Course Overview
Gain an understanding of how to optimise and maintain livestock production at all stages, whilst developing applied skills as you undertake duties on 380 hectares of commercial farmland with our industry specialists.
In your first year, you’ll gain a core understanding of health and safety principles, sustainability, biosecurity, supply chain, anatomy and physiology, diseases, disorders and health plans, nutrition, medicine, technology, and equipment, and data.
Your middle year with an employer will provide a unique opportunity to gain a wealth of additional industry experience and will allow them to apply their knowledge and skills to a workplace environment, ensuring that they leave Hartpury industry-ready at the end of the course. Students will engage in regular ‘touch point’ activities with tutors and our placement co-ordinators throughout the second year to ensure that they are gaining as much as possible from the industry placement.
You’ll develop your knowledge during year three, exploring methods for optimal animal breeding and production, as well as the tools, equipment, and materials used to manage livestock and the surrounding areas.
You will spend 30% of you time studying the core curriculum and 70% your chosen specialism in Livestock Production which includes a 10-month sandwich year placement.
You’ll develop the skills to optimise and maintain crop production from seed to harvest. Year one introduces the essential core knowledge of health and safety, sustainability, business, and communication, alongside crop-specific subjects such as plant growth, biosecurity, and agricultural supply chains.
You’ll also complete a minimum 45-day industry placement, gaining practical experience with field and container-based crop systems.
In your second year, your learning will focus on advanced crop production. You’ll study how to manage and optimise different production systems through all stages of the crop cycle, preparing you for progression into skilled roles or further study.
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
Gain an understanding of how to optimise and maintain livestock production at all stages, whilst developing applied skills as you undertake duties on 380 hectares of commercial farmland with our industry specialists.
In your first year, you’ll gain a core understanding of health and safety principles, sustainability, biosecurity, supply chain, anatomy and physiology, diseases, disorders and health plans, nutrition, medicine, technology, and equipment, and data.
Your middle year with an employer will provide a unique opportunity to gain a wealth of additional industry experience and will allow them to apply their knowledge and skills to a workplace environment, ensuring that they leave Hartpury industry-ready at the end of the course. Students will engage in regular ‘touch point’ activities with tutors and our placement co-ordinators throughout the second year to ensure that they are gaining as much as possible from the industry placement.
You’ll develop your knowledge during year three, exploring methods for optimal animal breeding and production, as well as the tools, equipment, and materials used to manage livestock and the surrounding areas.
You will spend 30% of you time studying the core curriculum and 70% your chosen specialism in Livestock Production which includes a 10-month sandwich year placement.
What you’ll learn
You’ll develop the skills to optimise and maintain crop production from seed to harvest. Year one introduces the essential core knowledge of health and safety, sustainability, business, and communication, alongside crop-specific subjects such as plant growth, biosecurity, and agricultural supply chains.
You’ll also complete a minimum 45-day industry placement, gaining practical experience with field and container-based crop systems.
In your second year, your learning will focus on advanced crop production. You’ll study how to manage and optimise different production systems through all stages of the crop cycle, preparing you for progression into skilled roles or further study.
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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