Land Based Studies Introductory Diploma Level 1

Course information

There are a wide range of exciting job opportunities available within the agricultural industry working with both livestock and machinery. The industry is in need of young, enthusiastic individuals that enjoy working both outside and inside and have a range of practical and employability skills.

Our Level 1 course is a foundation programme 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. Many of these skills will also be transferable to a range of other land based sectors, increasing your career opportunities.

You will be learning from experienced agriculturalists both inside the classroom and on the college farm and 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 also spend some of your course time working alongside the farm staff and 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.

This course will give you the opportunity to develop your confidence whilst gaining knowledge and practical skills. You will also learn more general skills required to gain employment or to continue in education.

As a Level 1 course this diploma is all about introducing you to the agricultural industry and developing the skills that you already have to give you the very best opportunity to move onto a more technical agriculture course or enter the industry as an apprentice.

What You Will Learn

This one year course covers general mixed agriculture including crops, livestock, tractors and machinery. You will examine how crops such as wheat, barley and grass grow, how to plant it, how to look after it and how to harvest and store it to get the best possible yield.

You will learn about the health, welfare, nutrition and reproduction of farm livestock, the practical skills to ensure that animals are well looked after and produce high quality meat or milk, how to repair a stock fence, fix a water leak or build a wall in your estate skills sessions.

You will also learn how to operate a tractor, reverse a trailer, use a loader and attach machinery.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Two or more GCSEs at Grade 2 or above, or successful competition of Entry Level Qualification.
• Learners with relevant industry experience but no GCSEs at Grade 2 may be considered based on interview.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and, where relevant, progress in maths and/or English.

To be eligible for entry, applicants must have achieved a Grade 3 in either GCSE English or Maths, with a Grade 2 in the other, along with two additional GCSEs or equivalent qualifications at Entry Level 3.

Progression

Further study such as our Level 2 Technical Certificate in Agriculture or an agricultural apprenticeship.

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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