Houghall Campus
Course overview
If you're serious about a career in agriculture, this is the course for you!
Taught at East Durham College's stunning Houghall campus on the outskirts of city centre, you'll take advantage of our state-of-the-art farming facilities, which were recently revamped as part of a multi-million pound investment.
The Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in agriculture is all about teaching you the sound practical skills and theory you'll need to succeed in agriculture, with a focus on working with animals, crops and machinery.
You'll learn a wide variety of skills from operating a range of agricultural machinery to crop production, plant and soil science and animal husbandry too.
This agricultural course programmed combines together college-based practical sessions and theory sessions with 150 hours of real industry work experience, giving you a real taste of what to expect when working in agriculture.
Our Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Agriculture course programme is taught over 1 year, with the option to then go on to the Advanced Extended Technical Diploma in your second year. The second year includes additional units to further prepare you for work in the agricultural trade, or for further progression onto higher education at university.
This course is free for adults who qualify for funding via The National Skills Fund.
This government fund aims to help adults to gain the skills that are most sought by employers. This will help them improve their job prospects, and support economic recovery.
Topics
Health and Safety, Livestock, Machinery, Arable, Grassland, Estate Maintenance and Bio-security
Job opportunities after this course
- herdsperson/stocksperson
- agricultural technician
- stock/calf rearer
- contractor/assistant machinery operator
- trainee land agent
- farm quality assurance assessor
*100% of learners who completed their Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Technical Diploma in 2018 progressed directly into industry related jobs.
Further study options after this course
Learners who successfully complete the Advanced Technical Diploma in Agriculture can progress to the second year and complete the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture.
Completion of the 2 year course allows learners to progress to a range of university level qualifications including BSc (Hons) Agriculture. Learners who successfully complete the Advanced Technical Diploma in Agriculture can progress to the second year and complete the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture.
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are reviewed annually and are subject to change as qualifications, awarding bodies and assessment criteria evolve.
In addition to the qualification requirements, you must have some practical farming experience and basic tractor driving skills. Due to the physical nature of the practical assessments, you must be able to safely achieve the practical elements of the course without assistance.
For the latest qualifications and grades required by course type/level, please follow this link to check the most up-to-date entry criteria for direct entry and internal progression at the college.
How is this course assessed?
The course is assessed by an exam in March, a practical synoptic assessment and coursework.
In addition to the above you are required to complete 150 hours of Industry Placement.
When does the course start?
September 2025
Length of course
1 Year Full Time
Fees & Funding
Please read our Course Fees & Funding page.
How to apply
To apply online for this course, please click on the 'Apply' button at the top/bottom of this page.
Alternatively, if you need assistance with your application or you would like to apply over the phone or using a paper-based application form, please call Student Services on 0191 743 0149.
If you're not quite ready to apply for this course and would like some more information or to speak to a member of staff then please click on the 'Enquire' button at the top/bottom of this page.
