About the course
If you are applying for a place on the 14-16 programme please ask school to request an admissions form from [email protected] This course provides the skills necessary to either work within the land-based industry or to move onto a full-time College course. The course covers large animals, crops, land management and machinery over the two years. You will learn the theory behind many of the practical skills that are taught and practiced during the course. Assessment will be carried out in different ways depending on the module and the topic. These will include practical assessments, online tests, case studies and projects. Students will complete one externally marked test in each academic year. Students will complete a certificate qualification in year one and a diploma qualification in year 2. Parents/Schools, please note when completing the application form you must use child’s name and DOB but the parent/school email and telephone number. All official documents, interview and enrolment information will be emailed on the parent/school email provided and this could be anytime from the time of application through to September. If the email changes it is important you let us know. Failure to do so could lead to the application being withdrawn from the process.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: One Year (33 weeks)
Start date: September 2024
Interested in taking this course? Click here to apply for this course online
Course Modules
Adopt good bio-security practices at work
Assist with preparation and monitoring of livestock outdoors
Assist with preparing and maintaining livestock accommodation
Assist with the movement and handling of farm animals
Care of animals
Carry out tractor operations
Hedgelaying
Identify weeds
Introduction to crop systems
Planting and staking a tree
Principles of good biosecurity
Recognise a healthy farm animal
Weigh farm animals
Adopt good bio-security practices at work
Assist with preparation and monitoring of livestock outdoors
Assist with preparing and maintaining livestock accommodation
Assist with the movement and handling of farm animals
Care of animals
Carry out tractor operations
Hedgelaying
Identify weeds
Introduction to crop systems
Planting and staking a tree
Principles of good biosecurity
Recognise a healthy farm animal
Weigh farm animals
Entry requirements & additional information
This course covers practical skills and relevant background knowledge. Students need to be 14 or over and have functional English, Maths and Science skills.
Assessment will be carried out in different ways depending on the module and the topic. These will include practical assessments, online tests, case studies and projects. Students will complete a certificate qualification in year one and a diploma qualification in year two.
Students who successfully complete the course may wish to study full time at Myerscough or at another college. Apprenticeships are also available through the College.
Protective clothing should include boiler suit, work gloves, waterproof coat, waterproof trousers and sensible outdoor footwear. Steel toe capped boots/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 an opportunity to go on day trips 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!
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.