Level 3 Diplomas in
Agriculture
Leading to an Extended Diploma, Diploma or Subsidiary Diploma
Depending on your previous qualifications, you could opt to study either an Extended Diploma, Diploma or Subsidiary Diploma in Agriculture. For more information on Level 3 Diplomas visit our choosing the right course for you page. You can find out more about each study option using the tabs below.
Our established three-year Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A levels and designed to fully prepare you for a career in the agricultural industry.
You will gain industry relevant theoretical knowledge in classroom sessions and practical experience on our farm’s commercial units and at other successful local farms.
In your final year you’ll specialise in dairy production, mechanised arable crop production or beef and sheep production.
What will I study?
- Animal husbandry, health and welfare
- Crop husbandry
- Agricultural science
- Environmental issues and DEFRA legislation
- Business planning
- Machines operation and maintenance
- Spreaders and sprayers
- Overseas study tours
- Practical skill instruction
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
- You will have the opportunity to work towards additional NPTC qualifications
You can follow one of four pathways:
- Dairy production
- Mechanised arable production
- Beef and sheep production
- Farm business
How long will it take?
- 3 years, year 2 spent in industry, full-time
What qualifications do I need to start?
- At least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above including English, Maths and Science, or
- Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Agriculture at Distinction, or
- Apprenticeship in Agriculture with Functional Skills
What qualifications will I gain?
- Level 3 Extended Diploma
- Additional training is provided in a number of disciplines
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
Course options after this programme
Career options
- Farm manager
- Crop agronomist
- Breeding advisor
- Commercial sales representative
- Head herds manager
- Animal nutritionist
What will I study?
- Animal husbandry, health and welfare
- Crop husbandry
- Agricultural science
- Environmental issues and DEFRA legislation
- Business planning
- Machines operation and maintenance
- Spreaders and sprayers
- Overseas study tours
- Practical skill instruction
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
- You will have the opportunity to work towards additional NPTC qualifications
How long will it take?
- 2 years including work placement, full-time
What qualifications do I need to start?
- At least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, preferably including English, Maths and Science, or
- Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma at Merit
What qualifications will I gain?
- Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
- Additional training is provided in a number of disciplines
Course options after this programme
Career options
- Assistant farm manager
- Livestock welfare inspector
- Own farm business
- Herdsperson
What will I study?
- Animal husbandry, health and welfare
- Crop husbandry
- Agricultural science
- Environmental issues and DEFRA legislation
- Business planning
- Machines operation and maintenance
- Spreaders and sprayers
- Overseas study tours
- Practical skill instruction
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
- You will have the opportunity to work towards additional NPTC qualifications
How long will it take?
- 1 year, full-time
What qualifications do I need to start?
- At least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above
- Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture at Merit or Distinction
What qualifications will I gain?
- Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Agriculture
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
- You will have the opportunity to work towards additional NPTC qualifications
Course options after this programme
- Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture with Merit
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture with Distinction
Career options
- Assistant farm manager
- Livestock welfare inspector
- Own farm business
- Herdsperson
You will have the chance to work towards additional NPTC qualifications, including:
- All terrain vehicle
- Tractor driving
- Veterinary medicine
- Transportation of livestock
- Farm health and safety
How much will this course cost?
If you are under 19 on 31st August 2017 the tuition fees and exam costs are free for our courses. If you are aged 19 or over you may have to pay a fee.
You may also be required to pay costs associated with study tours or additional qualifications.
For more information on fees and to find out about what financial support may be available to you visit the student finance pages on our website.
Transport
Our college buses pick up over 1,000 students each day from a wide area. The cost of daily transport is subsidised if travelling on the College bus service. To find out the cost of transport and a bus route near you visit the transport pages on our website.
Accommodation
At Reaseheath we have on-site residential accommodation for 785 students. If you are aged over 16 and studying on a full-time course you may apply for a residential place. Visit the accommodation pages on our website for more information.
How do I apply?
If you have found a course you are interested in and are in Year 11 or above you can apply now online. For a step by step guide on the application process visit the how to apply pages on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find out more information about this course on our FAQs page.
Student Profile
Liberty Turner
Ambition: Genetics specialist
School: John Port School, Derbyshire
Age: 19
Liberty has built up a reputation for showing dairy youngstock since coming to Reaseheath.
Introduced to the show ring by competing in our student calf show, she has gone on to make her mark at major agricultural shows with Reaseheath Holstein heifers and youngstock from other exhibitors. She also successfully shows animals from her own Dove Valley fl ock of pedigree Border Leicester sheep.
Fascinated by the science of genetics, she’d like to work with breeders, helping to preserve and improve herd bloodlines.
Liberty says “I hadn’t had any previous experience of dairy cattle but I’ve now got the skills and confidence to enter the dairy industry.”