Part-Time NATIONAL CERTIFICATE & NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE (LEVEL 3)

Combining the study of livestock, crops and machinery with practical training sessions and work on the College farm, students gain valuable experience which significantly improves employability. Within both the National Diploma and the National Certificate there is a significant amount of practical work experience. National Diploma students either spend their second year on an approved farm, or opt for a summer sandwich of two months plus one-day a week during term time to complete the course in two years. National Certificate students will complete a work experience block in the summer plus one day a week during term time in their second and final year.

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs at Grade C or above, with preferably 1 in Mathematics, English or Science or a First Diploma at Merit or above

Location
Hadlow

Course Duration
2 years, 4 days per week.

Course Content

National Diploma students will study all 18 units listed and National Certificate students will study 12 units.

Year 1

• Animal biology
• Principles of plant and soil science
• Principles of land-based machinery
• Land-based estate construction, repair and maintenance skills
• Agricultural livestock production
• Sheep production
• Dairy production
• Agricultural crop production
• Business management for land-based industries
• Grassland production
• Workshop practices
• Key skills

Year 2

• Beef production
• Land-based machinery operation
• Agricultural combinable crop production
• Agriculture and the environment
• Farm diversification
• Business planning
• Agricultural livestock management
• Investigative project
• Key skills

Assessment Method
Continuous assessment through assignments, projects, practical tests and external assessments.

Progression Routes
Successful students can progress into higher education with the HND or BSc (Hons) programme. Alternatively they can pursue a career in the agricultural industry at a technical or supervisory level.

Specialist Equipment Needed
You will need steel toe-capped boots, wellington boots, waterproof clothing, overalls and a calculator.