Course Overview
Gain an understanding of how to optimise and maintain livestock production at all stages, whilst developing applied skills as you undertake duties on 380 hectares of commercial farmland with our industry specialists.
In your first year, you’ll gain a core understanding of health and safety principles, sustainability, biosecurity, supply chain, anatomy and physiology, diseases, disorders and health plans, nutrition, medicine, technology, and equipment, and data.
Your middle year with an employer will provide a unique opportunity to gain a wealth of additional industry experience and will allow them to apply their knowledge and skills to a workplace environment, ensuring that they leave Hartpury industry-ready at the end of the course. Students will engage in regular ‘touch point’ activities with tutors and our placement co-ordinators throughout the second year to ensure that they are gaining as much as possible from the industry placement.
You’ll develop your knowledge during year three, exploring methods for optimal animal breeding and production, as well as the tools, equipment, and materials used to manage livestock and the surrounding areas.
You will spend 30% of you time studying the core curriculum and 70% your chosen specialism in Livestock Production which includes a 10-month sandwich year placement.
In your first year you will gain a core understanding of health and safety principles, sustainability, working in the sector, ethics, business, equality, communication, relationships, finance and information and data. This is alongside the specialism core subjects which are biosecurity, supply chains, anatomy and physiology, diseases, disorders and health plans, nutrition, medicine, technology and data. All these topics are assessed by two exams and a research-based project. There will be homework tasks and mock exams to assess your progress throughout the academic year.
Your placement year with an employer will provide a unique opportunity to gain a wealth of industrial experience and will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills to a workplace environment ensuring that you leave Hartpury industry- ready at the end of the course. You will engage in regular ‘touch point’ activities with tutors and our placement co-ordinators throughout the second year, to ensure that you gain as much as possible from the industry placement.
In the final year you will focus on the specialism part of the qualification by undertaking practical and written tasks which is assessed by a synoptic assignment. You will study animal health and welfare, breeding and optimising livestock production through all life stages.
You’ll learn through a blend of theory sessions in the classroom and practical training on our 380 hectares of commercial farmland, applying your knowledge to both agriculture livestock production systems and the related environmental management and machinery operations, your learning will be enriched through group work, independent research projects, and guest lectures from agricultural professionals.
You’ll also complete a minimum 45-day industry placement, where you’ll gain first-hand experience of livestock production in practice. This will allow you to work alongside experienced professionals and develop the technical skills needed to thrive in the industry.
T Level Livestock Production assessments are structured into two components: a core component assessed through two external exams and an employer-set project, and an occupational specialism component assessed through a synoptic assignment. The first year involves learning core topics like health and safety, business, and animal welfare, which are assessed via exams and a project. The second year focuses on the practical and written elements of the specialism through a synoptic assignment that evaluates a student's ability to apply their knowledge across the full production cycle.
Career opportunities include:
- Livestock Production Technician
- General Farm Worker (Beef, Dairy, Sheep or Poultry)
- Assistant Herdsperson or Stockperson (progression with experience)
- Livestock Research or Breeding Technician
- Animal Nutrition or Health Support Assistant
- Livestock Supply Chain or Procurement Technician
Course Overview
Course information
Gain an understanding of how to optimise and maintain livestock production at all stages, whilst developing applied skills as you undertake duties on 380 hectares of commercial farmland with our industry specialists.
In your first year, you’ll gain a core understanding of health and safety principles, sustainability, biosecurity, supply chain, anatomy and physiology, diseases, disorders and health plans, nutrition, medicine, technology, and equipment, and data.
Your middle year with an employer will provide a unique opportunity to gain a wealth of additional industry experience and will allow them to apply their knowledge and skills to a workplace environment, ensuring that they leave Hartpury industry-ready at the end of the course. Students will engage in regular ‘touch point’ activities with tutors and our placement co-ordinators throughout the second year to ensure that they are gaining as much as possible from the industry placement.
You’ll develop your knowledge during year three, exploring methods for optimal animal breeding and production, as well as the tools, equipment, and materials used to manage livestock and the surrounding areas.
You will spend 30% of you time studying the core curriculum and 70% your chosen specialism in Livestock Production which includes a 10-month sandwich year placement.
What you’ll learn
In your first year you will gain a core understanding of health and safety principles, sustainability, working in the sector, ethics, business, equality, communication, relationships, finance and information and data. This is alongside the specialism core subjects which are biosecurity, supply chains, anatomy and physiology, diseases, disorders and health plans, nutrition, medicine, technology and data. All these topics are assessed by two exams and a research-based project. There will be homework tasks and mock exams to assess your progress throughout the academic year.
