Certificate of Higher Education Agriculture
Course Details
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Subject Areas
-
Qualification
Level 4 -
Course Type
Full Time -
Length
1 Year -
Location(s)
York
Course at a glance
Our CertHE Agriculture programme has been designed to provide you with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of modern agriculture. You will develop the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to understand the agricultural industry and prepare for further study or a career within the sector.
UCAS Code
D4U6
Centre Code
A70
What you will learn
Throughout this programme, you will explore key areas of agriculture, including livestock management, crop production, sustainable farming practices, and agricultural technology. The course combines academic study with practical application, enabling you to gain valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary agriculture.
Learning is supported by the outstanding facilities available at University Centre Askham Bryan. Our 238-hectare Home Farm provides a unique learning environment where you can experience the day-to-day operation of a commercial agricultural enterprise. Students have access to a 200-cow dairy herd, modern beef production facilities, and a range of crop production systems, offering opportunities to develop practical skills and industry awareness.
You will also benefit from access to our £2.4 million Agri-Tech Innovation Centre, which features the DeLaval Digital Farm, robotic milking technology, and an anaerobic digester that demonstrates the role of renewable energy in modern agricultural systems. These facilities allow you to explore the latest developments in precision agriculture, livestock management, sustainable resource use, and data-driven decision-making.
Through hands-on experience and exposure to innovative technologies, you will gain an understanding of how modern farming businesses operate and adapt to an evolving industry.
By combining practical experience with academic learning, the CertHE Agriculture programme provides an excellent introduction to the agricultural sector and a pathway to further higher education study or employment within the industry.
Successful completion of the CertHE may also provide opportunities to progress onto the second year of a related FdSc programme, enabling you to build on your knowledge and work towards a full honours degree. This flexibility allows you to tailor your future study and career pathway to your individual interests and ambitions.
This course is 1-year full time (part-time study may also be available – contact he@askham-bryan.ac.uk for more information about part-time study).
This programme is validated by Askham Bryan College.
Level 4 modules
- Introduction to Agri-Business
- Land Management and Ecosystem Sustainability
- Agricultural Mechanisation and Technology
- Livestock Health
- Crop Production
Depending on the level of study students are expected to engage with a minimum of 15–20 hours per week for full-time study (including scheduled contact time and independent learning).
Minimum attendance requirement: 75% of scheduled sessions where attendance is required.
Engagement includes:
- Attending teaching sessions (face-to-face, online, or blended)
- Completing and submitting work by deadlines
- Attending tutorials, project supervision and dissertation meetings
- Participating in group work, placements, and mandatory field trips
Please see the Attendance Policy and Procedure for further details.
Key Information
64 UCAS Points (2026/27 entry)
5 GCSEs including Maths, English and Science at Grade C/4 or above. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted in lieu of GCSEs. Applicants must have successfully completed a full Level 3 study and/or have significant industry experience.
Some students may be asked to attend an interview.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) will be considered on an individual basis.
If you have any queries in relation to entry qualifications, please contact the University Centre directly.
On successful completion, students may wish to consider progressing onto the FdSc Equine Science and Management course at the college.
Students should discuss entry criteria and eligibility with their course manager.
UK, Isle of Man and Channel Isles Students on BSc Honours Degree/ BSc (Hons) Top up/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree/ Certificate of Higher Education Fees:
2027/28 = £9,525 per academic year
Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA
Non-Home (Overseas Students) on Honours Degree/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree/ Certificate of Higher Education Fees:
2027/28 = £14,500 per academic year
Fees are charged per academic year of the course. Please note that is any restudy is required there will be tuition fees associated with this. Please refer further guidance and information on tuition fees and additional costs – Student FinanceÂ
Tuition fees are subject to an annual inflationary rise as per government guidance.
Work placement hours are not required within this 1- year course, but work experience is recommended to support your studies.
If you are already working in the sector, it may be possible to APEL (accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) this element of the programme. Evidence of such employment will be needed, outlining duties etc for consideration at the APL panel, where applications will be considered on an individual basis. If you have any queries in relation to this, then please contact the University Centre team directly.
Students will engage in a range of engaging assessment methods to shape their subject expertise, in addition to transferable skills and graduate attributes.
Students will undertake traditional coursework and presentations, time-constrained assessments and practical activities to link theory with real-world applications.
These costs are in addition to tuition fees and accommodation (where applicable). Students will need to plan and budget for some extra costs as part of this course, which you need to pay for yourself.
Below is a list with approximate additional course costs to help with your planning and budgeting.