- Duration
1 year
- Attendance
- 4 days per week
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
This course is for those looking to start a career in agriculture and farming who may or may not have some experience in farming. You will be introduced to a broad range of units covering the basics of machinery, crop and animal husbandry and physiology. This could be the gateway to study further or over 200 careers available in UK agriculture.
Many students graduate from this course to complete the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Agriculture. You can also gain additional qualifications whilst you study with us. You will regularly work on our up-to-date commercial farm, with some of the latest technological innovations and biosecurity measures that will prepare you for working in whichever industry you choose.
You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when working in an agricultural setting, or progressing to further learning and training in this area.
Assessment breakdown
- Health and safety for the land-based industries – Theory exam
- Theory exam covering all units
- Synoptic assignment covering all units
Entry Requirements
- You’ll need to have achieved 2 or more GCSEs between Grade 9-3 (previous grade structure grades A*-D)
- Successful completion of a Level 1 course, having studied English, Maths and Science at GCSE Level
What is it like to be a student on this course?
While I was at Plumpton I soon found that I was particularly interested in dairy farming. In my middle year I had the chance to truly hone my skills as part of a farming business, which has certainly made me more employable.
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Students aged 19-23 studying their Level 1, 2 or first Level 3 may be entitled to tuition fee waiver depending on criteria eligibility.
Students aged 24+ who are studying a second Level 3 course or aged 24+ who are studying their first Level 3 course will have to pay tuition fees, depending on the course.
Students on low income who can prove they earn less than £25,000 (from September 2024); are unemployed; or receive state benefits could be entitled to a tuition fee waiver.
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students, which contribute to quality resources and equipment for their studies.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending depending on the course studied.
Work Experience
Work experience enhances your studies and is an important part of your course. It ensures you leave college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course.
