Introduction to Land-Based Studies
If you’re needing some support in transitioning into a mainstream college environment, this could be the course for you.
You’ll be introduced to the land based industry and given the opportunity to experience animal care, equine or agriculture working in our purpose build, industry standard facilities.
You’ll also have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience as well as develop your personal and social skills, helping you to progress on to further study or work.
What will I study?
- City and Guilds Certificate in Skills for Working Life (Entry 3)
- You will complete a 60-hour work placement
- Career Ready
- English and Maths (Functional Skills/GCSE) based on previous attainment and initial assessment
Programme intent:
This programme is designed for students who are interested in exploring careers in Animal Care, Agriculture, or Equine Studies. Through a combination of practical and theoretical learning, students gain a broad understanding of land-based industries while developing key personal and employability skills.
The programme is underpinned by the four pillars of Preparation for Adulthood:
- Employment: Building workplace skills and experience through practical activities and work placements.
- Independent Living: Learning practical skills for day-to-day life, responsibility, and safe practices.
- Community Participation: Engaging with peers, staff, and local enterprises to contribute positively to the community.
- Health & Wellbeing: Promoting awareness of personal safety, animal welfare, and healthy routines.
This programme is ideal for students who are adjusting to college life, returning to education, or looking for a strong foundation in land-based studies, providing a stepping stone towards Level 1 programmes.
What modules will I study?
- Work Safely
- Undertaking a work placement
- Working as part of a team
- Recognise a healthy farm animal
- Clean farm animal housing
- Feed young farm animals
- Poultry housing and bedding
- Recognise types and parts of the body of small animals
- Check that a small animal is healthy
- Show visitors around a small animal enterprise
How long will it take?
- Your study programme will be for the full academic year and your days of study will be for 3 full days per week
- 1 year full-time
What qualifications do I need to start?
- You do not need exam passes to start but you do need to be at Entry 2 in literacy and numeracy
- You will have at least one interview and an assessment of your literacy and numeracy and support needs before you are offered a place
What qualifications will I gain?
- City and Guilds Entry 3 Skills for Working Life
- English and Maths (Functional Skills/GCSE) based on previous attainment and initial assessment
Course options after this programme
- Employability Pathway or Level 1 programmes across the College (including Animal Care, Agriculture and Equine)
Career options
- A wide range of land and environment based jobs, such as working with animals, conservation, equine or farming
