Course Overview
During your first year, you’ll gain a fundamental understanding of health and safety, sustainability, biosecurity, finance, data, the supply chain, and plant growth. In year two, you’ll expand your skills and expertise to include optimal crop yield and quality, the tools, equipment, and materials used in managing crops and the surrounding areas, and how to establish, manage, harvest, and store crops as a vital component of the food production process.
You’ll spend 80% of your time learning at Hartpury and 20% – a minimum of 45 days – completing an industry placement. Benefit from our network of over 3,000 industry employers to find a position that fits your career aspirations. You’ll develop your applied skills within the workplace and be well-prepared to progress into a role within the agriculture industry.
In your first year you will gain a core understanding of health and safety principles, sustainability, working in the sector, ethics, business, equality, communication, relationships, finance and information and data. This is alongside the specialism core subjects which are biosecurity, supply chains and plant growth. All these topics are assessed by two exams and a research-based project. There will be homework tasks and mock exams to assess your progress throughout the academic year.
You will complete a work placement of a minimum of 45 days over the summer, developing your applied skills within the work place and be well prepared to progress into a role within the agriculture industry.
In the second year you will focus on the specialism part of the qualification by undertaking practical and written tasks which is assessed by a synoptic assignment. You will study the production of field and container-based systems throughout the crop production cycle.
You’ll learn through a blend of theory sessions in the classroom and practical training on our 380 hectares of commercial farmland , applying your knowledge to both field and container-based crop systems. Alongside taught lessons, your learning will be enriched through group work, independent research projects, and guest lectures from agricultural professionals.
You’ll also complete a minimum 45-day industry placement, where you’ll gain first-hand experience of crop production in practice. This will allow you to work alongside experienced professionals and develop the technical skills needed to thrive in the industry.
In Year 1, assessment includes two exams and a research-based project on core topics and crop-specific subjects such as biosecurity, supply chains, and plant growth. Progress is monitored through homework and mock exams. A minimum 45-day work placement also takes place, typically in the summer, to develop workplace skills.
In Year 2, students complete a synoptic assignment with both practical and written elements, focused on field and container-based crop production systems across the full production cycle.
Career opportunities include:
- Crop Production Technician
- Arable or Horticultural Farm Worker
- Assistant Farm Manager (progression with experience)
- Crop Trials or Research Technician
- Agronomy Support Assistant
- Supply Chain or Produce Technician
Course Overview
Course information
During your first year, you’ll gain a fundamental understanding of health and safety, sustainability, biosecurity, finance, data, the supply chain, and plant growth. In year two, you’ll expand your skills and expertise to include optimal crop yield and quality, the tools, equipment, and materials used in managing crops and the surrounding areas, and how to establish, manage, harvest, and store crops as a vital component of the food production process.
You’ll spend 80% of your time learning at Hartpury and 20% – a minimum of 45 days – completing an industry placement. Benefit from our network of over 3,000 industry employers to find a position that fits your career aspirations. You’ll develop your applied skills within the workplace and be well-prepared to progress into a role within the agriculture industry.
What you’ll learn
In your first year you will gain a core understanding of health and safety principles, sustainability, working in the sector, ethics, business, equality, communication, relationships, finance and information and data. This is alongside the specialism core subjects which are biosecurity, supply chains and plant growth. All these topics are assessed by two exams and a research-based project. There will be homework tasks and mock exams to assess your progress throughout the academic year.
You will complete a work placement of a minimum of 45 days over the summer, developing your applied skills within the work place and be well prepared to progress into a role within the agriculture industry.
In the second year you will focus on the specialism part of the qualification by undertaking practical and written tasks which is assessed by a synoptic assignment. You will study the production of field and container-based systems throughout the crop production cycle.
How you’ll learn
You’ll learn through a blend of theory sessions in the classroom and practical training on our 380 hectares of commercial farmland , applying your knowledge to both field and container-based crop systems. Alongside taught lessons, your learning will be enriched through group work, independent research projects, and guest lectures from agricultural professionals.
You’ll also complete a minimum 45-day industry placement, where you’ll gain first-hand experience of crop production in practice. This will allow you to work alongside experienced professionals and develop the technical skills needed to thrive in the industry.
How you’ll be assessed
In Year 1, assessment includes two exams and a research-based project on core topics and crop-specific subjects such as biosecurity, supply chains, and plant growth. Progress is monitored through homework and mock exams. A minimum 45-day work placement also takes place, typically in the summer, to develop workplace skills.
In Year 2, students complete a synoptic assignment with both practical and written elements, focused on field and container-based crop production systems across the full production cycle.
What can you do after this course?
Career opportunities include:
- Crop Production Technician
- Arable or Horticultural Farm Worker
- Assistant Farm Manager (progression with experience)
- Crop Trials or Research Technician
- Agronomy Support Assistant
- Supply Chain or Produce Technician
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, to include English Language and Maths. Other occupation-specific requirements may apply.
Once we receive your application, we will write and invite you to attend an interview and written assessment with a member of staff on your chosen course. The interview is an opportunity to discuss the course content, ask any questions you may have and go on a tour of the campus.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
What are T Levels?
T Levels are two-year, technical qualifications designed in collaboration with employers. They combine classroom learning with substantial industry experience, preparing you for skilled employment, higher study, or apprenticeships.
How are T Levels assessed?
Assessment is through a mix of written exams, a research project, and a final synoptic assignment. You’ll also complete an industry placement to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
How long is the industry placement?
All T Levels include a significant industry placement, lasting at least 45 days. This gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills employers are looking for.
What can I do after a T Level?
A T Level is equivalent to three A levels. After completing your course, you can progress into skilled employment, higher apprenticeships, or university-level study.
Why choose a T Level?
T Levels give you the best of both worlds: classroom study with specialist teaching, and real experience in the workplace. They’re designed to make you industry-ready from day one.
Why study T Levels at Hartpury College?
The key benefit of completing a T Level is the sheer amount of on-the-job experience it includes. You’ll spend 315 hours – that’s 45 days or nine weeks – gaining first-hand experience of your chosen career whilst developing the practical skills that employers are looking for.
That’s in addition to the outstanding education you’ll gain in the classroom. When you finish your T Level, you’ll be well-prepared to launch a successful career and help to create a stronger economy for our future.
Why study T Levels at Hartpury College?
The key benefit of completing a T Level is the sheer amount of on-the-job experience it includes. You’ll spend 315 hours – that’s 45 days or nine weeks – gaining first-hand experience of your chosen career whilst developing the practical skills that employers are looking for.
That’s in addition to the outstanding education you’ll gain in the classroom. When you finish your T Level, you’ll be well-prepared to launch a successful career and help to create a stronger economy for our future.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
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