HNC Forestry

This programme covers a range of topics relevant to British Forestry which, in combination with practical experience, will enable you to begin a range of careers in Forestry and Woodland management.

Location: Barony
Study mode: full time (1 year), Part time (2 years)
Subject area: Forestry and Arboriculture
Start date: September 2025
Agency code: HC01

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Course overview

This one-year course will develop your skills and knowledge in the management of silviculture, woodland establishment, harvesting and sales as well as surveying and mensuration, mapping and forest conservation.

You'll also develop an awareness of health and safety, and environmental issues directly related to forestry.

Academic study is supported by practical experience, which will enable you to begin your career in forestry and woodland management.

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

You should be 17 years old or more to apply for this course. Mature students are actively encouraged to apply.

We normally expect two highers (CC), preferably including a science or geography. Equivalent qualifications, like the Advanced Certificate in Forestry & Arboriculture, are also accepted.

Appropriate employment experience in other sectors will also be considered.

What you'll learn

You'll learn about all aspects of forestry, like the establishment of woodlands, silviculture, geographical information systems, thinning and harvesting as well as conservation and environmental topics.

The course also includes practical experiences and examples through visits to various types of forests and woodlands, operational sites and timber processing facilities.

Example modules include:

Forest Science
Establishment of Woodland
Timber Sales and Transportation
Forest Mensuration and Thinning Control
Silviculture

Fees and funding

Eligible full-time students studying HNC Forestry should apply to SAAS for fees and funding. A student loan is also available to help students with living costs.

If you do not apply, you will have to pay your fees yourself and if you have studied at HNC/D/degree level before SAAS may not pay your fees.

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: There are a number of bursaries available to care-experienced students studying full time. Find out more from our student funding teams at: registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Discretionary fund
- SAAS student bursary
- Care Experienced Accommodation Grant
- Childcare
- Going further bursary
- RUK bursary (for students from outside Scotland)
- The Gregor Thomas Royan Lamb Bursary for Future Farmers
- Centenary bursary
- Change your path bursary

Student experience

Rebecca Staples from Elgin studied the HNC Forestry course at SRUC Barony having wanted work in managing forestry as sustainable resource and to improve the natural environment. “I chose SRUC because I wanted to study Forestry and had heard good things from former students. My favourite module was Silviculture and Woodland Establishment and a particular highlight was learning loads about forestry that I was unaware of before I started and getting into a job that I love.”

“I found it quite hard to begin with as I was a mature student. Fortunately, I was well supported by my lecturers and fellow students throughout and learned lots of useful skills along the way that have helped me in my current job.”

“The facilities were really good, I used to come and sit in the Library or Café and do a lot of my course work with some of the guys on my course.”

“I am really happy that I completed the HNC as it has provided me with the skills and knowledge I needed to get started in my career in woodland management and regulation. I thought the lecturers were fantastic. I really appreciated when they helped me through the parts of the course I found difficult.”

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

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

HNC Forestry

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