Choosing the right steps after GCSE is a big decision — especially if you’re considering a hands-on, outdoor career.
Attending an Open Day at Shuttleworth College is a great way to explore your options, experience the campus and find out whether a land-based course is right for you.
As one of the leading land-based colleges in Bedfordshire, Shuttleworth College offers specialist courses in animal care, agriculture, horticulture and gardening, floristry, outdoor education, equine management, countryside management, public services and more. An Open Day allows you to see these courses in action and make informed choices about your future.
Why Visit Shuttleworth College at an Open Day?
When you visit Shuttleworth College, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Tour specialist land-based facilities and outdoor learning environments – we are proud of our working farm, Zoological Education Centre (ZEC), walled garden, on-site lakes and more!
- Meet experienced tutors and ask questions about courses and careers
- Speak to current students about college life and practical learning
- Explore the campus and see industry-standard equipment in use
- Get guidance on applications, entry requirements and progression routes
- Take a look at our Halls of Residence (Halls of Residence | Shuttleworth College | Residential) – where you can live on-site with us!
- Ask us about finance (Financial Support | The Bedford College Group | Bursary), travel ( Travelling to Shuttleworth | Shuttleworth College | Further & Higher Education) and bursaries (Financial Support | The Bedford College Group | Bursary)
Attending an Open Day helps you feel confident about your next steps — whether that’s applying, exploring alternative pathways or narrowing down your options.
Book your Open Day – Events | The Bedford College Group | Open Days
One of the biggest benefits of attending a Shuttleworth College Open Day is seeing how practical, real-world learning is embedded into every course.
Land-based education focuses on developing skills employers value. During your visit, you’ll see what our students have been up to such as:
- Caring for animals as part of daily routines
- Managing land, crops and habitats throughout the year
- Using industry-standard machinery and equipment safely
- Working collaboratively in outdoor and professional environments
This gives you a realistic understanding of what studying at a land-based college involves and how it prepares you for future employment.
Shuttleworth College offers a wide range of land-based courses in Bedfordshire, designed to support progression into employment, apprenticeships or further education.
At an Open Day, you can explore courses including:
- Animal Sciences – Supporting careers in animal management, welfare and veterinary settings
- Agriculture – Developing skills in sustainable farming, crop production and land management
- Equine & Horse Management – Preparing for careers in equine care, training, yard management and the wider equine industry
- Floristry – Developing creative and commercial skills for careers in floral design and the events industry
- Horticulture & RHS – Gaining practical horticultural skills and industry-recognised RHS (Royal Horticulture Society) qualifications
- Land & Wildlife Management – Preparing for roles in conservation, ecology, forestry and countryside management
- Outdoor Education – Building leadership, teamwork and outdoor instruction skills for careers in education and adventure sectors
- Uniformed Public Services – Developing discipline, fitness and leadership skills for careers in the armed forces and emergency services
Tutors are available to explain course content, assessment methods and career pathways, helping you choose a route that aligns with your interests and goals.
Explore our full range of courses:
Our Courses | The Bedford College Group | Shuttleworth College
An Open Day is also the ideal time to learn about the support available throughout your studies.
You can speak to staff about:
- Careers advice and progression planning
- Student wellbeing, learning support and pastoral care
- Entry requirements and the application process
- Halls of Residence
- Travel, Finance and Bursaries
Find out more about student support services:
Student Support | The Bedford College Group | Student Services | Counselling | Careers
Take the Next Step Toward a Land-Based Career
If you’re considering a future in animal care, agriculture, horticulture, countryside management, outdoor education, equine, public services and more attending a Shuttleworth College Open Day is the most effective way to explore your options.
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:
- What it’s like to study at a land-based college
- Which course best suits your interests
- How Shuttleworth College can support your future career
A visit could be the first step toward a practical, rewarding future. See you there!