Your placement year with an employer will provide a unique opportunity to gain a wealth of industrial experience and will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills to a workplace environment ensuring that you leave Hartpury industry- ready at the end of the course. You will engage in regular ‘touch point’ activities with tutors and our placement co-ordinators throughout the second year, to ensure that you gain as much as possible from the industry placement.
In the final year you will focus on the specialism part of the qualification by undertaking practical and written tasks which is assessed by a synoptic assignment. You will study animal health and welfare, breeding and optimising livestock production through all life stages.
How you’ll learn
You’ll learn through a blend of theory sessions in the classroom and practical training on our 380 hectares of commercial farmland, applying your knowledge to both agriculture livestock production systems and the related environmental management and machinery operations, your learning will be enriched through group work, independent research projects, and guest lectures from agricultural professionals.
You’ll also complete a minimum 45-day industry placement, where you’ll gain first-hand experience of livestock production in practice. This will allow you to work alongside experienced professionals and develop the technical skills needed to thrive in the industry.
How you’ll be assessed
T Level Livestock Production assessments are structured into two components: a core component assessed through two external exams and an employer-set project, and an occupational specialism component assessed through a synoptic assignment. The first year involves learning core topics like health and safety, business, and animal welfare, which are assessed via exams and a project. The second year focuses on the practical and written elements of the specialism through a synoptic assignment that evaluates a student's ability to apply their knowledge across the full production cycle.
What can you do after this course?
Career opportunities include:
- Livestock Production Technician
- General Farm Worker (Beef, Dairy, Sheep or Poultry)
- Assistant Herdsperson or Stockperson (progression with experience)
- Livestock Research or Breeding Technician
- Animal Nutrition or Health Support Assistant
- Livestock Supply Chain or Procurement Technician
To study this course, you’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, this must include English Language and Mathematics. Other occupation-specific requirements may apply.
As part of your application, you’ll need to include a short personal statement. We recommend reading our Personal Statement Guidance to help you include all the right information. You can add your statement when you apply via our Online Application Form.
If we need any additional details to support your application, you may be invited to take part in a short telephone interview with a member of the relevant course team.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
What are T Levels?
T Levels are two-year, technical qualifications designed in collaboration with employers. They combine classroom learning with substantial industry experience, preparing you for skilled employment, higher study, or apprenticeships.
How are T Levels assessed?
Assessment is through a mix of written exams, a research project, and a final synoptic assignment. You’ll also complete an industry placement to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
How long is the industry placement?
All T Levels include a significant industry placement, lasting at least 45 days. This gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills employers are looking for.
What can I do after a T Level?
A T Level is equivalent to three A levels. After completing your course, you can progress into skilled employment, higher apprenticeships, or university-level study.
Why choose a T Level?
T Levels give you the best of both worlds: classroom study with specialist teaching, and real experience in the workplace. They’re designed to make you industry-ready from day one.
Why study T Levels at Hartpury College?
The key benefit of completing a T Level is the sheer amount of on-the-job experience it includes. You’ll spend 315 hours – that’s 45 days or nine weeks – gaining first-hand experience of your chosen career whilst developing the practical skills that employers are looking for.
That’s in addition to the outstanding education you’ll gain in the classroom. When you finish your T Level, you’ll be well-prepared to launch a successful career and help to create a stronger economy for our future.
Why study T Levels at Hartpury College?
The key benefit of completing a T Level is the sheer amount of on-the-job experience it includes. You’ll spend 315 hours – that’s 45 days or nine weeks – gaining first-hand experience of your chosen career whilst developing the practical skills that employers are looking for.
That’s in addition to the outstanding education you’ll gain in the classroom. When you finish your T Level, you’ll be well-prepared to launch a successful career and help to create a stronger economy for our future.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
Similar courses
T Level in Crop Production
Cultivate your career in agriculture and crop production with this two-year T Level. Learn how to optimise crop production systems and manage surrounding areas, whilst developing your practical skills across a range of field and container-based crop production systems, plant biology, environmental management, and machinery operations.
T Level in Land-Based Engineering
As technology plays an ever-increasing role in the agricultural sector, there’s a range of career opportunities for a skilled and versatile engineer. This T Level will give you core knowledge and practical skills across engineering systems, machinery operation and repair, as well as workshop skills, which you’ll apply in our on-site workshops and through an industry placement
T Level in Animal Science and Management
Prepare for a fulfilling career working with and caring for animals in a range of roles. Our course in Animal Science and Management will give you the theoretical and hands-on experience to make a difference to the lives of animals.
Find a course
Our partners & accreditations
