Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Agriculture
This course is designed for people who would like to enter the world of agriculture in a supervisory or craftsman role, or to move on to further study at university. It covers all the main aspects of modern farming, including business management, machinery, livestock and crop production.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for school leavers who would like to enter the world of agriculture in a supervisory or craftsman role, or to move on to further study at university. It covers all the main aspects of modern farming, including business management, machinery, livestock and crop production and offers an opportunity to gain real-world experience through work experience.
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs at a grade 4 (C) or above, including English and Maths.
OR
A Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture at a Merit grade or above, including English and Maths GCSEs at grade 4 and above.
You will need to be highly motivated and demonstrate a keen interest in agriculture.
You will have an interview and parents and carers are welcome to attend the interview.
If you are a mature learner, we may be able to consider your previous experience in your chosen subject.
To progress to Year 2 of this course, you will be required to obtain a Merit grade or above during your first year.
What will you learn?
The course will cover:
- Tutorial
- Business management
- Industrial and work experience – 150 hours total per year of study
- Estate skills
- Machinery operation and maintenance
- Animal science
- Plant and soil science
- Principles of machinery
- Spreaders and sprayers
- Undertaking farm habitat management
- Forage and agriculture crop production
- Investigative project
- Managing agricultural environments
- Livestock breeding and nutrition
How will you learn?
This course will be delivered on-site at Broomfield Hall and is a mixed classroom and practical, hands-on programme.
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
- Gloves
- Writing materials
Please note that course fees will apply for students aged 19+.
How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed continually throughout the course using a combination of written tests, project and assignment work, and demonstration of your competence in a range of practical skills. There will be a written exam and an online test at the end of the course.
Where next?
Successful completion of this course may lead to:
- Year 2 of the Level 3 programme, based on achievement of a Merit grade in Year 1
- Apprenticeship in Agriculture
- Full-time employment in Agriculture
Derby College Group 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 Group Part-time Prospectus or the Derby College Group website for a full list and details.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
This course could lead to one of these careers...
£0
Agricultural and Fishing Trades
£25955
Farm Workers
£29360
Farmers
£27952
DCG Success Stories
Georgia Brown
Agriculture student Georgia owes Harper Adams place to Broomfield
I absolutely love my placement, and uni, and it’s Derby College Group that got me there. I wouldn’t have got into Harper Adams without Broomfield.
Daniel Wall
Trainee alpaca shearer Daniel sets out on his next life adventure
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.
Tom Longdon
College kept Tom in farming
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.
Ashley Slater
Agri-qualifications power Ashley towards contract farming
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.
Applications for 2025 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 Clearing Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 27th 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 2025
Course Information Last Updated On: March 25, 2025 9:32 am
