About this course
Our Level 2 Technical Diploma in Agriculture is a one-year course and a great opportunity to start your career in Agriculture, while allowing you to retake your Maths and English GCSEs as required. You will develop knowledge and practical skills with livestock, crops and machinery through a mix of classroom and practical sessions, as well as engaging with the farming community through visits and work experience.
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Brackenhurst is set in stunning countryside just a bus ride away from Nottingham city centre, next to the town of Southwell. -
At Brackenhurst, you’ll have access to incredible facilities. These include an Animal Unit, Equestrian Centre, laboratories, library and gardens and fields that are overflowing with plants and wildlife. -
Studying with us means that you’ll be a part of an amazing learning environment. You get all the perks of being part of a big university, but you will still enjoy the comforts of a friendly college.
Why choose Brackenhurst
Brackenhurst is the rural campus of Nottingham Trent University and, as the centre of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, we are passionate about the countryside and farming. Our mission is to make you industry-ready and career-focused individuals, so that you are ready to take the industry forward.
Brackenhurst is only a bus journey away from Nottingham city centre. However, it feels a world away from the city when you see the stunning Nottinghamshire countryside within which Brackenhurst is located. Our college courses run alongside degree courses – all taught by tutors who are skilled, experienced and supportive.
At Brackenhurst we have a commercially managed pedigree beef herd, sheep flock and arable farm that makes up our 200-hectare estate. You’ll have access to an excellent range of facilities including a beef roundhouse, new grain store and lambing building, machinery workshops, laboratories, lecture rooms, computer suites and library. We also have an extensive range of farm machinery including tractors fitted with GPS equipment that you’ll learn with.
Brackenhurst prides itself on providing you with a friendly and supportive learning environment. Our college courses are taught by tutors who have spent time working in industry, therefore transferring their skills and experience, with a focus on making you industry ready.
We have limited on-site accommodation available for students studying on this course. Please contact us for more details.
Links with the agricultural industry
Brackenhurst has strong links with many local farming businesses, which helps your studies by either allowing us to visit their farm or being a guest speaker at Brackenhurst. Many also provide opportunities for students to complete work experience. Nottingham has a rich variety of farming businesses including field scale vegetable, dairy, beef, poultry, pig and arable farms as well as the allied industries like animal feed manufacturing.
Getting here
Brackenhurst is easy to get to. We’re just 14 miles from Nottingham city centre, next to the town of Southwell. Find out more about getting here.
What you’ll study
This course will provide you with ample opportunity to work outdoors, and build the primary skills needed to work with farm animals and on estate maintenance tasks. You will learn the basics about crop husbandry, as well as an introduction to machinery maintenance and tractor driving. These varied sessions are delivered by our own teaching team and technical staff who have extensive subject knowledge and experience.
Working in land-based industries
You will consider the required skills and qualifications for a wide range of career pathways within agriculture. You will learn about professional behaviour and good work conduct and the importance of health and safety within the land-based industries.
Introduction to plant and soil science
You will explore internal structures of plants from cells to transport systems and external plant structures including stems, roots, leaves and flowers, looking at their functions and characteristics. You will also investigate soil types, texture, structure, pH, nutrients and care.
Machinery operations
You will explore the machinery used for activities across arable and livestock production. You will develop the skills to carry out correct set up and routine maintenance, and to be able to operate machinery safely so that machinery tasks are completed effectively.
Estate maintenance
You will develop the practical skills to safely repair and install field boundaries, maintaining farm surfaces and making repairs to farm buildings. You will learn how to provide services such as a water supply to farm livestock.
Crop production
You will consider some of the different crops grown in the UK as well as the products that come from them. You will develop your understanding of crop establishment techniques and nutrient supply, and learn how to monitor their growth before looking at how they are stored.
Livestock husbandry
You will develop the practical skills needed to work with farm livestock safely and confidently and how to ensure high standards of animal welfare are maintained. You will gain knowledge and understanding of how good farm livestock husbandry relates to profitable farming.
Agriculture work placement
You will consider different career opportunities in the agricultural sector, learn how to apply for jobs and practice your interview skills. As part of the course, you will need to gain and complete a period of work placement experience in an agricultural sector that appeals to you.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
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How you're taught
You will spend time learning in our industry leading facilities through a mixture of lectures, group discussions, practical demonstrations and hands-on experience with livestock, crops and machinery.
An important element of the course are visits to leading vegetable growers, organic dairy farmers and industry shows. This allows you to broaden your horizons.
The course includes a work placement allowing you to develop your skills and knowledge in agriculture by working on a farm, enhancing your chances of employment after you complete your studies. You can work with local farmers, agronomists, nutritionists or in connected industries such as the National Farmers Union.
How you’ll be assessed
Your assessments will be by completing written assignments and demonstrating the skills you have learnt in practical assessments.
Careers and employability
The Level 2 course only lasts for one year and therefore you'll need to have a plan for your next academic year. You will need to demonstrate clear attendance and commitment to your Level 2 programme as well as a Merit grade to progress to Level 3 in Agriculture at Brackenhurst.
Future jobs within the agricultural industry that are attainable with a Level 2 qualification include:
- Stockperson – you can earn up to £24,000
- Farm Worker – you can earn up to £25,000
- Tractor Driver – you can earn up to £28,000
- Apprenticeship – you can earn up to £19,500
Additional certificates
As well as completing your course, you will have the opportunity to undertake additional industry-focused certificates including:
- Telehandler
- Spreaders and Sprayers
- Safe use of veterinary medicines
You'll also learn to drive agricultural machinery such as quads and tractors.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Study an agriculture course at Brackenhurst and you’ll have access to some fantastic facilities.
Our campus is home to a working farm that grows a mixture of crops including wheat, barley and oilseed rape. We have a herd of award-winning pedigree cattle, as well as a flock of sheep. We also have a range of farm machinery that you’ll get to learn with, including two tractors fitted with modern self-steering equipment. Your course includes hands-on, practical lessons at the farm.
As well as your subject-specific facilities, you’ll also find:
- a modern campus with modern classrooms and teaching areas
- a library and fully equipped computer suites
- a number of highly equipped specialised laboratories
- on site careers and employability service
- a range of dining facilities and Costa Coffee
- our student shop
- a number of common rooms and social spaces
Entry requirements
UK students
For 2026 entry you'll need:
- Four GCSEs at grade 3 / D or above, including two from English, maths and science, with at least a grade 2 / E in the remaining subject.
- If you do not yet have a grade 4 / C in English language and / or maths you will need to complete GCSE retakes as part of your study programme.
A Level 1 Technical qualification or other equivalent qualifications will be considered.
You will also be required to attend an interview.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International students
We welcome applications from international students who do not require a student route visa. Please email our FE Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 5299 to discuss how your qualifications match our course requirements.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
