About the course
The College offers opportunity to study at level 3 (A level equivalent) for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of Agriculture – developing academic knowledge which will encompass some practical elements and technical skills. It is a popular option for both school leavers and successful Level 2 Certificate students. The course incorporates classroom lectures and practical elements, industry visits and case study exercises. Students will also receive training and assessment in a number of additional qualifications (subject to funding), which will enhance their employability.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: One Year (35 weeks)
Start date: September 2025
Interested in taking this course? Click here to apply for this course online
Course Modules
Agricultural Crop Production
ATV and Telescopic Handler
Beef Production
Business Management in the Land Based Sector
Dairy Production
Exploring Improvement Opportunities for Diversification and New Business Initiatives within the Land Based Sector
Farm Animal Health and Nutrition
Farm Animal Science
Land Based Industry Machinery Operations
Land Based Power Units
Livestock Husbandry
Plant and Soil Science
Pollution and Waste Control Management
Principles of Grassland Management
Principles of Health and Safety
Sheep Production
Specialist Project in the Land Based Sector
Undertake and Review Estate Skills
Undertake and Review Work Experience in the Land Based Sector
Entry requirements & additional information
Minimum entry requirements are: Advanced Technical Diploma (540) – Year 1 An English Language GCSE at C (4) or higher plus a minimum of four others at C (4) or higher, including Maths and Science Advanced Extended Technical Diploma (1080) – Year 2 An English Language GCSE at C (4) or higher plus a minimum of four others at C (4) or higher, including Maths and Science Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants are expected to show a strong commitment to the industry and ideally, have some practical work experience on a farm prior to starting the course.
Assessment of technical qualifications is a mixture of internal practical assessment of skills conducted by the teaching team, internal written assignments marked by the teaching team, an externally set synoptic examination that combines the knowledge and practical skills of all of the mandatory units, external exams that combine the knowledge of all mandatory units and a Health and Safety exam. The assessments and exams are spread throughout the course of the year. Outstanding Learning Environment: ¨ 1000 acre estate ¨ 200 high yielding dairy cattle ¨ 1000 lambing ewes ¨ Range of modern machinery ¨ New Food and Farming Innovation Technology Centre ¨ On campus training events e.g. AHDB Beef and Lamb Selection
Upon successful completion, you may have an opportunity to progress to a Foundation or Honours Degree programmes, where students have the opportunity to pursue modules specialising in animal science, farm management, crop science and a number of other options. Progression onto degree programmes at other universities is dependent upon their own individual entry criteria. This might include specific requirements relating to the type of course being studied, the particular ‘modules’ or ‘units’ studied on a course, the work-experience that you’ve undertaken or even previous GCSE attainment. Entry requirements can also change from year-to-year. It is essential that, if you have a clear career goal in mind, you check and confirm the entry requirements of your preferred degree programme prior to commencing your Level 3 studies here at Myerscough. Information, Advice and Guidance will be provided by the College to support you in making the right choices, but please ensure that you have taken time to consider your future career goals and the specific entry requirements at other universities. The UCAS website is a good starting point: https://www.ucas.com/
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 an opportunity to travel overseas, recent examples of these trips being Canada, the USA and Ireland – up to £1500
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!
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.