Our Land-Based Studies Access Diploma will provide you with the necessary study skills and field-specific grounding to succeed in your chosen agriculture, animal or equine degree. Benefit from practical sessions on our commercial Home Farm, getting hands-on with our animal collection and equine centre. Your modules could include Business, Science, Bioscience and Chemistry, as well as land-based skills and specialist Animal / Equine modules.

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.

Book open day

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 over 19 and you've already studied a college course you may be eligible to take out an Advanced Learner Loan. These loans may not require repayment if you then continue onto, and complete, a degree.

Contact student finance

Your progression opportunities

Our students have gone on to study degrees in animal science, behaviour and welfare, equine science, veterinary nursing and agriculture at Hartpury University and other institutions. This could lead to a career as:

• Animal / Equine Nutritionist
• Cattery / Kennel Technician
• Veterinary Nurse / Equine Veterinary Nurse
• Farm Manager
• Competition or Stud Groom
• Yard Manager
• Horse Trainer

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.