Course overview
Develop the core knowledge and skills which are needed for a successful
land-based engineering career within agriculture, land management and production
including practical engineering skills as well as essential knowledge of
topics such as sustainabiloity, biosecurity and the development of digital
skills preparing you for the technological advances in the industry.
The Common Core content provides foundational knowledge and skills for
learners in the agriculture and land management industries, ensuring they
understand various job roles. The Core Pathway focuses specifically on the
Land-Based Engineering, equipping students with essential specialist
occupational knowledge. Students will develop the knowledge and competencies
necessary to enter the land-based engineering industry or progress to higher
education.
Modules
Topics include environmental legislation, sustainable development, climate change and ethical principles as well as a broad understanding of business including customer care, project management and fincance.
Land-Based Engineering specialist modules include:Types of land-based machineryOperatibe principles of land-based machinery, their systems and componentsHealth & SafetySustaunabilityBiosecuritySupply Chain
The T Level comprises of 80% classroom and workshop-based learning, and 20% industry placement. This placement, of 315 hours over the duration of the course or approximately 45 days, provides learners with meaningful experience working within an industry relevant to their T Level programme.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by external exams, assignments, industry experience on a range of theoretical knowledge, occupational specialism, and employer set project as well as evidence of work experience.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
Being a T Level Agricultural Engineering student is a demanding and rewarding experience that combines substantial academic study with practical engineering development. A significant part of the course focuses on the core content, including health and safety, engineering principles, materials and manufacturing processes, workshop tools and equipment, electrical and electronic systems, mechanical systems, hydraulics, maintenance, diagnostics and fault-finding. Students are expected to understand how agricultural machinery operates, apply mathematical, scientific and technical knowledge, and explain their engineering decisions through written assignments, examinations and technical reports. This academic learning is then reinforced through workshop activities and industry placement, where students apply their knowledge to real machinery and develop professional skills. Overall, the course feels like preparation for a skilled technical career, with a strong emphasis on understanding the theory behind agricultural engineering as well as carrying out practical tasks safely and accurately.
Industry links
https://wearelandbased.engineering/https://iagre.org/
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
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4
Progression routes
Land-Based Engineering prepares learners for a wide range of job roles including: Engineering Technician, Diagnostic Technician, Systems Engineer, Product Specialist, Area / Regional Service Advisor, Service Desk Advisor, Electronics and Robotics Specialist, Machinery Demonstrator, Product Trainer, Land-based College Technician
Learners may also progress to Higher Education
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
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