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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?
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.
