T Level in Livestock Production (Agriculture)

About the course

T Levels are technical qualifications - equivalent to three A Levels – that combine classroom study with industry placements. They have been designed to be of the highest standards, but also to equip you with the vital skills required in the workplace.

Myerscough College offers you the opportunity to study a T-Level in Livestock Production (Agriculture), to develop a comprehensive understanding of the technical skills and techniques for animal husbandry. You will learn about the breeding, rearing and production of livestock to high standards, and in a way that demonstrates a clear understanding of welfare and safety. It is a popular option for both school leavers and successful Level 2 Technical Certificate students.

Knowledge Qualification

Knowledge Qualification

Establish conditions for animal breeding

Rear livestock from birth to production standards

Optimise livestock production

Maintain areas surrounding the livestock production environment

Working in the Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care Sector

This module provides an overview of the diverse career opportunities within the agriculture, environmental, and animal care sectors. Students will gain insights into industry standards, job roles, and the skills necessary to succeed in these fields.

Ethics

This course examines ethical principles and dilemmas in the context of land-based industries. Students will explore topics such as professional integrity, ethical decision-making, and the impact of their work on communities and ecosystems.

Business

This comprehensive module covers the fundamentals of running a successful business within the land-based sector. Topics include business planning, marketing, management, and the strategic development of enterprises in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental management.

Finance

This course provides an introduction to financial management in the land-based sector. Students will learn about budgeting, financial planning, accounting principles, and the financial considerations specific to agricultural, horticultural, and environmental operations.

Communication

Effective communication skills are crucial in land-based sectors. This module focuses on verbal and written communication, active listening, and the use of digital tools to enhance professional interactions in agriculture, environmental management, and animal care.

Relationship Management

This module teaches students how to build and maintain positive professional relationships. Topics include customer service, conflict resolution, teamwork, and networking strategies, all essential for successful careers in land-based industries.

Equality

This theme addresses the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace. Students will learn about relevant legislation, strategies for promoting inclusivity, and the benefits of a diverse workforce within land-based industries.

Health and Safety

This module covers essential health and safety legislation, regulations, and best practices applicable to land-based industries. Students will learn to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment in agriculture, horticulture, and related fields.

Information and Data

In this module, students will explore the importance of information management and data analysis in land-based studies. Topics include data collection methods, data interpretation, and the use of information technology to support decision-making and operational efficiency across various land-based disciplines.

Environment maintenance

Biosecurity

This module focuses on biosecurity measures critical to agriculture. Students will learn about the prevention and management of pest and disease outbreaks, strategies for maintaining animal health, and the protocols necessary to protect ecosystems from invasive species and pathogens.

Supply Chain

This course examines the supply chain dynamics within the arboriculture sector. Topics include sourcing of arboricultural equipment and materials, understanding market demands, logistics, and ensuring the sustainability and ethical considerations of supply chain practices.

Machinery and equipment

Health assessment and animal handling

Anatomy and physiology

Sustainability

This course explores sustainable practices in land-based sectors. Topics include the principles of sustainability, sustainable resource management, and the importance of integrating eco-friendly practices into professional operations across agriculture, environmental management, and animal care.

Technology and equipment

Disease, disorders and health plans

Nutrition and medicine

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for all T Levels will be a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher (including Maths, English Language and Science).

T-Levels are available for 16 to 19-year-old students. They are also available to students up to the age of 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan.

Applicants are expected to show a strong commitment to the industry and ideally, have some practical work experience on a farm prior to starting the course.

Learning and assessment

This course is designed for students who wish to develop the core practical skills and knowledge to seek employment in the Agriculture industry. It will prepare you for entry into a practical employment position within the industry. Alternatively, it provides an ideal progression route to higher education.

Assessment of technical qualifications is a mixture of internal practical assessment of skills conducted by the teaching team, internal written assignments marked by the teaching team, an externally set synoptic examination that combines the knowledge and practical skills of all of the mandatory units, an external online exam that combines the knowledge of all mandatory units, an online health and safety exam and a employer set project. The assessments and exams are spread throughout the two years.

Progression

The T-Level in Livestock Production course allows progression to;

Advance to higher education with university-level agriculture or and-management courses.
Enter the workforce directly with the skills needed for a successful career.

Careers

Employment opportunities in Agriculture and its related industries are currently very good and the T Level provides the qualification and experience for entry into the industry at an operational level with future prospects for management.

Opportunities include:

Assisting in the management of a farm enterprise
Herdsperson
Farm Foreman
Shepherd
Tractor Driver
Breeding advisor
Animal nutritionist
Environmental consultant
Sales and marketing of livestock

Special requirements

Costs that are mandatory for the course:

Steel toe-capped boots or wellington boots – approx. £25

Protective overalls – approx. £25

Waterproof coat and leggings – approx. £50

Hi visibility bib – approx. £10

Costs that are optional for the course:

There may be an opportunity to travel overseas, recent examples of these trips being Canada, the USA and Ireland – up to £1500

Work experience

In order to successfully complete your T level qualification, you will need to complete a minimum of 315 hours (45 days or 9 working weeks) of Industry Placement with a maximum of two employers. We will assist you in helping to secure a suitable placement.

T level Industry Placements are expected to provide you with real work experience as part of your wider studies. It should be linked to your main course of study so you can develop up to date technical knowledge, and skills and apply your college learning to real work activities. Your placement should reflect your pathway, and be related to your occupational specialism.

Agriculture

Myerscough College is one of the leading institutions for Agriculture in the UK. Our courses will help prepare you for a career in the industry, by combining relevant background skills with the knowledge of crop and livestock technology as well as business enterprise.

There is currently a significant demand for highly trained and well educated professionals to enter the industry. This has been fuelled by the increasing awareness that food production, farming, tourism, the environment and rural affairs are all interconnected.

Endless Opportunities

Students will get the chance to undertake work experience during their studies.

In the past, students have gone to New Zealand or Australia to do sheep and dairy work, with others heading west to Canada and the United States. Such experiences not only help students develop their knowledge and skills but they also prove valuable in terms of improving future employment prospects.

Experienced Staff

The expertise of the agriculture team at Myerscough College is second to none. The team consists of agriculturalists with a range of specialisms, ecologists, conservationists and game specialists who will all offer their wealth of experience and knowledge to students studying at the College.

Our new £3m FFIT (Food and Farming Innovation Technology) Centre

£3m Food and Farming Innovation Technology Development

The new Food and Farming Innovation and Technology centre at Lodge Farm will create a centre of excellence to develop state-of-the- art precision farming techniques within the livestock and grassland sectors. The two storey building will incorporate specialist teaching, demonstration and research facilities, including a Livestock Innovation Centre and the latest grassland equipment, livestock feeding technologies, hybrid tractor power units and crop/field trials equipment.

Latest news, Agriculture

They say: Nicola Chappelhow

"Myerscough gave me a great understanding of different types of agriculture and set me up nicely for my job as a milk recorder."

Alumni – Oliver McEntyre

To anyone looking to study Agriculture or Countryside at Myerscough College, I’d say go, embrace it & leave with the knowledge that the qualification will stay with you for the rest of your career and open doors that might not have been opened without the time and experience Myerscough offers.

Meet Oliver