Course description
Gain the technical know-how and practical skills you need to work in the agricultural industry – and play your part in feeding a growing global population. Study on our 150-hectare rural campus at Writtle College.
The world is facing a food crisis. We need to produce at least 50% more food to feed a rapidly growing population of 9 billion people by 2050. The agricultural industry needs people who can meet that challenge with fresh thinking and new approaches.
By studying agriculture at Writtle College, you could play an important role in developing the future of British and international farming.
We’re one of the leading land-based institutions in the UK, based on an open campus with approximately 130 hectares of arable land, livestock, and a working farm. You’ll have use of all these facilities as a student.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
- 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 or A*-C; must include English and Maths.
- A work placement of 5 days in a related industry is desirable.
- Satisfactory references from most recent school, college or employer.
- Alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application.
Training Course Content
Mandatory units
- Principles of Health and Safety
- Undertake and Review Work-related Experience in the Land-based Industries
- Land-based Industry Machinery Operations
- Agricultural Crop Production
- Plant and Soil Science
- Undertake Estate Skills
- Livestock Husbandry
- Business Management in the Land-based Sector
- Undertake a Specialist Project in the Land-based Sector
- Land-based Power Units
- Forage Crop Production
- The Principles of Grassland Management
- Farm Animal Health and Nutrition
- Root Crop Production
- Field Vegetable Production
- Pollution and Waste Control Management
- Farm Habitat Management
- Undertake Land-based Workshop Processes
- Dairy Production
- Beef Production
- Poultry Production
- Sheep Production
- Mechanised Agricultural Crop Handling and Storage
- Combinable Crop Production
Course delivery details
This course consists of the following mandatory units. It also includes a work placement in the agricultural industry. The work placement is an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve gained in college to a real working environment. Overall, you’ll spend 300 hours on placement.
Units are subject to change and availability.
Assessment
We’ll assess your progress in a number of ways including practical observation, oral questioning, multiple choice questions, written assessments, exam, open book exams and formal written assessments.
Why choose Writtle University College
Ranked Top University-Sector Institution in East Anglia for overall student satisfaction!
*Based on NSS 2022 Based on Taught Data
Beautiful rural campus situated close to the city of Chelmsford, 40 minutes from London and the coast.
Expenses
Fee: £5,678 Students over 19 starting 2023/24 (funding available)
Continuing Studies
Careers and educational progression
Level 3 qualifications can provide a route into the agricultural profession, support career development if you’re already working in agriculture, or be a foundation for further learning or training.
After completing this course, you could further your education by studying an undergraduate degree, such as ourBSc (Hons) Agriculture.
Or you might move into employment in roles including:
- Trainee assistant farm manager
- Assistant herdsperson/stockperson
- Agricultural technician
- Assistant machinery operator.
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Welcome to Writtle College! Writtle College, a further education provider, now part of ARU, is located at the ARU Writtle campus on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Essex. We offer a wide range of exciting courses in land-based, creative and sports...