BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture

Course Aim

The National Diploma course prepares young people through a broad-based programme of education and training for a future in farming and equips them with the skills to deliver technical services to the industry.

Course Content

First year units include:

  • Animal health
  • Grassland management
  • Livestock production
  • Machinery operation
  • Principles of plant and soil science
  • Workshop and estate skills. In second year students spend 52 weeks on placement and develop skills in:
  • Commercial decision-making and
  • Problem solving

Units in the final year include:

  • Agriculture and the environment
  • Business management
  • Investigative project
  • Options in dairy, beef and sheep and crop production
  • Pollution control and waste management

Career destinations

There is a wide range of employment opportunities for graduating students. These include management posts throughout the agri-food industry in areas such as the feed, agrochemical and fertiliser sectors. Opportunities also exist in farm or enterprise management or in education.

Student View: Darryl McLaughlin

Darryl McLaughlin

Having been brought up on a beef farm in County Derry, Darryl has always had a keen interest in Agriculture.

“I’m really enjoying the course which covers a wide range of practical skills across many husbandries. Facilities for students are excellent and there is always something for someone to do in the evenings. This is what I have always wanted to do and so far the course is all that I was hoping for and more.”

What next?
Fact File

Course Location:

Greenmount Campus

Course Duration:

Three years full-time including one year's work placement in Year 2

Entry requirements:

Normally five GCSE subjects at Grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science subject or equivalent qualifications are required.

Applicants must also demonstrate that they have the equivalent of one year’s relevant industry experience, which can be acquired prior to leaving school.

or

Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture at Merit level or above, or an equivalent qualification and normally Grade C in English and Mathematics or equivalent.

or

Applicants who can demonstrate significant relevant industry experience will also be considered. These applicants may be required to submit work-based evidence and undertake written assessments and/or practical competence tests as part of the assessment.

Course Manager:

Jason McFerran

Contact Details:

jason.mcferran@dardni.gov.uk

Telephone:

028 9442 6810

Text Phone:

028 9052 4420

Progression:

Students may progress to an appropriate Foundation Degree / HND or onto the Degree in Agricultural Technology.

students checking ear tags