Agriculture Diploma

Course information

Agriculture is arguably the most important industry in the world and makes a significant contribution to the economy in the South West of England. Without food we simply would not survive and the growing world population is making increasing demands on the agricultural industry. Agriculture is a highly technical, scientific and mechanised industry that needs the best young people to work both on farms and in the allied industries as advisors, consultants and technicians.

This course is ideal for those looking for a career in agriculture or allied industries whether you are from a farming background or not. Level 3 is an advanced level programme equivalent to A levels, providing UCAS points and progression to university undergraduate programmes. The programme is aimed at individuals with a keen interest in agriculture and a desire to develop a greater understanding of the knowledge and skills required to be successful in the industry. Agricultural science and business skills are taught alongside the key practical skills and knowledge required by the industry.

As well as utilising the college farm and estate you will have the opportunity to meet and work with key farmers and industry specialists from across the region to enhance your experience and expose you to a wide range of agricultural production systems and management decisions.

You will be learning from experienced agriculturalists both inside the classroom and on the college farm, it could be milking our herd of dairy cows, lambing our flock of sheep or ploughing a field before we plant our maize crop. You will spend some of your course time working alongside the farm staff, following the farm activities as you progress through the year, you could be selecting ewes for breeding in September, fencing in October, calving cows in February or shearing a ewe in May.

You will have the opportunity to develop your confidence, knowledge and practical skills, alongside more general skills required to gain employment or to continue in education. As a level 3 course this diploma is all about you gaining an in-depth and broad understanding of the knowledge and skills required by the agricultural industry.

What You Will Learn

This one year course covers general mixed agriculture including crops, livestock, mechanisation and technology. You will study plant, soil and animal science and how these influence the growth, yields and quality of our crops and livestock. You will examine how crops such as wheat, barley and grass develop and grow in response to how we manage them with nutrition, pest and weed management and establishment methods. Sustainability of soils, soil health and agriculture’s interaction with the natural environment form key parts of the programme. You will learn the about the health, welfare, nutrition and reproduction of farm livestock and the practical skills to ensure that animals are well looked after and produce high quality meat and milk. You will be introduced to the basics of accounting, business management and farm profitability.

Knowledge and understanding will be developed alongside practical skills such as how to repair a stock fence, fix a water leak, build a wall, operate a tractor, reverse a trailer, use a loader, set up a plough, calibrate a fertiliser spreader and cultivate a field.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, maths and double science.

Assessment

Assessment includes both coursework and exams.

Progression

Success at this level means that you will have a good grasp of the practical skills and knowledge required in the agricultural industry together with sound understanding of the underlying scientific principles of soils, crop and livestock production. You can use your skills to progress to the Level 3 Extended Advanced Technical Diploma programme 1080 or enter employment.

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

Find out more about our Bicton campus

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