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Diploma in Agriculture - Level 2Apply Now »
Location: Broomfield Hall
Years: 1
Interview: Y
Course Summary
Keen to learn more about topics such as tractor and machinery operation, grass and forage crop husbandry, cattle, sheep, pig and livestock nutrition, health and welfare? Interested in developing your skills to work safely and effectively on a farm? If so, then this course is for you.
Entry requirements
You need to be highly motivated and demonstrate a keen interest in your chosen subject. You will need:
- A minimum of three GCSEs at grade D (3) or above including English and/or Maths
OR
- An Introductory Diploma in a related subject
You will have an interview which parents and carers are welcome to attend.
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:
- Environment
- Land-based Business Studies
- Work Experience
- Functional Skills
You will also take three specialist units, which can be discussed at interview, as well as GCSE Maths and English if you have not got a grade C in these already.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed continually throughout the course, covering your practical skills and theoretical tasks.
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 overalls (these will be available to purchase at enrolment)
- Derby College 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 3 Advanced Diploma in Agriculture or related subject. However, you must have a minimum of a Merit grade to progress.
Derby College offers a range of one-day, weekend and evening courses relating to Agriculture, as well as a wide range of other land-based topics - please see the Derby College Part-time Prospectus for a full list and details.
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Daniel Wall
Trainee alpaca shearer Daniel sets out on his next life adventure
Trainee alpaca shearer Daniel Wall says the teaching and mentoring he received at Broomfield Hall has prepared him for his next adventure in life.
Daniel, who is 20, recently left DCG after completing his level 3 Agriculture course with distinction. He is now working alongside an experienced specialist alpaca shearer near his hometown of Redcar, with his job taking him to alpaca farms all over the UK.
Shearing alpacas – unlike shearing sheep – is a two-person job, and at around 15 minutes per animal, it takes five times as long. The shearing method is also quite different – alpacas have to be rolled onto their sides – and Daniel is grateful to Broomfield Hall for letting him practise his shearing technique.
He said: “The Broomfield Hall college and facilities are lovely and my lecturers have been great. They helped me achieve the best grade I could. They never failed to teach us something new every lesson and gave us valuable life knowledge. I’m lucky to have had them teaching and mentoring me as they’ve enabled me to start my next adventure in life.”
Daniel is keen to return to College to talk to students about his time there and has offered to help shear Broomfield’s alpacas next year.
As well as two “brilliant” college trips to the Zetor tractor factory in the Czech Republic, Daniel also listed the “togetherness” of the agriculture students as one of the highlights of College life.
He added: “Although we were taught separately, students doing levels 1, 2 and 3 mixed with each other. Broomfield Hall felt like one big family and I think that’s important in an education establishment.”
“The Broomfield Hall college and facilities are lovely and my lecturers have been great. They helped me achieve the best grade I could. They never failed to teach us something new every lesson and gave us valuable life knowledge. I’m lucky to have had them teaching and mentoring me as they’ve enabled me to start my next adventure in life.”
