Level 1 CG Diploma Land-based Studies (Agriculture and Countryside)

About the course

The Level 1 Diploma provides an introduction into agriculture, with a focus on the care, health and management of livestock and crops and an introduction to machinery operations. The aim of the course is to develop the basic practical skills that are required on a farm this will be through a series of practical and written assessments. This is a popular course with school leavers who have an interest in the outdoors.

Key Information

Location: Preston Campus

Course length: One Year (35 weeks)

Start date: September 2025

Course Modules

Assist with establishment of plants and sites in the countryside

Assist with the care of animals

Assist with the maintenance of structures and surfaces in the countryside

Carry out tractor operations

Introduction to wildlife and conservation

Preparing to work in the land-based industries

Safe and effective working practices in land-based industries

Entry requirements & additional information

Students must have 3 GCSE Grade 1 -2 including English or Maths or equivalent Entry Level 3 Qualification along with a keen interest in the subject. Some practical knowledge of agriculture is desirable.
Assessment of technical qualifications is a mixture of practical assessment of skills and written assignments marked internally by the teaching team, together with externally marked examinations that combine the knowledge of all mandatory units. The assessments and exams are spread throughout the course of the year.
Students who successfully complete the course may wish to study full time at Myerscough. Students may also enter an apprenticeship through college.
Protective clothing should include a boiler suit, work gloves, waterproof coat, waterproof trousers and sensible outdoor footwear. Steel toe capped boot/wellingtons. Tetanus vaccination up to date. Costs that are mandatory for the course: Steel toe-capped boots or wellington boots - approx. �25 Protective overalls - approx. �25 Waterproof coat and leggings - approx. �50 Hi-visibility bib-approx. �10 Costs that are optional for the course: There may be opportunity to go on daytrips to shows and farms.

Endless opportunities and Fantastic Resources

Students often get the chance to undertake work experience during their studies.

In the past, students have gone to New Zealand or Australia to do sheep and dairy work, with others heading west to Canada and the United States. Such experiences not only help students develop their knowledge and skills but they also prove valuable in terms of improving future employment prospects.

The Myerscough College estate features a dedicated four hectare conservation area and countryside management zone as well as a purpose built Rural Skills Centre which houses our countryside courses. With game bird hatching facilities, an armoury, machinery and estate management workshops, and an off-road driving course - we've everything you need!

Oliver Mcentyre
Wheatsheaf

Alumni – Oliver McEntyre

To anyone looking to study Agriculture or Countryside at Myerscough College, I’d say go, embrace it & leave with the knowledge that the qualification will stay with you for the rest of your career and open doors that might not have been opened without the time and experience Myerscough offers.

Oliver McEntyre