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Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture

Duration One Year
Code 5M20454
Location Ballyhaise, Clonakilty, Gurteen, Kildalton, Mountbellew, Pallaskenry, Teagasc Regional Education Centres 
Awarding Body QQI
Progression Advanced Certificate in Agriculture, Higher Education Links Scheme, Higher Certificate in Agriculture/BSc in Agriculture
Application Apply Online 
Maintenance Grant Teagasc Grant Scheme (Means Tested)

Entry Requirements

This course is offered on a full-time basis at colleges. Applicants for the full-time programme must be 17 years old or over on 1 January following entry to the course. This course will be of most benefit to anyone who has completed the senior cycle at second level (Leaving Certificate or equivalent).

The course may also be offered on a part-time basis to mature students at Agricultural Colleges and Teagasc Regional Education Centres. Applicants must be 23 years old or over on 1 January following entry to the course. 

Course Aims

This course, accredited by QQI, 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 a Level 6 Green Cert or an Advanced Certificate in Agriculture programme
  • Transfer to Year 2 of the Higher Certificate in Agriculture or a BSc in Agriculture at an Institute of Technology
  • Transfer to linked courses at Institutes of Technology through the Higher Education Links Scheme

Locations

The Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture is offered at Agricultural Colleges and Teagasc Regional Education Centres. 

Course Structure and Content

The course consists of a combination of formal course work and a period of practical learning. The formal course work is split 50:50 (approx) between practical/ skills training and classroom (theoretical) sessions. The course consists of a range of mandatory and elective modules. Students choose a cluster of elective modules in one of the following specialisms: dairy production, drystock production, machinery and crop production.

On-Farm Practical Learning Period

Students on the full-time programme spend two 4 week pratical learning periods on an approved training farm which has the enterprise of their specialism. 

On successful completion of the course students are awarded the QQI Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture. This course does not meet the training requirement for Stamp Duty Exemption. 

Progression

Students with this Level 5 award may progress to the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture. Progression is also available through the higher education links scheme. Please contact the relevant higher education institute for further information.