Agriculture NQ / Horticulture NC (SCQF5) NQ Level 5
What is special about this course?
The course is aimed at people who are moving towards a job in the land based sector for the first time; are wanting to learn about livestock and/or plants and soils, whilst having little background knowledge; want to improve their career prospects; for people with no formal qualifications or experience; are looking to try something new and get ideas for a career path leading to higher national qualifications. The course is a mixture of practical and theoretical content including a significant work placement aspect.
Entry requirements
Candidates should have at least three SCQF4 qualifications prior to entry, including numeracy.
There are 12 modules required for this NQ award, with 16 modules offered. Those following the Agriculture pathway will be awarded an NQ in Agriculture, and those following the Horticulture pathway will be awarded an NC in Horticulture.
Equipment
The student would be expected to provide a pair of waterproof boots, a pair of work boots with steel toe caps, waterproof clothing, work clothing, and gloves.
How will I study my course?
- Full Time
- Part Time
The method of teaching will be a mixture of face to face learning, and work placement experiential learning.
How long will my course last?
36 WeeksThis course has 6 shared units before following an Agriculture or Horticulture pathway at SCQF Level 5.
Where can I study my course?
- UHI Orkney, Kirkwall
Start date
11th August 2025
Fees
For finance/funding information – please refer to UHI Orkney Finance.
For course fees – please email ocrevenue@uhi.ac.uk
Funding
To discuss funding options, please e-mail ocrevenue@uhi.ac.uk or telephone Finance on 01856 569202. For information on OIC bursary, please follow this link: http://www.orkney.gov.uk/our-services/education-and-learning/grants-emas-and-bursaries/bursaries/
Additional costs
For course fees, please e-mail ocrevenue@uhi.ac.uk
What can I do on completion of my course?
This qualification is aimed at meeting the needs of two distinct potential groups of applicants. This qualification will cater for school leavers who have a strong and genuine interest in agriculture or horticulture; and it is anticipated that such candidates will have achieved formal school qualifications and consider further education as a route toward full time employment, or progression to higher level or work-based qualifications in agriculture or horticulture. The qualification will also cater for those who are in employment who wish to develop a broader range of agricultural skills for the purposes of Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at Orkney College UHI. Orkney College UHI operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.