Level 1
Land-Based Diploma
With Agriculture, Countryside or Horticulture options
If you’re interested in finding out about agriculture, horticulture and the countryside, this is the course for you.
You’ll be introduced to the land based industry and enjoy working with our farm animals, gardens, wildlife and growing plants.
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?
- Safe and effective working practices in land-based industries
- Develop performance in land-based industries
- Assist with the care of animals
- Assist with the movement, handling and accommodation of animals
- You will complete a 3 week work placement
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
These units are subject to change.
How long will it take?
- 1 year
What qualifications do I need to start?
- You do not need exam passes to start but you do need to be at entry level 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?
- Level 1 qualification in Land-Based Studies
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
Course options after this programme
- Progress onto a Level 2 Diploma or Level 2 Apprenticeship in your subject or a related area, or
- Go straight into employment
Career options
- A wide range of land and environment based jobs, such as working with animals, conservation or farming
- Combine work with training on an Apprenticeship or Advanced Apprenticeship in an agriculture or horticulture based career
Student Profile
Thomas Plant
School: Congleton High School
Next step: Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment
Ambition: Countryside ranger
“As a foundation student I studied agriculture, countryside and horticulture and found I enjoyed countryside the most. I like being outside, doing fencing, building stone walls and making paths.
“I worked with the rangers at Astbury Mere Country Park in Congleton every Tuesday from late October to May and I had a couple of full weeks’ work experience there too. It was good fun, even being outside during winter, and I got a good reference.
“I’ve enjoyed the practical sessions at college and I’ve done well with my maths and English. I’m now looking forward to studying in the countryside department.”