What next l4/l6 or degree

[wilko560]

Evening all I'm looking for people opinions on which is a more suitable path to follow either doing a l4 diploma through tree life then progressing onto a l6 or doing the bsc in arb and urban forestry at Myerscrough college, I have completed a l3 diploma in forestry in and arb and want to take my qualifications further, eventually I would like to be in a position such as a tree office or consultant, it would be great to hear people's opinions and share there experience of both courses, many thanks Darren

[Kveldssanger]

Take a look at the course syllabus for both, as there is some variation between the two. As someone put it on here before, if you want to become a consultant is it better to be trained by a consultant or by a lecturer? Of course, if the lecturer was a consultant then this muddies the waters a little. Alternatively, if you're seeking an academic path where you go into research, a degree may be a good option.

 

I am doing the Lvl 4 this year and I can genuinely say it is very good. Thoroughly enjoyable, and the in-class discussions are great.

 

Regardless of which path you choose, make sure you buy plenty of books and know how to navigate Google Scholar.

[wilko560]

That's defiantly a point to ponder on of who's it best to be taught by, how does the l4 work is it one day of "lectures" then assessed through coursework or are there module exams, after looking at different prospectuses I am leaning more towards l4/l6

[Kveldssanger]

The lvl 4 is one lesson every few weeks (ever 2-4 weeks) for an entire day (9-4), with each session having 4-6 assignments set (and some multiple-choice quizzes that can be done as open-book from your computer and with unlimited time allowances). The standard is high, so expect to write a fair bit for assignments (up to a few thousand per, at times), and being able to reference with the Harvard System is advised. For a uni degree, correct referencing would be mandatory.

 

Regardless, start taking photos and documenting stuff you see - particularly fungi and structural isues with trees. It's good to add photos to assignments, or to study on their own.

[wilko560]

I like the idea of taking pictures and keeping things like structural defects that could come in very handy for both options, would it be possible for you to pm me some examples of the coursework you have to do as an idea of what is expected, many thanks

[Kveldssanger]

Sure, I can do. Do you mean assignments I have done or the assignment sheets with the questions on them? Shoot me a PM.

[agg221]

If you are thinking of a future career where it will help to have letters after your name to secure a job, rather than just the knowledge gained from the training, I suggest the BSc.

 

The wider world, be it an individual tree owner or the estate management/site services department of a company is unlikely to be familiar with the different levels or understand what they mean, whereas BSc is 'portable' - fwiw even beyond arb.

 

Alec