Diploma of HE in Dairy Herd Management


Subject Area: Course code: Course Type:
Agriculture AG050A01/25/1 Higher Education

Course Information

This programme aims to provide specific higher skills and knowledge to support those entering or already in the dairy industry in Dorset and the surrounding counties, and nationally. The ability to upskill or gain current and detailed knowledge to enter the dairy sector in the UK is limited. This programme aims to fill this gap through applied and strategic skills to manage dairy enterprises effectively.

The programme will develop skills in three linked areas for good agricultural management:
Managing the Herd – Health, Welfare, Nutrition and Breeding

Business Skills – Procurement, Workforce Management, Marketplaces

Sustainability & Innovation – Technology, Diversification, Data Management, Future Proofing

Validated by the Open University.


Overview

Qualification
  • Diploma in Higher Education in Dairy Herd Management
Course Content
  • Year 1 Dairy Herd Fertility Promoting Herd Health and Welfare Business Skills Good Environmental and sustainable practices Forage Crop Production Herd Nutrition and Feeding Study and Research Skills Bovine Anatomy and Physiology Year 2 Sustainable Resource Management Technology, Innovation and Maintenance Genetics and Genomics, Research Project, Strategy and Planning in the Rural Business, Welfare, Inspection and Accreditation
Entry Requirements
  • A minimum of 48 new UCAS tariff points. Normally one A Level in a Biology, Maths or Business Management plus other subjects, or a PPP at Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) in Agriculture OR MM in Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma Agriculture (720), or Level 3 BGTEC equivalents. The programme will also be eligible for entry via T-Levels in future years.
    4 GCSEs in Maths, English (grade 4/5 or above) are required. Mature entry is actively encouraged and relevant work experience will be considered in place of formal qualifications, but Access to HE courses in Science or Land based studies are highly recommended.

    This programme accepts applications from international students. International students will need to ensure they can comply with UK visa requirements before enrolment, and for the length of the programme. The College has a limited accommodation offer available, but can provide additional support on request to find other local accommodation. Applicants will need to ensure they meet entry requirements for qualifications, experience and English language through IELTS.
Next Steps
  • External applicants should apply for this programme through UCAS. If you would like to discuss a direct application then please contact our admissions team. Current FE students at the college can apply through MyKMC.

    The programme provides entry requirements to apply for a BSc Top Up in Farm or Rural Business Management.
Career Opportunities
  • This programme is aimed to prepare learners for entry into the dairy industry in assistant farm manager roles. It is also geared towards those already in the industry to enable them to upskill or prepare for management roles. The programme is eligible for student loans, and from 2025-26 will be eligible for Lifelong Learning Entitlement. It is due to be aligned with HTQ status in 2025-26.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Times
Start date: End date: Start time: End time:
22-Sep-2025 30-Jul-2027 09:00 16:00
Attendance
Mode of attendance
Full Time
Timetable
Day of the week Number of sessions
Mon Tue Yr 1
Course Fees
Tuition fees (HE Full Fee) £7500.00

Students on this course are normally eligible for a student loan depending on their circumstances.
There may be additional costs such as accessing the College transport network, suitable PPE and other course materials. Some offsite visits may require an additional charge (c.£10-£15). Residential Study Tours are sometimes available but this may also include costs (c.£250-£300).

Materials Required

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 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.


What's next?

Is this course for you? Go ahead and book online now. If you'd like more information we are happy to answer any questions.