Foundation Degree in Agriculture

Who is the course for?

This course is accredited by Newcastle University and is for: Full time Level 3 learners who wish to progress into Higher education within the Agriculture sector or those within the industry who wish to upskill and receive a qualification.

Do I need any formal qualifications?

A Levels A combination of A or A/S levels: 120 UCAS tariff points or above is required. For example 2 A levels at D grade would accrue 120 UCAS tariff points. Level 3 Extended Diploma Students are required to achieve a pass grade or above, achieved in no more than two years Level 3 Diploma Students are required to achieve a merit grade or above, achieved in no more than two years Level 3 90 Credit Diploma Students are required to achieve a merit grade or above, achieved in no more than two years Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Students are required to achieve a Distinction or Distinction* grade, achieved in no more than two years Additional Requirements Applicants are required to have achieved GCSE?s at grade C or above in Maths, English and Science (or equivalent).

What will I study on the course?

You will study exciting units including? Personal Development & Planning Research & Study Skills for Land-Based Industry Farming, Food & The Environment Livestock Production Systems Crop Production Systems Introduction to Practical Skills & Agricultural Mechanisation Numeracy Skills & Quantitative Methods for Land Based Industry Employability Skills Livestock Production Science Plant & Soil Science Introduction to Farm Business Management Environmental Management, Agricultural Policy & Legislation Stage 1 consists of 120 compulsory credits in the key underpinning subjects of personal development, research and study skills, The livestock industry, Livestock production systems, Crop production Systems, Agricultural mechanisation, statistics, employability skills, agricultural science, crop production science, Estate management, agricultural policy and legislation. These topics develop further in stage 2 where they are explored in more detail. Modules include a combination of lectures, practical?s/laboratory classes, computer workshops and visits to farms and agricultural businesses in the region. Investigative Project Scientific Methodology & Experimental Design Agronomy & Integrated Crop Management Sustainable Livestock Production Systems Agri-Business Management Principles of Land-Based Enterprise Management Industrial Experience Advanced Practical Skills Livestock Nutrition Crop Nutrition Grassland, Forage Crop & Moorland Management Stage 2 has 120 credits of compulsory modules focusing on applied aspects of Agriculture. Topics such as the investigative project, scientific methodology and experimental design, the industrial experience module and livestock production science form the basis of the first semester of stage 2. Candidates complete the programme in the second semester of stage 2 through the successful completion of modules in business management, integrated crop management, sustain

How is the course organised

The course runs for 2 days per week over 4 Years.

How will my progress be assessed?

Your progress will be assessed by a range of methods including: Investigative Project, essays, case studies, presentations and other exercises

Can I gain any extra qualifications while on the course?

It may be possible to take up student membership of an appropriate professional organisation.

What final qualification will I get if I am successful?

A Foundation Degree (FdSc) Agriculture

Next Steps

After completing the course you could study for a top up degree (BSc Hons)

Can I receive any financial support whilst I am studying?

Many of our learners study for free with a "Fee Waiver" when they are in receipt of qualifying benefits or studying a first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification and meet age restrictions or are aged between 16-18. If you are not entitled to a "Fee Waiver" you may be entitled to receive Learner Support Funds to help with paying your course fees, or if you are aged over 23 and planning to study at Level 3 or 4 you will be able to apply for a 24+ Loan that cover all of your course costs. Higher Education learners are entitled to apply for HE Loans that cover the cost of tuition. In addition, depending on your chosen course of study and individual circumstances, you may be entitled to a maintenance loan.

Please note, from September 2016, anyone over 19 years of age can apply for a loan to cover all course fees for qualifying courses.

All learners can also apply for help with the cost of travel to college and the college may be able to help with the costs of childcare, travel, books, equipment and meals.

Please note for full cost courses funding may not be available.

For more information our Help Hub team is available on 01670 841 200 or email advice.centre@northland.ac.uk

How can I apply for this course?

Apply online by clicking here, alternatively please contact our Help Hub on 01670 330 660, email advice.centre@northland.ac.uk or drop in to one of our open events – dates are listed here http://www.northumberland.ac.uk/events/

Alternatively, if this is the course for you please click Book and Enrol Now – please note this option is only available to certain courses.

Where can I get any further information about the course?

You may find further information within this website including within case studies and our media gallery. You may also come along to an open event – dates of college events are listed here http://www.northumberland.ac.uk/events/

Download/Print Course Details Northumberland College has two main campuses at Ashington and Kirkley Hall and centres at Hexham and Berwick. We offer hundreds of full-time and part-time courses, work with students aged 14-18, mature students, higher education students and employers from numerous industry sectors.Our Ashington campus was opened in 1957 and is home to a wide range of subjects - all housed in specialist facilities including those for art and design, construction, engineering, sport, hospitality and beauty therapy. Our Kirkley Hall campus, in Ponteland, has a long established history as the main provider of land-based education and training in the region, stretching back more than 50 years. So if you want to study animal care, agriculture or horticulture, this campus will provide the perfect environment for you. Life at Northumberland College is about more than just studying; it's about meeting new people, enjoying new experiences, developing new skills and spending time with friends.