0800 028 0289
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?
Tom Longdon
College kept Tom in farming
Agricultural contractor Tom Longdon says Derby College convinced him to stay in farming - and made it possible for him to afford essential qualifications. The 20-year-old took Agriculture at Level 2 and 3 at Broomfield Hall, while also passing five separate industry competency qualifications. From a farming background, Tom turned to Derby College after a job he had lined up as an apprentice mechanic fell through just days before he was due to start.
His time at college gave him an insight into the "big world of work" including a valuable business module at Level 3. The training helped Tom, 20, launch his agricultural contracting business in 2015, while still at college, and he "kicked it off properly" last year. His dad has health problems and Tom also works on the 450 acre family beef farm at Trowell, Nottinghamshire. Tom said the correct qualifications and paperwork were essential in modern day farming and he was only able to afford to gain them through college.
Derby College made me want to carry on farming and made it possible for me get my 'tickets' (NPTC competence qualifications).
For instance, I'd looked into training for the telehandler (boom lift) and it would have cost £1,000.
I wouldn't have been able to do it. But through the college, it cost £120 in total to sit the test. For most of your 'tickets', you get training as part of the course but you have to pay for be the test. It's a substantial saving.
You have to get all your paperwork and tickets to get the best jobs.
