Level 4 GMA Professional Certificate in Turf Surface Management

Level 4 GMA Professional Certificate in Turf Surface Management

What is involved in studying for this qualification?

There are 6 modules in this qualification:
•  Sustainable management of turfgrass surfaces
•  Waste minimisation
•  Managing a team
•  Machinery procurement
•  Work analysis and evaluation
•  Design and construction of natural turfgrass surfaces

The estimated study time for the course is 180 hours, with the course lasting a maximum of 11-months from the date of enrolment. Candidates are able to enrol on to another of these courses, for additional fees, if they do not complete the course within the required time scale.

Why should I enrol for this qualification?
This qualification is ideal for someone with at least 4 years’ experience wishing to gain a higher level formal qualification in managing turfgrass surfaces, but who do not wish to attend a college course, or who do not want to create a portfolio of evidence. This qualification is also the natural progression route from the GMA Level 3 qualification, yet is also suitable for people with other horticulture based qualifications who wish to develop their understanding of turf management. There is no practical work involved with this qualification.

This course is also year 1 of the updated (Historic) IOG National Diploma in Turfculture and is the entry requirement for the GMA Level 5 Professional Diploma in Turf Surface Management.

What are the entry requirements?
This course is only available to persons over the age of 19 and who have a minimum of 2 years’ experience. You should have a keen interest in turf management and have the skills needed to study at this level.

What is the cost of the qualification?
Pricing details for the full course are available further down this page. 

How can it be studied?
The course will be through distance / home study learning, with tutor support primarily by email. A detailed syllabus is provided along with a course textbook and specific web links which provide further learning material. 

How is the qualification assessed?
The qualification is assessed by each candidate sitting two 2½ hour written examination papers. Assessments can take place during the year, with a minimum of one-months written notice being given to the GMA.

What can I do after this course?
Progression onto the GMA Level 5 Professional Diploma in Turf Surface Management. Holders of this Level 4 Professional Certificate qualification may use the designatory letters PCert(TSM).

Extensions and Deadlines
GMA are here to support you in your studies and understand that everybody’s circumstances are different and change on a frequent basis. Having a formal deadline to work to on your qualification will help you focus on successful completion.

Please read and consider the following statement whilst you complete your application.

These qualifications (excluding the Awards) take 9-11 months to complete – upon enrolment you will receive a welcome email stating your formal start and expected end date.
Whilst these qualifications are based on self-directed study your tutor is there to support your studies should you have any questions.

Should your studies overrun or you believe there are extenuating circumstances* which may prevent you from completing in a timely manner the GMA will allow you access to your qualification for UPTO a further 12 months from the expected end date. Should you not complete your qualification within that period access to the qualification will be suspended and you will need to pay for your qualification again.

*Extenuating circumstances are usually personal or health problems that we define as: “Exceptional, short-term events which are outside of a student's control and have a negative impact upon their ability to prepare for or take (sit) an assessment."

Studying outside the UK?
The Level 4 GMA Professional Certificate in Turf Surface Management qualification does include a textbook to support your learning (Natural Turf for Sport and Amenity: Science and Practice by W.A Adams and R.F. Gibbs). This textbook will be mailed / posted out to your nominated address and will form an integral part of your studies. Before you confirm your enrolment on this qualification, please do ensure that the nation you live in can readily and successfully receive such mail. If you believe there may be issues in receiving the textbook via mail please do give your enrolment to this qualification careful consideration.

 All prices below include VAT.

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