Postgraduate courses in Land Management

We all love a run in the park or stroll through the woods to keep active and get out in the fresh air. All these places are in great shape to allow us to do this but we often forget about those who make sure they are clear, safe and fit for use. 

Land management is an area of great importance for many reasons as you will see a little later on in this piece. If it is an area you;d like to explore and learn about a little more or you’re hoping to develop your career in this area, a postgraduate course might be exactly what you’re looking for. 

A browse and some research never hurt anyone! Hopefully we can be of help.

What is land management?

You most likely guessed it, it’s very self explanatory. Land management refers to the process of managing the use and development of land and it’s resources. Land resources include agriculture, water resource management, reforestation and so on. 

Land management is essential because managing land resources is very important. It is crucial because it ensures land resources can continue to provide important ecosystem services.  

What does a land manager do?

As a land manager, your main role is to prevent damage, such as environmental, and harm to wildlife through managing and and developing the use of the land. It is expected that as a land manager you will work anything between 35-40 hours a week. In this area you can work as a land manager or a land management specialist. The duties between the two roles will differ but may include: 

• Clean, maintain and repair tools and equipment 
• Keep land, trails, paths clean
• Work with private landowners and government agencies
• Maintain current knowledge and of pertinent legislation and land use regulations
• Supervise harvests
• Operate equipment such as lawn mowers and chainsaws
• Prevent damage to land 
• Carry our patrols around land
• Control weeds and overgrowth of plants and trees
• Record any data you may need during patrols and managing of the land
• Removal of different aspects of land management such as graffiti, vandalism or unwanted and invasive species
• Allow for visitors and be largely informed in order to be able to answer any questions

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Covid-19 and may offer courses online. There are courses available in this area across a number of colleges and are very similar. Courses include:

Conservation and Land Management

Courses in this area are mainly for those who have a keen interest in land use and who want to develop their knowledge of conservation issues. Students will gain a broad and balanced understanding of the fundamental science focusing on Conservation and Land use. You will examine different areas such as habitats, wildlife, landscapes and the effects of human activity on these. Modules might include Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture and the Environment and many more. Specific content may change from course to course.

Rural Estate and Land Management 

Postgraduate courses in rural estate and land management will look at techniques for rural land management strategies which meet the objectives for sustainable management while also considering regulations, account legislation, ethics and morale and more. There is also a focus on how land management strategies are achieved and adapt them to new requirements in future.

There are also courses available in Rural Land and Business Management. 

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1.

Potential employers

Potential employers in this area may include:

• Government agencies/departments
• Agriculture businesses
• Agri-food companies
• Land reclamation companies
• Consulting firms

Salary 

As a land manager, it is believed the average salary you may earn is around £49,161. This figure is intended to be used as a guide only. 

Skills and requirements

Skills and requirements helpful in this area include:

• Strong communication skills
• Organization skills
• Ability to work well with others
• People skills
• An interest in nature, land and conservation 
• Critical thinker
• Problem solver
• Ability to be strategic and put together a plan of action 
• Ability to follow instruction 
• Ability to implement and maintain regulations