Higher Certificate in Engineering in Agricultural Mechanisation
| Duration: | Two Years |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body: | QQI / Limerick IT |
| Course Code: | LC284 |
| Progression: | Students who achieve merit can progress into the add-on Ordinary Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Agricultural) Level 7 at the Institute of Technology Tralee |
| Location: | Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry & Limerick Institute of Technology |
| Application: | CAO |
| Maintenance Grant: | Application through SUSI (Means Tested) |
Entry Requirements and Application Procedures
Applicants must apply through the CAO. Applicants must have passes in five Leaving Certificate subjects at ordinary level (Grade D3 or better). The subjects passed must include Mathematics and either English or Irish. The standard points system is used to rank applicants. Holders of QQI awards at Level 5 and Level 6 and mature students may also apply through the CAO.
Course Aims
The course provides education and training for students to enable them to understand the core subjects of agricultural mechanisation. The focus of this course is firmly on the provision of skilled technicians for the farm machinery industry in Ireland. The course will enable graduates to function in the machinery retail, machinery operation sector and allied agricultural machinery and manufacturing industries.
Location
This two-year course is delivered in partnership by the Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, Co Limerick and Limerick Institute of Technology. Course Code: LC284.
Course Structure and Content
Year 1
During Year 1 students spend four days per week at the agricultural college and one day per week at the Institute of Technology.
Students take the following subjects: Tractor Engineering and Workshop Processes; Electrical and Electronic Technology; Machinery Operation; Agricultural Engineering Science; Computer Studies (including CAD) and project work.
Students complete a nine-month practical learning period in approved training locations – garages, contractors, fabricators etc. Students will be facilitated with foreign
practical learning periods in the US and New Zealand, if desired.
Year 2
During Year 2 students spend two days per week at the Institute of Technology and three days per week at the Agricultural College.
Students take the following subjects; Tractor Engineering and Workshop Processes, Electrical and Electronic Technology, Business Management, Workshop Administration, Agricultural Engineering Science, Computer Applications. Included in these subjects are the following topics: soil fertility, soil testing, grass measurement, grass utilization, animal nutrition, ICBF.
On satisfactory completion of the course students are awarded a QQI Level 6 Higher Certificate in Engineering in Agricultural Mechanisation. This award meets the training requirements for Stamp Duty exemption and DAFM Schemes.
Progression
Students who achieve merit can progress to the add-on Ordinary Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Agriculture) Level 7 at the Institute of Technology, Tralee. Further information is available from IT Tralee.