BSc/MSc Arboriculture

[Paul Barton]

Hi chaps and chappesses,

 

I am interested to know if people have experience with either of the above courses - particularly if you did them part-time or by distance learning.

 

I want to add to my qualifications this year, but as the PD Arb is no longer running I am looking at the more academic route.

 

My concern is that a degree is equivalent in to the PD, they are quite different courses. I understand that the PD was the best for practitioners as it was quite hands on whereas the degree route is more theoretical. Do people agree with that?

 

And how good is the material used for distance learning from Uni's? In the past I have always thrived on the discussion and seminars etc so am wondering if lone study at home will be stimulating enough!

 

cheers,

 

Paul

[Bundle 2]

I too was very disappointed to learn that the PD was not back online 'til 2011..... I understand from some comments made to me that there really did not seem to be much wrong with the qualification in it's present format....

At a time when the pressures to many employed within the industry could perhaps have afforded the worthwhile pursuit of further education, the timing is less than helpful shall we say?

It makes me furious Im afraid!!

 

Edit: Apologies...back on topic.

[penfold]

i'm looking into doing a FdSc in arb at askham bryan college which is verified by harper adams college. upon completion of this and dependent on gaining a merit or above i can "top-up" with a course in land management but with an arb slant to it:thumbup1:

[arb culture]

I've tried distance learning, full time education and day release.

 

Motivating yourself for distance learning is really hard - I didn't manage it and didn't complete the course.

 

Full time is obviously the best for motivation and for interacting with other students (and teachers), but day release was better than I imagined it would be. There was good discussion at seminars, and you can keep in touch with other students quite easily.

 

I found the PD and the BSc route to be similar in the amount of theory to practical application, but I was very concerned by some of the things in the PD syllabus. Some very incorrect science in there the last time I looked, and I'm not sure they include any stats or mathematical analysis (but I may be wrong).

 

At the moment I'd rather employ someone with a relevent BSc than a PD because of this. Also, a BSc is far more widely recognised outside our little arb world.

[Paul Barton]

Bundle 2: I agree, the timing is very frustrating indeed!

 

Interesting points arb culture - I had not heard that criticism of the PD syllabus before. Good to know the BSc also holds some kudos.

[educated arborist]

the msc in urban forestry has been strugaling to run the last i heard, numbers have been too low for them to run it last i heard, anyone know any different?