Agriculture diplomas and apprenticeships

Driving the future of farming

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Outstanding

We're Ofsted Outstanding in all areas

Highest achieving

We're the highest achieving land-based college in England (DfE 2018-19)

97%

97% of our students rate their teaching as excellent, very good or good (Hartpury, 2019)

Why agriculture at Hartpury?

We support our diploma and apprenticeship students to develop the skills, expertise and confidence that employers and universities are looking for. You'll make the most of outstanding facilities, including a commercial farm and agricultural technology centre, helping you to gain that real-world experience.

Industry quality

Study in your own 360-hectare campus classroom. You’ll learn the theory behind the latest farming practices, and put them straight into practice on our livestock and arable farm. Gain skills across the supply chain, through our contracts with Müller, Glencore, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. You could even work with industry professionals, from businesses such as the NFU.

Smart farming opportunities

Our Agri-Tech Centre is a fantastic resource for students to experience the latest in smart farming technology. With dedicated machinery workshops, a 30:30 rapid exit dairy parlour, and a new herd of pedigree Guernsey cattle on site, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.

Real-world experience 

As part of our unique Hartpury Certificate, diploma students will undertake at least 300 hours working for an agricultural business, making the most of exciting opportunities on and off-site. Our commercial farm and network of 2,000 work placement providers enable our students to gain valuable real-world experience and connections for their future.

Our agriculture diplomas

Diplomas offer a hands-on approach to learning. You'll develop your employability and life skills alongside your studies. Explore our courses below:

Agriculture

Get career-ready as you learn in our 360-hectare classroom. Gain practical skills working with livestock and arable on our commercial farm, and put them into practice during your industry work experience. Develop an in-depth understanding in a wide range of agricultural subjects.

Farm Mechanisation

Develop expertise in agriculture and engineering, with access to the latest arable and livestock machinery. You’ll establish crops, operate top-of-the-range tractors and cultivation equipment, and carry out essential maintenance in our workshop.

Land-based Engineering

Dismantle and discover the inner workings of leading agricultural technology; including big-name brands Kubota, CLASS and New Holland. Learn through theoretical and practical sessions, and apply your skills during industry work experience.

Countryside Management

Learn to rear game birds, manage deer and develop essential game management and estate maintenance skills on our rural 360-hectare campus. Conservation is also key. Explore the ecological benefits in a woodland management project.

Agriculture apprenticeships

Our apprenticeships provide an ideal opportunity to ‘learn while you earn’. They're highly regarded by employers, and can help you to progress your career in an existing or completely new role. An apprenticeship can also be a valuable first step into an agricultural career.

We offer two different apprenticeships covering livestock and arable farming, which reflect the skills employers need. You’ll have the opportunity to develop a range of practical agricultural skills, including using technology, along with gaining important transferable skills.

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Get ready for your dream career

Discover how an agriculture diploma can prepare you for your dream job in the agricultural sector.

You'll develop hands-on experience on our campus farm working with livestock and arable, and learning how to use the latest technology.

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Young Farmer of the Year: Farmer's Weekly 2018

Jacob Anthony, Level 3 Agriculture Diploma

"Hartpury is a great place to be. It made me feel like I could better myself. It’s got everything you need – the extensive facilities, the infrastructure, and the outstanding lecturers. I love that you’re not just learning in the classroom.

I gained a lot of skills and confidence through the practical sessions and work placement. I took the opportunity to go on a placement year and work on a farm. I developed lots of different skills and new ideas that I took home to our family farm."

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Join us at an open event

Find out everything you need to know about student life at Hartpury College. Explore our courses and discover how we’ll prepare you for your dream university degree or job in agriculture. You’ll also find out about important student topics, such as finance and accommodation.

Explore our award-winning commercial farm

Benefit from a 360-hectare campus and commercial farm, supplying Müller, Glencore, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. Develop your practical expertise with access to workshops, a rural farm estate, arable and livestock enterprises – including our autumn calving herd of Holstien Friesian and spring calving Guernsey herd.

Our £2million Agri-Tech Centre is home to the latest smart farming technology, which you’ll use as part of your applied learning. Our advanced new 30:30 rapid exit dairy parlour provides opportunities to develop your skills whilst improving the health of our dairy herd.

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Agriculture diploma students on commercial farm