Our Land-Based Studies Access to Higher Education diploma will provide you with the necessary skills and field-specific grounding to go on to succeed within your chosen pathway.

As the highest achieving land-based college in England (DfE 2018/19), we’re committed to sustainability and ensuring our students graduate with the right skills for net zero, meaning you'll be you’re ready to contribute to your chosen industry now and in the future.

You’ll benefit from access to our wide variety of student facilities, including our Home Farm estate and animal collections, as well as full access to our University Learning Centre.

Open days

Our events are design to inform and inspire, helping you to make the right decision about your future. You’ll find out about Hartpury student life and how we’ll support your to develop the skills and experience you need. You’ll meet course managers, support teams, current students and more.

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Designed to work for you

Qualifications are offered flexibly to suit your existing commitments and, depending on your situation, you could get your tuition fees paid in full. You could get your tuition fees paid if you’re aged 19-23 and haven’t already studied A-level, diploma or equivalent qualifications. If you’re a UK Students aged 24+, you may also be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your fees. These loans may not require repayment if you then continue onto, and complete, a degree.

On successful completion of your course, you should be ready to progress onto an undergraduate degree in your chosen subject area. Many of our students progress onto study degrees with us, with options to advance even further with a postgraduate qualification. 96% of Hartpury University graduates are in employment, further study or other meaningful activity within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes, 2021).

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Teaching

The course runs from September to June each year. You’ll need to commit to 15 hours a week of contact time over a full academic year and invest a similar number of hours for your personal study.

Teaching takes place three days per week (currently Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays), with the teaching day usually starting at 10.30am and finishing at 4.30pm. Some on-site study outside of these times may be required to fit in with the farm routine, e.g. milking or lambing.

Learning and assessment

Core units include science, business, research projects and higher education study skills, as well as well as two specialist units. Dependant on the pathway you choose, this could include areas of livestock and crop production, science and welfare and behaviour management.

Units may include written assessments, observed practicals, presentations, short reports and exams. You’ll gain credits on the successful completion of each unit which will count towards your diploma.

Ready to apply?

Places to study at our Ofsted Outstanding college are competitive, so we recommend submitting your application early before courses fill up.

To apply for a diploma course at Hartpury College please complete an online application. Once submitted, we’ll be in touch to progress next steps.