Reasons to choose this course:
- We are one of the largest providers of land-based courses in the UK, with Brackenhurst being established for over 60 years in the sector.
- NTU is in the top five in the UK for the career prospects of our agriculture, forestry and food students according to the Guardian University Guide 2010.
- Brackenhurst has a working farm with a large flock of sheep, Lincolnshire Red cattle and oil seed rape and wheat crops.
- You will develop skills and experience in operating land-based machinery and handling livestock and assessing animal health.
- You will also attend regional agricultural shows with fellow students and demonstrate skills like sheep shearing and participate in our busy lambing season on the farm.
How do you study?
There is an emphasis on the theory and focus on the development of practical skills. Students gain real work experience on the University's 200-hectare mixed farm estate and are expected to undertake early morning duties.
The course is studied over one year full time - distance learning modules will completed over the summer.
Place of study
Study takes place at the Brackenhurst campus. Located near the market town of Southwell and just 14 from Nottingham city centre, Brackenhurst is an idyllic 200 hectare estate with specialist units, making it a unique place to learn. Brackenhurst campus benefits from purpose-built teaching facilities, an equestrian centre, brand-new Veterinary Nursing Building and Animal Unit. New student accommodation is also available and students have on-site access to a library, careers service, computing facilities, shop, cafe and bar.
DEFRA Environmental Stewardship
The estate is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme that supports effective environmental management of farm land and countryside estates. Initiatives include the establishment of six metre field margins of permanent grass to protect hedgerows and ditches from fertilizer sprays and soil leaching. Over the years species of wildlife have flourished at Brackenhurst including Barn Owls, Lapwings, Yellowhammers, butterflies and moths.
Tour the Animal Unit and Veterinary Nursing Centre on an open day
Please note the following information for applicants
Assessment
Students are assessed during the course by means of course and class assignments.
Units
This is a two-year 18 unit course during which you will be involved in real farm work that will improve your practical skills and give you valuable experience for your future employment. You will develop technical and management skills that will enable you to advance further in your chosen career.
The units are spread over two years to give an even spread of experience and assessments.
Year One
- Understand the Principles of Plant Science (half unit)
- Understand the Principles of Soil Science (half unit)
- Crop Production
- Grass Crop Production
- Understanding Principles of Land-Based Machinery
- Undertaking Land-based Machinery Operations
- Undertaking Land-based Workshop Practice
- Understand and promote Animal Health
- Undertaking Sheep Husbandry
- Undertake Agricultural Livestock Production
Year Two
- Understand Agricultural Forage Crop Production
- Undertaking Farm Habitat Management
- Understand and use Agricultural Spreaders and Sprayers
- Undertaking Specialised Land-based Workshop Practices
- Understand Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Undertake Estate Skills
- Business Management in the Land-based Sector
- Undertake an Investigative Project in the Land-based Sector
- Undertake and review Work Related Experience in the Land-based Industries
The last unit is started in the first year to enable you to undertake a work placement in between years.
Students completing the BTEC Level Three Diploma can progress to the higher education opportunities as well as managerial positions in the agricultural and ancillary industries. Employment opportunities can include becoming unit managers for livestock and arable farms and general management in the agricultural supply industry.
This course does not currently offer placements.
Full entry requirements
- You will need four GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science at grade C or above or a City and Guilds National Certificate or equivalent.
- Applications are welcome from mature and international students and will be assessed on an individual basis. We also consider applicants with non-traditional entry profiles.
International student entry requirements
How to apply
- Students need to complete and return an application form (available from Brackenhurst Student Administration)
- Once we have your application, we will invite you to visit Brackenhurst and meet the Programme Leader
Contact us
If you want to speak to us about this course, open days or how to apply then get in touch using the following details:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)1636 817099 (Brackenhurst)
Financial help
Possible financial assistance may be available for:
- those in receipt of Jobseekers allowance (including the partner where the claim is joint)
- students in receipt of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) in the work related activity group (further guidance to follow)
- learners of all ages studying their first full Level Two qualification
- 19 to 24-year-olds studying their first full Level Three qualification
- Level Three jumpers of all ages (those taking a full Level Three without having a full Level Two qualification)
- learning aims that are funded as Adult Skills for Life and Functional skills in Literacy and Numeracy.
Residential bursary
This bursary is means tested and awarded on a sliding scale depending on parent or guardian's income. You need to be holding a firm offer before applying for this and it does not cover the total cost of accommodation. Find out more about the residential bursary.
