Level 3 Diplomas in
Agriculture
Leading to an Advanced Technical Extended Diploma or Advanced Technical Certificate
Depending on your previous qualifications, you could opt to study either an Advanced Technical Extended Diploma or Advanced Technical Certificate 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 Advanced Technical 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 4 or above including English, Maths and Science, or
- Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Agriculture at Merit, or
- Level 3 Apprenticeship in Agriculture with GCSE or Functional Skills Maths and English
What qualifications will I gain?
- Level 3 Advanced Technical 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?
- 1 year, full-time
What qualifications do I need to start?
- At least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above
- Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture at Merit or above
What qualifications will I gain?
- Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate 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 Advanced Technical 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 2019 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 bus service collects over 1,400 students every day from far and wide. What’s more, getting to Reaseheath is FREE* on all college bus routes. To find a bus route near you visit the transport pages on our website.
Accommodation
At Reaseheath we have on-site residential accommodation for up to 1,000 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.
*Subject to terms and conditions
Student Profile
Richard Ratcliffe
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture
School: William Brookes School, Much Wenlock
Next step: Possibly Degree in Rural Estate and Land Management or Agriculture Business
Ambition: Livestock auctioneer
“ I’ve always wanted to work in the livestock industry but my course has opened my eyes to possibilities other than farming. I became interested in the buying and selling side of the industry when I did my year’s placement at beef and sheep finishing units, and I’d now like to become an auctioneer.
“A great achievement of mine was scoring 98 out 100 for judging a pen of butchers lambs when I was with Reaseheath’s stock judging team at a national competition. I gained a lot of confidence from that and I hope to have a great career ahead.”