Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Agriculture

Course overview

This one-year Level 3 qualification is a progression option for students who are still working towards their GCSEs in Maths or English. It provides a wide range of specialist technical and practical skills, alongside detailed knowledge and understanding, to support progression into employment or further learning and training within the agricultural industry.

Learners develop core agricultural skills including safe working practices, livestock husbandry, crop production, estate skills, and agricultural machinery operation. Employment prospects for qualified young people with the right attitude are strong, with many learners securing employment through, or following, their work experience placements.

This programme may be studied over one or two years and is suitable for learners who may still need to complete or improve their English and/or maths qualifications.

Assessment is mainly assignment based, with one externally assessed exam. Learners demonstrate their knowledge and skills through practical activities and written coursework linked to real world agricultural practice.

Entry Requirements

• 4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, which may/may not include both English and Maths

• We consider progression from the successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit level with a good behaviour/attitude report OR an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Agriculture with good levels of English and Maths.

Mature students without formal qualifications will also be considered. Some farming experience before starting the course is essential, along with the ability to manage written coursework. A work placement of up to 227 hours must be completed as part of the qualification.