Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture
| Duration: | One year in Agricultural Colleges |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body: | FETAC |
| Course Code: | CAGXX |
| Progression: | Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (or Advanced
Certificate Specialisms), Higher Education Links Scheme, Higher Certificate in Agriculture |
| Location: | Agricultural Colleges |
| Method of Application: | Direct to College |
| Maintenance Grant: | Teagasc Means Tested Grant Scheme |
Course Aim
This course, accredited by FETAC, is the introductory course for young people who wish to make their career as farmers. The course is suitable for people seeking employment on farms. Graduates of the course are eligible to:
- Progress to an Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (or Advanced Certificate Specialisms)
- Transfer to year two of the Higher Certificate in Agriculture at an Institute of Technology
- Transfer to linked courses at Institutes of Technology through the Higher Education Links Scheme
Location
The Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture is offered at six Agricultural Colleges - Ballyhaise, Clonakilty, Gurteen, Kildalton, Mountbellew and Pallaskenry
Entry Requirements and Application Procedures
There is no minimum educational entry requirement but those who have completed the Leaving Certificate are likely to benefit most from the course. Applicants must be 17 years on 1 January following entry to the course.
Applications should be made by 1 June directly to the college of the applicant’s choice.
Course Structure and Content
The course consists of 25 weeks course work at a college and 12 weeks on an approved training farm.
Students acquire skills and knowledge relating to soils, plants, animal and crop production, machinery, the environment, farm buildings, personal development and health and safety. About half the course consists of practical/skills training. Typically, students spend half of each day on practical instruction on college farm units and workshops and half at classroom work.
Students choose a cluster of elective modules in one of the specialisms: dairy production, drystock production, machinery and crop production or pig production (Ballyhaise College only).
On-Farm Practical Training Period
Students spend a 12-week practical training period on an approved training farm which has the enterprise of their specialism.
On successful completion of the course students are awarded the FETAC Level 5 Certifi cate in Agriculture. This does not meet the training requirement for Stamp Duty Exemption.
Progression
Students with this Level 5 award may opt for an Advanced Certificate in Agriculture or an Advanced Certificate in Dairying, Drystock, Mechanisation, Machinery and Crops.
Students with this Level 5 award may apply, via the Higher Education Links Scheme, for the Higher Certificate in Agriculture. Students with the Level 5 award at merit or distinction may apply directly to Waterford, Cork and Dundalk ITs for direct entry to year two of the Higher Certificate in Agriculture.
