NC Gamekeeping

Manage a local estate and learn a mixture of practical skills, training and background knowledge in gamekeeping.

Location: Elmwood
Study mode: full time (1 year)
Start date: September 2025
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: GAK1

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Course overview

This course provides a mixture of practical training and background knowledge. As well as completing vocational training in a real working environment, you'll help to manage a local estate in Fife.

You'll also undertake residential work placements to upland estates for both red deer and grouse 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

Minimum three National 4s, including English.

What you'll learn

Throughout the course you'll be involved in all aspects of the provision and management of field sports, including being actively involved in the preparation and running of shoot days at a local estate.

You'll also have the chance to undertake industry-certified courses, such as Deer Management Qualification Level 1, ATV training and snaring accreditation.

Example modules include:

Deer Stalking
Use of Shotguns and Rifles
Pest and Predator Control
Gamebird Production and Hatchery
Gun Dog Care and Handling

Study Gamekeeping at SRUC

Ever thought about a career in Gamekeeping? Find out what's involved in our Gamekeeping courses at SRUC.

Watch

Student experience

Liam Keith, from Glasgow, enrolled on the NC Gamekeeping course after a recommendation from a friend.

Winner of the 'Gamekeeper Student of the Year' award, after graduating he secured a position as a trainee gamekeeper at Fettercairn Estate in Aberdeenshire.

A year later, he was ghillie at Corrour Estate for two seasons before securing a full-time role as a deer stalker.

"The Deer Management certificate I gained prepared me for my current role," he said. "SRUC got me to where I wanted to be. I would definitely recommend working in the countryside to others. It’s a great way of life.”

SRUC got me to where I wanted to be.

Liam Keith

Meet the lecturer

Jim Goodlad

HNC Gamekeeping & Wildlife Management

Before joining SRUC, Jim worked in the gamekeeping sector for 17 years, covering both upland and lowland associated game management.

He’s helped strengthen SRUC's relationships with key industry stakeholders, which continues to give students access to valuable practical experience.

Jim is also a member of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation game and wildlife management group, and the Scottish National Heritage wild deer best practice steering group. Both facilitate changes to best practice and legislation in the gamekeeping sector.

View Jim's Pure profile

Fees and funding

Full-time students of NC Gamekeeping 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