Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Herd Management)
| Duration | 1 Year |
|---|---|
| Code | 6M20486 |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| Location | Ballyhaise College, Clonakilty College, Gurteen College, Kildalton College, and Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry. (These locations are subject to change) |
| Application | Apply Online |
| Maintenance Grant | Teagasc Grant Scheme (Means Tested) |
- Teagasc College Prospectus (2024) (pdf)
Entry Requirements
Students who have successfully completed the Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture, or equivalent course, are eligible to apply. Selection for places is by interview, which is held in June/July.
Course Aims
The course provides in-depth knowledge of dairying and the dairy industry. It is designed to ensure that participants acquire the high level of technical and managerial skills required:
- To run a modern commercial dairy farm enterprise.
- To gain employment in the agri-business sector.
Locations
The course is offered at the following colleges: Ballyhaise, Clonakilty, Gurteen, Kildalton, Mountbellew, and Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry.
Course Structure and Content
Students spend 20 weeks on course work in the college.
In addition students complete a 16 week practical learning period on an approved training host farm. While most complete this in Ireland, there are opportunities for completing the practical learning period in the USA, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.
On successful completion of the course students are awarded a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture. Students who successfully complete this course meet the training requirements for Stamp Duty Exemption and DAFM Schemes.
Progression
Students who achieve this award are eligible to apply for the Teagasc Learners who successfully complete the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture may apply to progress to the Teagasc Farm Manager Apprenticeship.
Progression is also available through the higher education links scheme. To get full details of the range of Higher Education institutions and programmes available under the scheme, please contact the admissions office of the individual Higher Education institution or visit www.cao.ie.
Holders of a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture can apply for advanced entry into certain degree programmes. Places are limited. Additional information can be accessed via the relevant college website.
Many graduates progress into employment in roles such as a dairy herd technician or herd managers.