NC Land-based Engineering (Forestry)

Land-based engineering is a career for anyone with an interest in machines and how they work — this course combines that interest with the desire to work in the forestry environment.

Location: Barony
Study mode: full time (1 year)
Start date: September 2023
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: LEF1,;

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Course overview

Land-based engineering is a career for anyone with an interest in machines, an urge to learn practical skills and, increasingly, a fascination with new technology.

This course, only available at our Barony campus in Dumfries and Galloway, is designed to combine those interests with a desire to work in forestry.

It aims to develop both specialist knowledge and technical skills to meet the demands of working with forestry/arboricultural machines and equipment.

Over the duration of the 33 weeks, you will enjoy a challenging and innovative course.

This is a course where you will need prove a high level of determination, motivation and a drive to succeed from the beginning to end. You will be expected to work to deadlines like those you will face in industry. You will work along with a teaching team that are hugely experienced in their field, all coming from an industry background.

This course has been proven as a successful stepping stone for trainee engineers and apprenticeships in this key industry, or progression onto other courses provided by SRUC.

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 two National 4s, including English and Maths, and two National 5s in any subject

Successfully completing NC Land-based Engineering: An Introduction is also an acceptable qualification.

What you'll learn

The course covers a range of core topics, including engine technology, repair skills and electrics, as well as workshop processes, welding and mechanical transmission.

You'll learn about hydraulic systems and brakes, steering and traction, as well as how to operate, maintain and repair machinery in the contexts of health, safety and the environment and of the forestry industry.

This course provides an ideal blend of theory and practical tasks, where you will learn how a system works and then get hands on with the system.

The course involves talks from leading people in the industry along with field visits relevant to the subject you have chosen.

Example modules include:

Hydraulic Systems
Mechanical Transmission Systems
Engine Technology
Electrics: An Introduction

Meet the Lecturer

Paul Fotheringham

BSc (hons) 2.1 in Forestry

Paul has over 25 years of experience in forestry. As well as working in harvesting, he's completed machine operator training in Finland, Sweden and Russia.

Paul has developed and delivered specialist machinery training courses in partnership with John Deere Forestry, UK Forest Products Association and Forestry and Land Scotland. He has a passion for teaching about sustainable forestry management and the forest machine operations needed to achieve it.

View Paul's Pure profile

Course Funding

Full-time students of NC Land-based Engineering Forestry 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