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Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies in Agriculture and Horticulture - Level 1 September startApply Now »
Location: Broomfield Hall
Years: 1
Interview: Y
Course Summary
This course is a fascinating introduction to a career in the land-based industry, with special emphasis on agriculture or horticulture. It gives you the chance to gain skills in areas such as animal husbandry and estates maintenance. As well as learning about the land-based industry, you will develop your literacy and numeracy skills.
Entry requirements
You should have grades E-G at GCSE and a sound interest in agriculture and horticulture.
You will have an interview and initial assessment. Parents and carers are welcome to attend the interview, but not the initial assessment.
If you are a mature learner, we may be able to take into account your previous experience in your chosen subject.
Course Content
The course will cover:
- Use safe and effective working practices in land-based industries
- Develop performance in land-based industries
- Use transport and assist with maintenance of tools and equipment
- Assist with the care of animals
- Assist with the movement, handling and accommodation of animals
- Carry out tractor operations
- Introduction to crop systems
You will also work towards Functional Skills in Literacy, Numeracy and IT (if you do not have these at GCSE grade C/4 or above).
You will also have the opportunity to complete a tractor driving NPTC test. The test fee only will be payable, with all the training being included in the course.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments are carried out using a series of practical tasks and questions. There will also be some written assignment work and tests. You will be required to complete a portfolio of evidence.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
You will be required to supply your own:
- Steel toe-capped boots or wellingtons
- Derby College Group overalls (these will be available to purchase at enrolment)
- Derby College Group uniform
- Outdoor clothing
- Writing materials
What can I do after this course?
If you do well in your studies, it may be possible to progress to a Level 2 Intermediate Diploma in Agriculture or Horticulture. However, you must have a minimum of a Merit grade to progress.
Derby College Group offers a range of one-day, weekend and evening courses relating to Agriculture and Horticulture, as well as a wide range of other land-based topics - please see the Derby College Group Part-time Prospectus for a full list and details.
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Ashley Slater
Agri-qualifications power Ashley towards contract farming
Teenager Ashley Slater's father and grandfather used to be farmers and as a boy, he spent many happy hours tinkering with his granddad's vintage tractor.
Farming is in Ashley's blood and so, after completing his GCSEs, he knew he wanted to study agriculture.
And now, after completing two Derby College courses, he is well on track to fulfil his ambition to become a contract farmer.
Ashley chose the full-time Level 2 agricultural course at Broomfield Hall, and went on to take Level 3. He covered everything from topping (removing tough tall grass) and ploughing, to lambing and machine maintenance.
After college, his qualifications helped him land a general farmworkers' job on a 300 acre organic cereal farm at Sutton Bonington in Nottinghamshire.
The farm also has around 120 head of sheep and a herd of some 100 beef cattle.
The two courses gave me the qualifications I needed and helped me build on what I already knew. Some of the teachers have their own farms and they really know what they are talking about. You also get an option to learn for various tickets you might need - like I got my pesticides tickets and rough terrain forklift ticket. It all helps to show you've got the knowledge and skills when you apply for a job. My ambition is to one day have my own contracting business with my own machinery, working on other people's farms.
