Additional and Specialist Learning

We have put together examples of how the learner can specialise through their Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) component of the Foundation, Higher and Advanced Diploma. If you would like a full list of Diploma ASL qualifications visit the National Database of Accredited Qualifications.

Foundation (Level 1) Diploma Additional and Specialist Learning Pathways

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
Environmental pathway Plant pathway Animal pathway
Qualification

AQA
Level 1 / 2 GCSE in 
Environmental Science
(A) 
120 GLH

 AQA
Level 1 / 2 GCSE in 
Biology
(A)
120 GLH		 NPTC
Level 2 Intermmediate 
Certificate in Dog Grooming
(S)
120 GLH
or or  
AQA
Level 1 / 2 GCSE in
Geography C
(A)
120 GLH

NPTC
Level 2 Certificate in 
Gardening
(S)
125 GLH

  
  or  
  NPTC
Level 2 Certificate in
Horticulture
(S)
180 GLH		  
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) requirement for Diploma level
120 120 120

(A) - Additional
(S) - Specialist

Download Environmental and Land-based Studies Additional and Specialist learning flyer level 1

Return to Environmental and Land-based Studies Diploma home page

Higher (Level 2) Diploma Additional and Specialist Learning Pathways

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
Environmental pathway Plant pathway Animal pathway Water Engineering pathway
(plus any course eg shown)
Qualification
NPTC
Level 3 Certificate in
Environmental Conservation
(S)
180 GLH		 AQA
Level 3 Advanced
Subsidiary GCE in
Biology
(A)
180 GLH		 NPTC
Level 3 Certificate in
Agriculture
(S)
180 GLH

City & Guilds
Level 2 Award in Water Engineering (Waste Water -
Simple Works) (QCF)
(A)
89 GLH
or or or and
AQA
Level 2 GCSE in
Environmental Science
(A)
120 GLH		 NPTC
Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture
(S)
180 GLH		 NPTC
Level 3 Certificate in
Animal Care
(S)
180 GLH		 City & Guilds
Level 2 Award in
Food Manufacture
(A)
100 GLH
and   or  
AQA
Level 2 GCSE in 
Geography B 
(Short Course)
(A)
60 GLH		  

NPTC
Level 3 Certificate in Gamekeeping and
Wildlife Management
(A)
180 GLH

  
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) requirement for Diploma Level
180 180 180 180

(A) - Additional
(S) - Specialist

Download Environmental and Land-based Studies Additional and Specialist learning flyer level 2

Return to Environmental and Land-based Studies Diploma home page

Advanced (Level 3) Diploma Additional and Specialist Learning Pathways

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Option 5
Environmental pathway Plant pathway Animal pathway Countryside Management pathway Agriculture pathway
Qualification
AQA
Level 3 Advanced
GCE in
Environmental Studies
(A)
360 GLH

AQA
Advanced Subsidiary GCE in
Biology B
(A)
180 GLH

 NPTC
Level 3 Certificate in
Animal Care
(S)
180 GLH		 NPTC
Level 3 Advanced
National Certificate in Countryside Management
(S)
450 GLH		 NPTC
Level 3 Advanced National Certificate in Agriculture
(S)
450 GLH
or and and    
AQA
Level 3 Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Geography
(A)
180 GLH		 NPTC
Level 3 Certificate in Production Horticulture
(S)
180 GLH		 NPTC
Level 3 Certificate in
Horse Management
(S)
180 GLH		    
and   or    
NPTC
Level 3 Certificate in Environmental Conservation
(S)
180 GLH		  

NPTC
Level 3 Certificate in Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management
(A)
180 GLH

    
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) requirement for Diploma Level
360 360 360 360 360

(A) - Additional
(S) - Specialist

Download Environmental and Land-based Studies Additional and Specialist learning flyer level 3

Return to Environmental and Land-based Studies Diploma home page