Course Overview
In your first year, you’ll gain a fundamental understanding of engineering systems, building on basic operating processes. You’ll develop this further in your second year, learning the skills required to inspect and test machinery and equipment using diagnostics to identify and rectify faults in engine, hydraulic, and breaking systems. You’ll also gain an understanding of safe working practices, sustainability, operating principles, and the wider supply chain.
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 technical role as a land-based engineer.
You’ll gain the technical knowledge and hands-on experience to diagnose, maintain, and repair a wide range of land-based machinery and systems. In your first year, you’ll build a foundation in health and safety, sustainability, business, and communication, while specialising in machinery types, operating principles, and engineering components.
You’ll complete a minimum 45-day industry placement, working alongside professionals to apply your learning in real-world settings.
In your second year, you’ll focus on engineering specialisms, developing advanced skills in scheduled and preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis, and the repair and installation of machinery and equipment used across the land-based industries.
This course combines classroom theory with practical workshops on our 380-hectare commercial farmland, giving you the opportunity to work with industry-standard machinery and equipment. You’ll develop skills in diagnostics, maintenance, and repair through taught sessions, collaborative projects, independent study, and insights from guest speakers.
You’ll also undertake a minimum 45-day industry placement, working within the land-based engineering sector. This will allow you to apply your classroom knowledge to real engineering challenges, preparing you for progression into skilled employment or further study.
During Year 1, assessment is through two exams and a research-based project covering core topics and engineering-specific content such as machinery types, operating principles, and system components. Homework and mock exams help track progress. A minimum 45-day work placement is also required to build workplace experience.
In Year 2, assessment is through a synoptic assignment of practical and written tasks, focusing on scheduled and preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis, and the repair and installation of land-based machinery and equipment.
Career opportunities include:
- Land-based Service Technician
- Agricultural Engineer
- Workshop Technician or Mechanic
- Machinery Demonstrator or Sales Technician
- Service Engineer (machinery or equipment)
- Diagnostics and Maintenance Specialist
Course Overview
Course information
In your first year, you’ll gain a fundamental understanding of engineering systems, building on basic operating processes. You’ll develop this further in your second year, learning the skills required to inspect and test machinery and equipment using diagnostics to identify and rectify faults in engine, hydraulic, and breaking systems. You’ll also gain an understanding of safe working practices, sustainability, operating principles, and the wider supply chain.
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 technical role as a land-based engineer.
What you’ll learn
You’ll gain the technical knowledge and hands-on experience to diagnose, maintain, and repair a wide range of land-based machinery and systems. In your first year, you’ll build a foundation in health and safety, sustainability, business, and communication, while specialising in machinery types, operating principles, and engineering components.
You’ll complete a minimum 45-day industry placement, working alongside professionals to apply your learning in real-world settings.
In your second year, you’ll focus on engineering specialisms, developing advanced skills in scheduled and preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis, and the repair and installation of machinery and equipment used across the land-based industries.
How you’ll learn
This course combines classroom theory with practical workshops on our 380-hectare commercial farmland, giving you the opportunity to work with industry-standard machinery and equipment. You’ll develop skills in diagnostics, maintenance, and repair through taught sessions, collaborative projects, independent study, and insights from guest speakers.
You’ll also undertake a minimum 45-day industry placement, working within the land-based engineering sector. This will allow you to apply your classroom knowledge to real engineering challenges, preparing you for progression into skilled employment or further study.
How you’ll be assessed
During Year 1, assessment is through two exams and a research-based project covering core topics and engineering-specific content such as machinery types, operating principles, and system components. Homework and mock exams help track progress. A minimum 45-day work placement is also required to build workplace experience.
In Year 2, assessment is through a synoptic assignment of practical and written tasks, focusing on scheduled and preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis, and the repair and installation of land-based machinery and equipment.
What can you do after this course?
Career opportunities include:
- Land-based Service Technician
- Agricultural Engineer
- Workshop Technician or Mechanic
- Machinery Demonstrator or Sales Technician
- Service Engineer (machinery or equipment)
- Diagnostics and Maintenance Specialist
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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