Unlock your future in agriculture with Mountbellew Agricultural College’s Distance Education Green Certificate
Are you ready to take the next step in your agricultural career? Mountbellew Agricultural College (MAC), established in 1904, is the oldest agricultural college in Ireland and the only one remaining west of the Shannon, writes Christopher Scally, Distance Education Course Co-Ordinator.
With a reputation for excellence in farming education, MAC offers a Distance Education Green Certificate that allows you to gain formal qualifications while balancing your life and work both on and off the farm. This innovative course equips learners with practical skills and valuable knowledge, helping them thrive in the agricultural industry.
A flexible and practical approach to learning
The Distance Education Green Certificate at MAC is designed to dovetail seamlessly into the lives of busy individuals who are already involved in farming or wish to gain knowledge of the industry. The programme is delivered over 18 months and combines in-person learning with flexible online lectures. Participants attend one contact day per month at the college, held on Saturdays, which offers valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to interact with other learners.
Along with these monthly in-person days, learners participate in weekly online lectures for approximately one hour per session. These lectures offer learners the opportunity to stay abreast of the theory and are encouraged to participate in healthy debate.
The course covers both Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications, allowing learners to progress from a basic understanding of agricultural principles to more advanced skills in areas such as farm management, livestock breeding, and sustainable farming practices. The programme’s blended learning approach ensures that you not only gain academic knowledge but also acquire practical, hands-on skills that can be directly applied to your farm.
Entry requirements
The Distance Education Green Certificate is open to anyone with a FETAC Major Level 6 qualification or higher in a non-agricultural area. This allows individuals from various backgrounds to enter the agricultural sector and develop essential skills for modern farming. For those without a FETAC Level 6 qualification, MAC offers full-time or part-time Green Certificate programmes in agriculture, where you can earn the qualification and then progress onto the Level 7 or Level 8 programmes, respectively.
The course has an intake of approximately 120 learners; these learners are diluted down into small learning groups for effective discussions and sharing of experiences. This ensures that learners receive individual attention and can benefit from the insights of their peers.
5 Reasons to study at Mountbellew Agricultural College
1). Financial benefits
One of the key advantages of completing the Green Certificate is the potential for financial benefits. Graduates of the programme can avail of significant benefits such as reduced Stamp Duty when inheriting or purchasing land, as well as access to National Reserve Entitlements, Young Farmer Top-Ups, and grant supports like TAMS 3 (Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme). The course helps you navigate the complex world of agricultural grants and entitlements, which can be a game-changer for those looking to expand their farm or improve its sustainability.
2). Comprehensive, practical training
MAC’s Distance Education Green Certificate provides a well-rounded education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical training. You’ll gain valuable skills in areas such as beef husbandry, grassland management, soil testing, and farm business management. The course focuses on equipping learners with transferable skills that can be used immediately on the farm and throughout their future agricultural careers.
3). Flexible learning format
The flexible format of the Distance Education programme is perfect for busy individuals who want to advance their careers without compromising their responsibilities. The combination of monthly in-person Contact Days and weekly online lectures means that you can continue to work and manage your farm while studying.
4). Supportive learning environment
At MAC, the focus is on student success. The dedicated team of lecturers and staff, many of whom are actively involved in farming, understand the unique challenges learners face. The open-door policy means that you can receive help whenever needed, whether it’s for academic support, farm-related questions, or personal guidance. There is also student learning support available, including readers and scribes for exams, ensuring that every learner has the resources they need to succeed.
5). Access to cutting-edge technology and facilities
MAC continually invests in modern technology and infrastructure along with grant aided items to enhance the learning experience.
The calving simulator at Mountbellew Agricultural College
The college is equipped with driving simulators, bovine simulators, and 3D farm technology, allowing students to build confidence in a safe environment before heading out into the field.
A student using the driving simulator at Mountbellew Agricultural College
Ready to take the next step?
The Distance Education Green Certificate is an investment in your future. With a blend of academic and practical learning, flexible study options, and the support of a dedicated team, Mountbellew Agricultural College provides an ideal environment for individuals looking to enhance their agricultural knowledge and skills.
The next course starts on Saturday, 12th April 2025, and enrolment is now open. The programme costs €3,250, with ongoing expressions of interest being accepted. For more details or to register, contact MAC at (090) 967 9205 or distance@mountbellewac.ie. You can also visit the college’s website at mountbellewagri.ie or follow them on social media for updates and further information.