Agriculture today is a highly competitive, global market. Many traditional forms of agriculture are sometimes difficult to operate competitively, particularly within developed countries, but even in the most competitive economies, some agricultural enterprises still remain not only viable, but highly profitable. Success may be gained by value adding, or perhaps by filling a market niche not able to be readily filled by international or mass market competition.
COURSE STRUCTURE
This course is comprised of 12 Modules (ie. courses). Choose six (6) from the selection below and a further six (6) from the Elective modules: All available by correspondence study.
1. Core Modules (6)
Choose six modules from the following:
Animal Husbandry I, Botany I, Organic Plant Culture, Soil Management, Irrigation, Engineering I, Farm Management, Agricultural Marketing, Biochemistry, Computer Studies, Business Studies, Instructional Skills, Workplace Health & Safety
2. Electives (6)
Choose six modules from the following:
Animal Husbandry II & III; Animal Breeding, Horse Care I, II, III, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Calf Rearing, Sheep, Pigs, Poultry, Pasture Management, Aquaculture, Permaculture Systems, Advanced Permaculture, Fruit Production, Cut Flower Production (Additional options will be offered next year).
In addition to the 12 modules, the following are also required
3. Workshops
Three 50 hour on-campus workshops may be satisfied by attending workshops with this or another school, or appropriate time spent in the workplace or a one to one situation with an appropriately qualified horticulturist. The essential requirement is that the student learns to apply theoretical knowledge in a real world situation through this experience.
Curriculum documents have been developed as a guide to 150 hours of learning through either face to face workshops or equivalent on the job learning. This documentation can be supplied to students living anywhere in the world so they may work with either a Warnborough tutor, or a similarly qualified professional in their own workplace, or locality, in order to achieve this requirement. This part of the course is often left till near the end or you may choose the Industry Conference or Seminar option described below as an alternative to the workshops.
4. Industry CONFERENCES or SEMINARS
You are required to attend conferences, seminars, etc totaling 100 hrs.
5. RESEARCH PROJECTS – 100 hours
Research Project I and Research Project II
Two projects (2 X 100 hrs), dealing with different aspects of the workplace.
STUDY SEQUENCE
The 12 modules are divided into six stages. In stage 1, you study Biochemistry, Computer Studies, Business Studies, Instructional Skills and Workplace Health and Safety. This stage is completed before workshops, research projects or other modules. Remaining core modules are then completed before commencing electives.
Note: Enrolment fee does not include examination fees (x 11) and workshop fees. Fees cover all tuition and “essential” texts. This does not include fees for any Industry conferences or seminars or workshops which are attended.
