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Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 2

Course Overview

This course provides students with an excellent opportunity to access the agriculture industry and/or progress through to further courses in their chosen field. Students are able to develop practical skills in crop and livestock husbandry and gain underpinning knowledge of agricultural-related topics. Students will work with a range of livestock animals inclusive of cattle, sheep and pigs housed in our animal collection which is managed by our highly experienced and knowledgeable livestock team.

The course also provides an opportunity for students to develop personal, social and employability skills alongside gaining confidence in becoming independent learners.

As part of this study programme students are required to study GCSE maths and English if a grade 4 has not already been achieved. This is an essential part of the programme in order for students to develop the literacy and numeracy skills required for successful entry into employment and/or progression onto future courses. This course is delivered through theory lessons, practical work, group seminars and internal and external professional development (industry/work placement).

You will also have individual tutorials with your Course Manager on a regular basis in order to monitor and track your progress.

Course Code

FF2CAGR1B0

End Date

Fri, 04 Jul 2025

Entry Requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above including maths, English and science plus one other.

At interview, we will require evidence of your interest and ...

Course information

Modules studied including but are not limited to:

Farm animal production
Crop production
Plant and animal health
Business management
Machinery
Agricultural work placement
Estates management

1 year

Online sessions, classroom sessions, practical sessions.

Assessment takes place through the completion of examinations, synoptic assessment, written assessment, homework and successful completion of industry placement.

Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture, GCSE maths and English (where applicable).

You will complete industry placement every week with our commercial livestock collection or our Animal Centre as part of your professional development and you will complete a set number of hours of industry placement externally (approximately 2 weeks, and 10 days subject to confirmation).

This course can lead to employment within agriculture e.g. contracting, milking, calf rearing, shepherding, shearing. Students can also progress (subject to meeting specified entry requirements) onto other courses such as Level 3 Diplomas in Agriculture, Animal Management and Equine Studies.

What careers can this course lead onto:

Agricultural Journalism
Agronomist, Contractor
Farm Manager
Food Processing
Land Agent
Rare Breeds Officer
Research Positions
Sales
Showing
Stockperson
Trading
Vetinary Nurse.

Level 2

Working within the agricultural industry can be highly rewarding but it requires hard work and dedication. You will need to be comfortable with working outdoors in all weathers, be physically able and willing to carry out routine husbandry tasks e.g. checking livestock out on our 162-hectare estate, driving tractors, handling and restraining sheep.

We have a strict dress code for working with our commercial livestock and working on our Animal Centre and, as such, you need to be prepared to follow instructions from all staff in order to maintain your own health, safety and welfare and that of our animals.

English and Maths will be built into your college timetable should you have not achieved a Grade 4 in these areas. If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability or Additional Educational Need, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview.

If you need help completing your application, we can also assist you with this. You may be required to make contributions towards educational trips and/or travel expenses to local events, these will be notified in advance of each event.

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