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CERTIFICATE IN AGRICULTURE VAG001

Duration (approx) 600 hours
Qualification Certificate
Are you running a farm or do you want to run a farm? Do you want to learn to do this well?

Suitable for people wanting to work in the field of agriculture or those who simply want to improve their general knowledge of agriculture. Study in your own time at your own pace. Learn from our highly qualified and experienced tutors. This course develops your capacity to work confidently on a specialized or mixed farm.

Core units equip you with all the basics needed for understanding:

  • general animal health management 
  • farm management
  • marketing skills

Choose three elective units from a list that includes: soil and pasture management, calf rearing, poultry, beef or dairy cattle etc. An excellent starting point for learning the basics of farming.

Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

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Learn the Fundamentals of Farming

This course provides students with the broad knowledge they require to work in middle management of farms and in other parts of the agricultural industry.

Study farming by distance learning and study to fit in around your work schedule. The qualification offers you a choice of modules to fit in with you and your interests in agriculture.



COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Course Duration: 600 hours.

Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full support from our friendly tutors for the duration of your studies.

Content: Study three Core Modules and then choose three Elective Modules.

The Core Modules cover Farm Management, Agricultural Marketing, Animal Health Care.

Then choose three Elective Modules from – Soil Management, Animal Behaviour, Animal Feed And Nutrition, Beef Cattle Management, Calf Rearing, Commercial Vegetable Production, Dairy Cattle Management, Diagnosing Animal Disease, Equine Behaviour, Fish Farming And Aquaculture, Irrigation, Nut Production, Pasture Management, Pig Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Sustainable Agriculture, Mushroom Production, Organic Agriculture And Farming, Organic Plant Culture.

The Core Modules for the Certificate In Agriculture are summarised below, followed by a listing of the Elective Modules.  Follow the title link for further information on each.

THE CORE MODULES

Farm Management BAG104
Improve your capacity to more effectively manage a farm or agricultural enterprise which services farms.  Learn about effectively using resources through planning and assessment with this 8 lesson module.

Agricultural Marketing BAG304
The manager of a rural business faces continually changing conditions rarely experienced in other industries.  They have to continually consider, evaluate, assess the numerous changes and types of information that may affect the success of the business. Although crucial to the success of the business, the manager also needs to understand the unique markets within which they operate, and how to capitalise on market forces to maximise their profit.  This 8 lesson module looks at establishing marketing objectives and strategies for a farming business, whilst showing students how to identify markets and understand the components of the marketing mix.  The module includes lessons on customer care, market research, promotions, and managing marketing.

Animal Health Care VAG100
Learn to identify and describe common signs of ill health and diseases in animals, and the appropriate types of treatment for these.  This 12 lesson module looks at the broader aspects of animal welfare and control as well as codes of practices and the services provided by veterinarians.  The module includes preventative health care, as well as considering routine health treatments (such as de-sexing and castration).  It is concluded with a lesson on animal rehabilitation and recovery.


THE ELECTIVE MODULES
Students are to choose three modules from the following:

Soil Management (Agriculture) BAG103

Animal Behaviour BAG203

Animal Feed and Nutrition (Animal Husbandry III) BAG202

Beef Cattle Management BAG206

Calf Rearing BAG207

Commercial Vegetable Production BHT222

Dairy Cattle Management BAG205

Diagnosing Animal Diseases BAG219

Equine Behaviour BAG216

Fish Farming and Aquaculture BAG211

Irrigation (Agricultural) BAG303

Nut Production BHT219

Pasture Management BAG212

Pig Husbandry BAG209

Sheep Husbandry BAG210

Sustainable Agriculture BAG215

Mushroom Production BHT310

Refrigerating Farm Produce BAG225

Organic Agriculture and Farming BAG205

Organic Plant Culture BHT302

 

HOW THE COURSE WORKS
You can start the course at any time.

It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies.  Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way.  If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.

Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor.  The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.


HOW THE CERTIFICATE IS ASSESSED
The Certificate requires around 600 hours of study. This is made up of six 100 hour modules.

To pass the course –

1.    Pass all assignments on the six 100 hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
2.    Pass six examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.



