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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 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.
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.
