Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture
| Subject Area: | Course code: | Course Type: |
| Agriculture | AG230A01/24/2 | Further Education |
- Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture
- Course Information
- Overview
- Dates & Fees
- Materials Required
- Gallery
Course Information
This two-year qualification is highly respected within the farming community and is suitable for both school leavers and mature students. It is designed to provide you with a very wide range of specialist technical practical skills and detailed knowledge and understanding which will equip you to seek a diverse range of employment opportunities, or progress on to further learning and training within the agricultural industry. You have the opportunity to learn about and build on the essentials of working in the farming industry including safe working practices in farming, livestock husbandry and crop production, plant and soil science, estate skills and operating agricultural machinery as well as key business skills.
Employment prospects for qualified and experienced young people with the right attitude are excellent as the industry is experiencing a skills shortage and many learners gain employment through or at their work experience placements.
This two-year programme is aimed at those who may still need to work on or complete their maths and/or English qualifications.
Overview
Qualification
- Level 3 Diploma Agriculture
Course Content
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Units covered may include:
Professional working responsibilities
Plant and soil science
Work experience
Estate skills
Land-based machinery operations
Managing environmental activities in the agriculture industries
Managing activities for agricultural enterprises
Sheep production
Crop production
Dairy production
English and maths
Additional qualifications that may be available (subject to satisfactory attendance and completion of assignments) include City & Guilds (NPTC) Certificate of Competence in Tractor Driving and Related Operations, First Aid and Manual Handling, Telehandler, PA1/2, ATV, Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines and Animal Transport and Spraying. Much of the training towards these qualifications is included within the course and in most cases only assessment fees need to be paid by students wishing to achieve these additional qualifications.
Students will also be given the opportunity to develop their practical skills on the College farm, which will include weekend and early morning duties.
Entry Requirements
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4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, which may/may not include English and maths OR a relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit level with a good behaviour/attitude report OR an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Agriculture with good levels of English and maths.
Mature students lacking formal qualifications will also be considered.
Some farming experience before commencing the course is essential, as is the ability to cope with written work.
A work placement of at least 150 hours will need to be completed across the qualification.
Next Steps
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Learners may consider progressing onto the Higher National Diploma in Agriculture at Kingston Maurward College; a BSc Applied Agricultural Science at a different university provider or employment
Career Opportunities
- Employment opportunities could see you working as a Herdsperson/Shepherd/Dairyman, Agricultural contractor, Assistant poultry unit manager, Trainee agronomist, Agricultural technician, Fixed plant manager, Sprayer operator, Machinery technician, Farm mechanic, Dairy worker, Farm trader, Grain store worker, Skilled tractor driver, Farm business secretary, Lecturer in agriculture, Skilled arable operator, Estate maintenance, Dairy manager or being involved in Agricultural sales.
Dates & Fees
Dates & Times| Start date: | End date: | Start time: | End time: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04-Sep-2024 | 19-Jun-2026 | 9.30 a.m. | 3.45 p.m. |
| Mode of attendance |
|---|
| Full Time |
| Day of the week | Number of sessions |
|---|---|
| Various |
|
There are no course fees for eligible students aged 16-18. Students aged 19-25 may also be eligible for government funding or a student loan depending on their circumstances. |
|---|
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Assessment fees for some additional qualifications - usually between £70 and £150 per qualification for certificates of competence such as Tractor Driving. For some additional qualifications a contribution towards the cost of training may also be required. Uniform - Kingston Maurward polo shirt. Other optional uniform includes a KMC gilet, jumper and waterproof coat. A range of trips are planned throughout the year. |
Materials Required
Basic stationery: calculator, pens, paper and lever arch files.
All our learners are expected to wear clothing which must be suitable for the environment, weather and time of year for all practical/outdoor/workshop tasks.
Protective KMC-branded navy blue overalls, steel toe-capped work boots and a hi-viz yellow tabard are mandatory for all practical activities across the college estate. Steel toe-capped wellington boots are also mandatory for livestock tasks.
Access to IT equipment at home and at college.
Tetanus vaccination is recommended.