(commercial, recreational, ornamental)


This is a programme of study completed in one year. It is designed for those students who, on leaving school, wish to enter a career involved with commercial fish production, recreational fishing or ornamentals. The course consists fo practical classes, classroom sessions, practical work on the College estate and elsewhere and a minimum of eight weeks planned relevant work experience.

Course content
Fish Science	body features, biology and fish health
Aquatic Ecology	water quality, aquatic life, aquatic habitats
Estate Skills	practical work involving building and construction skills
Industry Experience	six weeks at fishery/aquatic work placement of your choice
Industry and organisation	study of the aquatic and fisheries industries
Sport Fishery Management	stock and fishery maintenance, fish capture and legislation
Use of Machinery in Fish Husbandry	understanding and use of relevant machinery
Aquatics	investigating and understanding aquarium biology and equipment

The course will lead to the First Diploma in Fish Husbandry, a nationally recognised qualification. Assessment will take the form of practical tasks and assignments, written coursework (projects, reports etc.) and written tests.

Students completing the BTEC First Diploma may go into full-time employment on a variety of fish farms, estates or with local or national authorities. It is also possible to progress to further studies in a more advanced course such as the BTEC National Diploma in Fish Management, which is available at the college.

The course is open to all people over the age of 16. No academic qualifications are sought and no previous experience is necessary. Students must be enthusiastic, prepared to be involved in all aspects of the course and work towards a successful outcome. A combination of academic achievement and previous experience will be considered when offering a place.