Agriculture

Diploma Level 2

Study mode Full time

Location Moulton

Level Level 2

Start date Sept 2024

Duration 1 year

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The Agricultural sector is one of constant development and innovation. If you are interested in plant and crop cultivation and livestock management then our Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture will provide you with skills and theoretical knowledge to start your career in the industry.

Our Agricultural students have access to an exciting range of specialist resources at the College. With over 440 hectares of farmed estate on a range of soil types our fully equipped workshops have a range of machinery including tractors, forklifts and all-terrain vehicles.

Guided by our expert staff and guest lecturers you’ll use our extensive farmed estate to develop your knowledge in farm management and diversification. As part of your course you will undertake commercial experience, where you will learn and develop practical skills that will be vital for your future in agriculture and farm management.

Guided by our expert lecturers you will learn about livestock and crop husbandry, alongside farm management. Through a mix of practical and theory-based learning you will learn basic estate management skills including hedge laying and stock fencing.

Unit	Aims
Working in Land- based Sector	Learn about the professional behaviour and conduct to use when working in land-based industries and the health and safety legislation that affects the way we work within the land-based industries. In order to work at an operational level within these industries, it is essential you have the knowledge and understanding to apply safe and professional working to different situations.
Introduction to Plant and Soil Science	Learn just how amazing plants are and what they need to survive. You will explore internal structures of plants from cells to transport systems and external plant structures including stems, roots, leaves and flowers, looking at their functions and characteristics. You will also investigate soil types, texture, structure, pH, nutrients and care.
Work Experience	Learn new skills and experience, hands-on, what it is like to apply this learning to the agricultural sector. You will have the time to develop these skills, enabling you to perform confidently and to a high standard, and apply them in a working environment. You will look for, and take part in, a work placement which is, ideally, in an agricultural industry that appeals to you. Talking to, listening to and watching those in the industry is the best way of truly learning about the work involved and what is required of an employee.
Machinery Operations	Explore the range of machinery used for a wide variety of agricultural activities across arable and livestock production. You will develop the skills to identify the correct equipment to be used, to carry out initial preparation and routine maintenance, and to be able to operate machinery safely so that tasks may be completed effectively.
Livestock Health	Acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills to meet the husbandry requirements of a range of livestock, kept for a range of purposes. You will learn about the signs of good and poor health, the signs and symptoms of common diseases, and the recognition, treatment and prevention of parasites. We have a duty of care to the livestock that we keep throughout their different life stages.
Crop Production	Learn how to recognise some of the different crops grown in the UK as well as the products that come from them. You will develop your understanding of crop establishment techniques, crop planting and nutrient supply, and learn how to monitor their growth before looking at how they are stored. You will safely use machinery and equipment to carry out establishment techniques, to maintain crop health and to prepare for the storage of harvested crops.
Estate Skills	Learn how to carry out inspections, and select, use and maintain tools, equipment and materials to carry out estate tasks safely and efficiently, centred on livestock and crop farming. You will learn how to work to a standard expected in industry and be able to review your work, identifying improvements. This unit is synoptic which means you must use the skills and knowledge developed from all other units and you will find that the tasks you undertake will link to work you have completed elsewhere on the qualification.

This is a full time course taking place on three to four days per week from 9am - 4:30pm. There will be a mix of practical and theoretical work which are split into 1 hour - 2 hour lessons.

Vocational and professional qualifications are taught through college based theory and practical lessons with further learning and understanding developed via directed self-study. Assessment consists of internally set coursework and assignments, although some professional and vocational qualifications may require the achievement of externally set assessments.

Completing this Level 2 Diploma provides the perfect stepping stone to studying at Level 3. Alternatively, students who have completed this course go on to be a farm worker, tractor driver, assistant shepherd/herdsperson, assistant dairy person, livestock assistant, estate assistant and more. Some students decide to study an apprenticeship after Level 2.

Four GCSEs at grade 2-3 (D-E) or above or a Level 1 Diploma in a related subject.