Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Adapted for Part-Time Farmers)
| Duration: | Two or Three Years for part-time farmers |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body: | FETAC |
| Course Code: | CAGRI |
| Progression: | Higher Education Links Scheme to Third Level Courses |
| Location: | Teagasc Regional Educational Centres and Agricultural Colleges |
| Application: | Direct to Regional Educational Centre/College |
Course Aim
This two or three year part-time course, accredited by FETAC, is aimed at people who have an off-farm job and are involved in part-time farming. The course provides students with knowledge, skills and competence for the day-to-day running, and long term management, of the home farm. In addition, students develop personal transferable skills and competencies. The course prepares students for:
- Taking over the home farm
- Seeking employment on farms as assistant managers
- Seeking further training in farm management
- Seeking employment in the agri-business sector
- Transferring to year two of the Higher Certificate in Agriculture at Institutes of Technology.
Location
The course is offered at Teagasc local training centres and at agricultural colleges where there are adequate numbers available to form a viable course.
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 23 years on 1 January following entry to the course and must be involved in farming. Applications should be made directly to the local Teagasc training centre/college offering the course.
Course Structure and Content
The course is delivered by a combination of day and night course work over a two or three year period. During the course students acquire skills and knowledge relating to soils, plants, animal and crop production, machinery, the environment, farm buildings and health and safety. About half the course consists of practical/skills training.
Students have the opportunity to specialise in: dairy production, drystock production or crop production. They must also carry out projects on their home farm.
During the course students operate their home farm to a farm development plan in conjunction with the Teagasc tutors.
On successful completion students are awarded the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture. This meets the training requirement for Stamp Duty Exemption.
