Leaving school this summer? Interested in pursuing a career in livestock production? A T Level at Hartpury College might be for you.
Our T Level in Livestock Production has been developed with employers and educational providers to give students the applied skills that industries need. It offers a blend of classroom-based learning, practical training, and industry placement opportunities. Develop the knowledge, skills and experience required for a career in agriculture. T Level qualifications are equivalent to three A-levels upon successful completion.
Livestock production is a vital sector of the agricultural economy and industry, encompassing all aspects of the breeding, raising and management of animals including cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry for the production of meat, milk and other animal products.
Discover more about studying T Levels in Agriculture at Hartpury College.
- We’re home to a diverse range of livestock
Our diverse range of livestock on campus will help you learn first-hand about different management techniques for different species. Our dairy herd comprises 228 Holstein Friesians and Guernseys, while our beef herd consists of Aberdeen Angus and British Blues, crossed from our dairy herd. Our sheep flock is made up of 450 mainly North Country Mule ewes, bred predominantly with Innovis and Texel rams.
As a T Level student at Hartpury College, you’ll have opportunities to work with our livestock and learn more about their characteristics and behaviours, as well as management strategies.
- Our state-of-the-art facilities bring learning to life
During your time at Hartpury, you’ll have access to a 380-hectare award-winning farming business across five rural sites. Through engaging practical sessions and classroom learning, you’ll discover how these facilities aid in the production and management of livestock.
Our livestock facilities include:
- Dairy bull beef rearing unit
- 296-cubicle dairy unit
- 30/30 GEA rapid exit dairy parlour
- Shearwell Te Pari Racewell HD3 Sheep Handler (part of our Livestock Handling Project)
We’re leading the way in agri-technology and innovation too, at our Digital Innovation Farm. Our Agri-Tech Centre connects the latest technology and innovative practice with producers and farmers who are rising to the challenge of feeding the planet. Our Tech Box Park is a hub for innovators and start-up businesses bringing solutions to all areas of the industry and fostering powerful collaboration and networking.
- You’ll learn the highest standards of welfare, sustainability and performance
Animal welfare is a key area of focus at Hartpury. You’ll learn the latest best practices to ensure animal wellbeing remains central to everything you do now and in the future.
Our commitment to sustainability is evident across the farm, wider campus and throughout our curriculum. Recent research projects have resulted in the production of a sustainable herd breeding index. Our current students are also engaged in a project that will see more than 5,000 hedge plants and trees planted across the campus, bordering livestock pastures to provide shelter and benefiting our wildlife at the same time.
We work to strict Farm Assurance regulations, which means you’ll develop expertise that’s in demand by employers, and we’re leading the way when it comes to dairy herd performance, holding the prestigious Southwest Promar International Milkminder award.
- The curriculum is comprehensive, diverse and practical skills-led
Our teaching staff are industry experts with many years of experience in agriculture. The great thing about a T Level is the practical training involved, both through teaching sessions on campus as well as via work placements (see the next point). Classroom learning provides the theoretical foundation that will be implemented during your practical teaching sessions.
In your first year, you’ll gain an understanding of:
- Health and safety principles
- Sustainability
- Biosecurity
- Supply chain
- Anatomy and physiology
- Diseases
- Disorders and health plans
- Nutrition
- Medicine
- Technology and equipment
- Data
In your second year, you’ll develop your knowledge in the above topics and explore:
- Methods for optimal animal breeding and production
- Tools, equipment and materials used to manage livestock and the surrounding areas.
- T Levels comprise practical and work-placed learning
20% of your time - that’s 315 hours or 45 days - will be spent completing an industry placement. This provides you with the chance to apply your learning in a real work environment, enhancing your practical skills, building industry contacts, and gaining invaluable experience.
Our T Level pathway will prepare you for a future career in the industry, and our record speaks for itself. We have a 97% progression rate into employment, university or further study across all course areas (Hartpury College 2023).
NEED TO KNOW
What are the entry requirements for a T Level in Livestock Production?
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, to include English Language and Maths. Other occupation-specific requirements may apply.
Once we receive your application, we will write and invite you to attend an interview and written assessment with a member of staff on your chosen course. The interview is an opportunity to discuss the course content, ask any questions you may have and go on a tour of the campus.
How to apply for the T Level in Livestock Production
Click here to learn more about making an application to study a T Level in Livestock Production at Hartpury College.
If you’re still unsure, register for our open days, where you’ll be able to tour campus, meet our students and staff, the team and find out why Hartpury could be a great choice for you.
