Level 3 Technical Qualification in Agriculture
About The Course
Our Level 3 courses provide a range of different sized options in terms of modules covered, level of study and providing opportunities for progression either into employment or higher education. The majority of our students choose to take a two-year programme completing an Extended Diploma in Agriculture which is equivalent to three A-Levels.
Students are able to develop practical skills in livestock husbandry and gain underpinning knowledge of crop-related topics. Students will work with a range of livestock animals both onsite and offsite at other farms and businesses. The courses also provide an opportunity for students to develop employability skills alongside gaining confidence in becoming independent learners.
This course is delivered predominantly through theory lessons, some 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.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will need to have five GCSEs at grade 4 or above in maths, English and science (and two others). If you are interested in progressing to university you should be working to at least a grade 5 in these 3 core subjects.
At the interview, we will require evidence of your interest and passion for agriculture and in developing a career working with livestock, crops or machinery.
More information
Progression can be on to further study (subject to meeting specified entry requirements) into higher education studying subjects such as Agriculture, Applied Farm Management & Rural Land Management. We have had learners attend Harper Adams University, Royal Agricultural University and Aberystwyth University, an Apprenticeship programme or a career within the Agriculture industry.
Some examples of careers after a Level 3 qualification are:
- Assistant herdsperson
- Machinery operator
- Trails officer
This programme is made up of a mixture of modules including but not limited to:
- Professional Working Responsibilities
- Plant and soil science,
- Land-based machinery operations,
- Managing environmental activities in agriculture,
- Crop production,
- Farm livestock husbandry,
- Crop handling, storage and quality assurance.
Working in the agriculture 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 fit and be able to carry out routine husbandry tasks e.g. checking livestock out on our 162-hectare estate, manual handling and restraining livestock, transporting tools and debris, cleaning and feeding the animals and working to provide the highest possible standard of care. 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.
Our level 3 courses have a high science content, therefore a passion and interest in these science-based modules are essential for success at this level.
There are two main qualification routes available:
- Level 3 Extended certificate in agriculture (Yr1) can lead on to the Diploma in Agriculture (Yr2)
- Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Agriculture (Yr1) can lead on to the Extended Diploma in Agriculture.
Each qualification can be studied as a standalone qualification (however, note that completion of a 1-year programme on its own will have limitations in relation to progression particularly on to University).
Assessment takes place through the completion of examinations, synoptic assessment, homework and successful completion of industry placement.
You will complete industry placement every week with our commercial livestock collection and within our Animal Centre as part of your professional development and a set number of hours industry placement externally (approximately15 days and 4 weeks, subject to confirmation).
Pearson BTEC
