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LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE

Students in a tractor, study Agriculture at Hadlow College

Resources

  • 170 hectare fully functioning commercial farm with an additional 50 hectares of grazing land.
  • 200 hectares of land for arable teaching purposes on a neighbouring farm
  • 140 cow award-winning dairy herd and fully functioning dairy
  • 480 breeding sheep producing prime butcher’s lamb
  • Intensively managed grass leys, pastures and forage crops
  • Maize, wheat, oilseed rape and other crops, grown on a commercial basis
  • Dedicated laboratories for soil, plant and animal science
  • Bespoke cattle handling facility
  • Demonstration beef and rare breeds unit

Typical Employers
Farms, domestic and overseas public bodies, research organisations, educational institutions and ancillary support industries.

Industry Links

Students benefit from close ties with regional aocieties and farming clubs as well as organisations such as the National Farmers' Union (NFU), the Young Farmers, DEFRA, and RABDF.  In addition, students are encouraged to attend relevant industry conferences and exhibitions.

More about Agriculture & Sustainability faculty

Combining the study of livestock, crops and machinery with practical training sessions and work on the College farm, students gain valuable experience which significantly improves employability. Within the qualification there is a significant amount of practical work experience. It is recommended that students complete a work experience block in the summer plus one day a week during term time in their second and final year.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have 4 GCSEs at grades A* - C, 2 of which must be English, Maths or Science or have a full level 2 qualification at Merit in a relevant subject.

Location
Hadlow

Course Duration
2 years, 4 days per week.

Course Content

Year 1

  • Animal anatomy & physiology
  • understand the principles of plant and soil science
  • Business management in the land-based sector
  • Undertake agricultural crop production
  • Undertake estate skills
  • Understand grassland management
  • Undertake land-based machinery operations
  • Undertake dairy production
  • Undertake beef production
  • Functional skills

Year 2

  • Undertaking sheep production
  • Understanding livestock breeding and nutrition
  • Understand and use agricultural spreaders and sprayers
  • Undertake pig production
  • Undertake poultry production
  • Understand agricultural organic production
  • Participate in business planning and improvement in the land-based sector
  • Undertake an investigative project in the land-based sector
  • Undertake and review work related experience in the land-based industries
  • Functional skills

Assessment Method
Continuous assessment through assignments, projects, practical tests and external assessments.

Progression Routes
Successful students can progress into higher education with the HND or BSc (Hons) programme. Alternatively they can pursue a career in the agricultural industry at a technical or supervisory level.

Specialist Equipment Needed
You will need steel toe-capped boots, wellington boots, waterproof clothing and Hadlow College overalls.