Course Aim

The course aims to help students develop the production, management and marketing skills required to work in the agricultural industry. Successful students will be well prepared for employment in production agriculture, ancillary industry or government service. The course places an emphasis on ’learning by doing’ and personal development training to ensure that graduates have the technical and life skills which are demanded by the industry.

Course content

Students must complete 16 units from a range of core and optional units. There is a choice of modules available in Year three.

Year 1

• Agricultural systems *
• Animal science *
• Applied environmental studies*
• Enterprise management 1, Student Learning Projects *
• Grass and forage crop production*
• Mechanisation *
• Plant and soil science *
• Principles of land based business *

Year 2

• Work placement*

Year 3

• Agricultural business environment *
• Agricultural marketing *
• Beef and sheep production systems
• Dairy production systems
• Enterprise and financial management *
• Enterprise management 2, Student Learning Projects  *
• Human resource management
• Investigative project *
• Mechanisation of crop production
• Mechanisation of livestock production

* compulsory modules

Placement

The work placement encourages students to develop practical and managerial skills and provides an opportunity to develop problem solving, communication and technical skills within an agricultural context. Students can complete the work placement locally or abroad - in the past students have travelled to New Zealand, USA, Canada and Australia. A minimum of 24 weeks is spent on a farm-based placement with a further 12 weeks (minimum) placement in industry.

Entry requirements

'A' Level

100 tariff points at ‘A’ level plus four appropriate GCSEs, or equivalent. ’A‘ level Chemistry or Biology are preferred but Mathematics, Physics, Accounting, Economics, Computing, Home Economics, Business Studies, Geology, or Geography are acceptable if a Grade D or higher has been

Irish Leaving Certificate

100 UCAS points equivalent, including two Grade C1s at Higher level or equivalent.

National Diploma

A National Diploma in an appropriate subject with at least one Merit for example Pass Merit Pass.

Additional qualifications

During the course, students may have the opportunity to achieve additional, nationally recognised qualifications to complement their course, which can give a competitive advantage in employment or career progression.  These qualifications include:

• European Computer Driving License (EDCL)
• Emergency First Aid
• LANTRA Certificate of Basic Training in Rough Terrain Telescopic Lift Truck (Pallet and Bulk)
• Certificate in Basic Health and Safety
• Safe use of Pesticides - PA1
• LANTRA Certificate of Basic Training in Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

These programmes are classified as competency-based courses and are widely recognised by the industry.

Scholarships

A number of scholarships each worth £1,000 are available to students studying on the HND in Agriculture course

Careers

The course has been developed to meet industry needs with a particular emphasis on developing initiative and the flexibility to adapt to different employment situations. There are career opportunities in farming and enterprise management as well as marketing, sales, contracting and consultancy. The College maintains close links with farmers and industry and this provides students with an excellent opportunity to develop contacts with potential employers.

Student View: Cathy Knowles “ I live on a beef and sheep farm near Cloughmills. When I started my HND course it seemed natural to choose the UPLANDS project on the Greenmount Hill Farm, near Glenwherry. This hands-on opportunity to be involved in the work and management of a large hill farm reinforces the theory that I learn in my lectures. I am really looking forward to my year long work placement and the chance to travel and work abroad.”

What next? Want to talk to someone about this course? Contact the Course Manager listed in the fact file located in the individual course information page. Want to apply for a place on this course? Use the UCAS code from the Fact File and apply online on the UCAS website www.ucas.com