WHAT DO ACS OFFER?

  • Quality - Our courses are written and taught by experienced professionals, so you know you can expect a high quality of teaching and support.
  • No time limit - You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace.
  • Flexibility - Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle; study where you want to - online studies offer the flexibility for you to determine where and when you study.



WHY ENROL ON THIS COURSE?

  • Become more involved in a successful business - with you as an important contributor to that success!

 

QUESTIONS?
We understand the importance of choosing the right course to study.  If you have any questions or need help and guidance in choosing the right course for you, please use our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE to get in touch with one of our Agriculture specialists.  They are always more than happy to help.

 

 

 

 

Meet some of our academics

Alison Pearce (animal)B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Masters Degree in Ecotourism. P.G.Cert. Ed. (Science). Alison's first job was in 1982 as a stockwoman, working with pigs in Yorkshire. Within a few years she of that she was working for the University of Western Australia as a Research Technician and instructor with their school of Agricultural Science.In 1989 she moved to Melbourne University as Unit Manager and Instructor in Animal Husbandry. By the mid 1990's she moved back to England to work in Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing at Cambridgeshire College of Agriculture. Throughout her career, Alison has developed and delivered courses in veterinary nursing and animal sciences for vocational colleges and universities in Australia, New Zealand and Australia. She has built a high level of expertise and an outstanding international reputation as an expert in animal sciences.
Dr. Gareth PearceGraduated from the University of Nottingham in 1982 with a B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Between 82 and 85 worked as Research Assistant and Demonstator in Animal Science at the University of Leeds. Over more than 30 years he has furthered his studies, obtaining eight significant university qualifications including degrees in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Conservation and Animal Behaviour. Gareth has significant teaching experience around the world as a faculty member at eight different universities including Associate Professor at Murdoch University and Director of Studies in Veterinary Science at Cambridge University. He has over 100 prestigious research papers published, and enjoys an outstanding international reputation in the fields of animal and veterinary science.
Cheryl McLardyA scientist, teacher, writer and animal scientist, with more than 20 years experience including: Sports Horse Stud Groom, Stable Manager, Yard Manager, Equine industrial Training Manager, FE Distance Learning Manager. Cheryl has travelled widely, working in England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand; and is now based in Scotland. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons), Higher National Diploma in Horse Management, and a City and Guilds Teaching Certificate.
Peter Douglas Over 50 years experience in Agriculture and wildlife management. Former university lecturer, Wildlife park manager, Animal breeder, Equestrian. Peter has both wide ranging experience in animal science, farming and tourism management, and continues to apply that knowledge both through his work with ACS, and beyond.


Check out our eBooks

Animal HealthUnderstand animal health issues, diseases and how identify and manage illnesses and injuries. Animals can become sick for many different reasons -diseases caused by infections, injuries, poisoning, genetic disorders, poor nutrition and other things.
Farm ManagementThe Farm Management ebook is a valuable piece of equipment for any farming student or current farmer. Improve your farm management skills or learn new skills and techniques. The topics covered within this Farm Management ebook include 1/ Scope and nature of the farm industry, 2/ The farm site, 3/ Production systems, 4/ Managing livestock, 5/ Managing pasture, 6/ Managing crops, 7/ Managing equipment and materials, 8/ Computer applications, 9/ Farm structures and buildings, 10/ Financial management, 11/ Marketing, 12/ Farm planning, 13/ Staff management, 14/ Water management and 15/ Diversification.
Caring for DogsA book for both students and dog owners. This book has been designed to complement our dog care and pet care courses; but also to provide a sound foundation for choosing the right breed, and caring for a dog whether as a pet, or a working animal. Contents cover Breeds, Creating a healthy home for dogs, legal issues, dog biology, recognising poor health, parasites, illnesses, nutrition, reproduction, dog psychology, behavioural development, training tips, behaviour problems, grooming, working in the dog industry, and more.
Profitable FarmingDiscover new ways to make money from your farm and broaden your perspective on the farming industry. A few things in life are certain; change is inevitable and people need to eat. Learn to embrace change as an opportunity and improve your ability to forge a sustainable career in farming.