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Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies Agriculture and Horticulture

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 1
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Two students in a field

Course Overview

This course is an ideal introduction to a mix of horticulture and general farm work for school leavers who are seeking to explore this diverse industry; develop practical skills in livestock handling and gain underpinning knowledge of agriculture-related topics alongsde horticulture skills. Students will work with a range of livestock, plants, flowers and arable crops within our 162-hectare site.

The course also provides an opportunity for students to develop personal, social, and employability skills in a highly supportive environment. As part of this study programme students are required to study GCSE maths and English if a grade 4 has not already been achieved. This is an essential part of the programme in order for students to develop the literacy and numeracy skills required for successful entry into employment and/or progression onto future courses.

This course is delivered through theory lessons, practical work, group seminars, and internal and external industry placement. You will also have individual tutorials with your Course Manager on a regular basis in order to monitor and track your progress.

This course is taught at the BCA campus in Maidenhead, Berkshire, with access to specialist facilities and lecturers with industry experience.

Course Code

FF1CAGR1B0

End Date

Fri, 30 Jun 2028

Entry Requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 2 or above. You will be required to attend an interview, where your suitability, commitment, and skills will be assessed.

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Course information

Some example units include:

Safe and effective working practices
Preparing to work in the land-based industry
Plant Identification
Seed Sowing
Introduction to crop production systems
Carry out tractor operations
Internal and external work experience

1 Year

Online sessions, classroom sessions, practical sessions.

A real mixture of theory and practical sessions. You will have a two hour farm practical sessionw here you will be working with chicken, sheep and cattle as well as other estate skills required within the land-based industry. You will also have a two hour horticulture session which is a mix of practical and theory. This will take place in our large glasshouse or on the college wider estate. You have 6 hours on GCSE English and maths built into your timetable if you are working towards your grade 4 in these areas.

Kew Gardens
Local farm yards
Nettledbed Creamery

Sturdy boots- that can be kept at college
Gloves
Wet weather clothing
Overalls
Uniform 2 X jumpers and 2 X poloshirts
Access to IT at home to complete assignments and homework.
Notebooks/pens/folder

Assessment takes place throughout the year through the completion of work/logbooks, diary writing to record progress during professional development lessons, online tests, exams and homework.

Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Agriculture)
GCSE maths and English

You will complete compulsory industry placement every week on our estate and at least 1 week of industry placement externally.

This course can lead to employment as a general farm worker.

Students can also progress (subject to meeting specified entry requirements) onto other courses such as Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, Equine Studies, or Public Services.

It’s the ideal qualification within a supportive educational environment to prepare learners for working within the industry or progressing onto a Level 2 qualification.

Level 1

Working within agriculture can be highly rewarding but it requires hard work and dedication. You will need to be comfortable with working outdoors in all weathers, be physically fit and be able to carry out routine tasks e.g. checking & feeding livestock and crop walks within our 162-hectare estate.

We have a strict dress code for working in practicals, as such, you need to be prepared to follow instructions from all staff in order to maintain your own health, safety and welfare.

English and Maths will be built into your college timetable should you have not achieved a Grade 4 in these areas.

If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability or Additional Educational Need, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can also assist you with this.