Level 2 Diploma in Practical Agricultural Skills – progression
This Diploma enables you to develop practical skills and knowledge of working in agriculture.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This Diploma enables you to develop practical skills and knowledge of working in agriculture.
Entry Requirements
You should have successfully completed a Level 1 programme with Distinction or a Level 2 programme with a Pass.
What will you learn?
Course content is:
- Tutorial
- Maths
- English
Unit 1 Machinery operations:
- Tractor
- Telehandler
- ATV/RTV
Unit 2 Management of livestock:
- Movement of animals
- Administering vet medicines
- Sheep shearing
- Lambing
- Tagging and paperwork/licences
Unit 3 Pesticide application:
- Legislation
- Storage
- Mixing
- Application
- PA1 online test
- PA6 knapsack sprayer
- PA2 boom sprayer
Unit 4 Estates skills/health and safety/farm duties:
- Surfaces
- Structures
- Boundaries
- Building maintenance
- Health and Safety Farm Safety Foundation Certificate/Makita Certificate
- General health and safety linked to livestock and machinery
- Farm duties
Unit 5 Work experience:
- 150 hours of work experience
NPTC PA 1:
- NPTC animal movements – sheep, pigs and cattle
How will you learn?
This course will be delivered on-site at Broomfield Hall.
What will you need to bring with you?
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
How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed via practical assessments, witness statements and work books. The PA1 online test will also give you an additional qualification and allow you to undertake further pesticide qualifications.
You will also take maths and English exams and assignments.
Where next?
You can progress to a:
- Level 3 Agriculture programme or apprenticeship
You can also advance your career within employment in the agricultural industry.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
DCG Success Stories
Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.
We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.
Find out what funding could be available to you:
Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.
Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.
Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.
Important:
The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.
Funding availability can vary depending on:
- Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
- The course you choose
- Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment
If you’re considering adult learning, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.
Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.
Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses
If you have any questions about funding, eligibility, or courses, our team is here to help. Contact Us
Applications for 2026 Full-Time School Leaver Courses are now CLOSED FOR PROCESSING*
If you’ve already applied for a full-time vocational or academic course, please check your InTouch account to view your application status and accept any outstanding offers. We may also be trying to contact you by phone, so keep an ear out for calls from the College — to ensure we are progressing your first-choice course area.
Haven’t applied yet?
Your next opportunity will be during our Open Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 26th August at 12pm. Please note that places will be limited and subject to course availability, entry requirements, and interviews. Find out more about Enrolment and Clearing Enrolment: Enrolment and Clearing Information 2026
Course Information Last Updated On: August 19, 2026 8:42 pm
