Course overview
Ready to kick-start your future in agriculture?
Our Level 2 Agriculture course is ideal if you’re passionate about farming,
the countryside, animals, crops or machinery – whether you already have
some experience or are just starting out.
You’ll gain practical experience while learning about:
- Agricultural machinery and technology
- Crop production and husbandry
- Animal husbandry and care
- Plant and animal physiology
- Working safely and effectively on a commercial farm
You’ll regularly work on our modern commercial farm, using industry-standard
equipment and experiencing the latest technology, farming practices and
biosecurity measures. This means you’ll build the practical skills, knowledge
and confidence employers are looking for.
The course can open the door to more than 200 careers across the UK
agricultural industry, from working with livestock, crops and machinery to
progressing into specialist areas of farming and land-based work.
Many students go on to study our Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in
Agriculture.
You may also have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications alongside
your course, helping you stand out and prepare for your next step. Whether you
want to start working in agriculture or continue your studies, this course is
the perfect place to begin.
Modules
The City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Agriculture is ideal if you’re progressing from a Level 1 course or already have some practical farming experience.
You’ll build the technical knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to take your first steps into modern agriculture.
You’ll learn how farms and agricultural businesses operate while developing experience in areas including:
- Livestock production and animal care
- Crop production and husbandry
- Agricultural machinery and technology
- Estate maintenance
- Plant and animal physiology
- Health and safety in the land-based industries
A significant part of your course will take place on our commercial farm. You’ll gain valuable practical experience using industry-standard equipment and working with modern farming systems, technology and biosecurity practices.
This practical approach will help you develop the skills employers are looking for and prepare you for the realities of working in the agricultural industry.
Whether you want to progress into employment or continue to higher-level study, this course will give you a strong foundation for your future in agriculture.
Units include:
- Health and Safety for the Land-based Industries
- Agricultural Power Units and Machinery Operation
- Crop Husbandry
- Farm Animal Production
- Farm Estate Maintenance
- Physiology of Plants and Animals
- Working in the Agricultural Industry
How will I be assessed?
Assessment for this qualification includes:
- Health & safety for the land-based industries theory examination
- External theory examination covering all units
- Synoptic assignment drawing together knowledge and skills from across the qualification
What is it like to be a student on this course?
By completing this qualification, you will:
- Develop practical and technical agricultural skills
- Gain experience with livestock, crops and agricultural machinery
- Understand modern farming systems and industry practices
- Build confidence working within a professional agricultural environment
- Prepare for progression to Level 3 study, apprenticeships or employment
Industry links
A qualification in agriculture can lead to a wide variety of careers across the farming and land-based industries, including:
- Livestock Technician
- Farm Worker
- Agricultural Machinery Operator
- Estate Worker
- Arable Operative
- Agricultural Technician
With over 200 career pathways available across the UK agricultural sector, this course provides an excellent foundation for further study and future employment.
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Student testimonial
“While I was at Plumpton I soon found that I was particularly interested in dairy farming. In my middle year I had the chance to truly hone my skills as part of a farming business, which has certainly made me more employable.”
Holly Morris – Student, Level 3 in Agriculture
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 3 and above to include English or Maths OR a Level 1 in a related subject plus English or Maths, at least grade 3 or Functional skills level 1
Progression routes
Many students successfully progress from this course onto the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture, while others move directly into employment or apprenticeships within the land-based sector. You may also have the opportunity to gain additional industry-relevant qualifications alongside your programme.
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
Not ready to apply?
Register your interest