Level 3 Diplomas in
Agriculture
Leading to an Advanced Technical Extended Diploma or Advanced Technical Certificate
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
- BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture Top-up
- FdSc Sustainable Agriculture with Dairy Herd Management
- FdSc Sustainable Agriculture with Crop Management
- FdSc Sustainable Agriculture with Livestock Management
Career options
- Farm manager
- Crop agronomist
- Breeding advisor
- Commercial sales representative
- Head herds manager
- Animal nutritionist
“I came to Reaseheath after GCSEs because I know I want to work in the agricultural industry and I’m keen to get on with my career.
“I live on a dairy and sheep farm and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to carry on the family tradition and be a successful farmer. My passion is for dairy cattle and I chose to study at Reaseheath because it has such a good reputation in that area.
“I’ve learned a lot about different methods of herd management, particularly as the college has a robotic milking system alongside a traditional parlour so you can compare the two systems.
“Living on campus means I’ve been able to make the most of the great social life and I’ve made loads of friends.”