleled option.”

“My favourite module is Plant ID, it was probably one of the most academically challenging parts of the course, but also highly rewarding. Identifying plants while walking around can add so much interest to seemingly mundane places. The module was taught with such infectious enthusiasm as to be impossible not to enjoy.”

“One of the best thing from my time at the Barony was the people I was there with. From the tutors to my fellow students, it was it was such a friendly group, that was a pleasure to be a part of.”

“I am currently doing what I hoped I would after leaving the course, working full time doing a mixture of arboriculture and forestry. I managed to get a job just after I finished at the Barony  and have been enjoying a varied mix of work from handcutting to climbing all across the country. The skills and knowledge I gained at college are definitely helping as I enter into the industry.”

“SRUC Barony is well equipped, with everything from digital mapping to forest machinery and climbing equipment. It was an impressive assortment which allowed me to learn and practice so many different skills.”

Calum Spalding

Meet the lecturer

Philip Sage

MSc. Environmental Forestry

Philip had worked in forestry for twenty year and has a background in forest research.

Before joining SRUC at our Barony Campus to teach forest ecology and GIS, Philip ran a horse logger business in North Scotland focusing on low impact timber extraction. He then moved to SE Asia to work in sustainable development and community-based forest management. This included working of mangrove reforestation and restoration, and sustainable ecotourism.

View Philip's Pure profile

Hugh Morris

Senior Lecturer

I am a senior lecturer in forestry and arboriculture at the Barony campus, Dumfries, with the vision to develop curricula and research in these disciplines with our team, and the aim to make a positive contribution to the planet in these changing times.

In my spare time, I travel, climb mountains, trail run, and run the odd marathon, while still climbing trees when I get the chance.

Read my full profile

Sam Howard

Lecturer

I am a Forest Manager that has returned to academia to prepare the next generation of Foresters. My focus is on making sure students are equipped with the skills to excel in the workplace. I use a mix of exercises, workshops, site visits and presentations to deliver course material to reflect the dynamic nature of the workplace in the forestry sector.

Read my full profile

Course Funding

Full-time students of Advanced Certificate Forestry (Forest mechanisation) 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

Advanced Certificate Forestry

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