Advanced Certificate in Agriculture

Develop your career & business potential studying agricultural science, management and practice. A broader foundation study program to suit students less certain about the farm sector they aim to work in.

Course Code: VAG055
Fee Code: AC
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 900 hours
Qualification Advanced Certificate
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Gain a Solid Foundation in Agriculture

Our Advanced Certificate in Agriculture serves as a solid foundation course which provides students with a learning platform from which to enter into to agriculture sector.

Alternatively, with the flexibility of the electives, it can be viewed as a learning package to suit your specific goals and learning needs.

This course is also ideal for paving the way for future studies.


Learn to be an Agriculture Professional

  • Farm Management

  • Farm Contracting

  • Services to Farmers

  • Agricultural equipment and supplies

  • Education, media, research

This professional level program is designed for students who wish to extend their existing studies or knowledge of agriculture. Students are required to complete 9 units or modules of study.

The Research Projects allow students to focus their studies on a particular area of interest that is relevant to their particular situation. Projects provide an way for students to practice applied skills and showcase their knowledge through a completed presentation.

Core units concentrate on the fundamentals of soil and pasture management, water conservation and management, and OHS. 

Students can further focus their studies to suit their individual needs through the selection of elective modules.

Modules

Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture .
 Industry Project I BIP000
 Research Project I BGN102
 Soil Management (Agriculture) BAG103
 Workplace Health & Safety VBS103
 Pasture Management BAG212
 Research Project II BGN201
 Water Conservation And Management BEN302
 
Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 2 of the following 37 modules.
 Animal Anatomy And Physiology (Animal Husbandry I) BAG101
 Bookkeeping Foundations (Bookkeeping I) BBS103
 Botany I (Plant Physiology And Taxonomy) BSC104
 Carpentry BSS100
 Engineering I - Machinery and Equipment BSC105
 Farm Management BAG104
 Horse Care 1 BAG102
 Animal Behaviour BAG203
 Animal Diseases BAG219
 Animal Health (Animal Husbandry II) BAG201
 Aquaculture BAG211
 Beef Cattle BAG206
 Calf Rearing BAG207
 Conservation and Environmental Management BEN201
 Dairy Cattle BAG205
 Engineering II - Engineering Applications BSC205
 Equine Behaviour BAG216
 Goat Production BAG223
 Horse Care II BAG204
 Irrigation -- Agricultural Irrigation BAG213
 Natural Health Care for Animals BAG218
 Permaculture Systems (PDC) BHT201
 Pigs BAG209
 Poultry BAG208
 Sheep BAG210
 Sustainable Agriculture BAG215
 Weed Control BHT209
 Agricultural Marketing BAG304
 Agronomy BAG306
 Agronomy II - Grains BAG309
 Animal Breeding BAG301
 Aquaponic Production BHT319
 Breeding Horses BAG307
 Horse Care III BAG302
 Irrigation Management (Agricultural) BAG303
 Organic Farming BAG305
 Regenerative Agriculture BAG314
 

Note that each module in the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.


PRACTICAL WORK

There are practical and research tasks interwoven throughout many of the modules, but the following in particular will ensure your studies have a very practical relevance to the agriculture industry today, and in your country.

Research Projects I and II: Two projects (2 x 100 hrs). These projects are designed to help students to develop the skills and knowledge required to plan, conduct and report on research topics relevant to the study of Agriculture. Students are guided through the process of determining research needs, searching for information, learning about research methodology, using statistics, conducting statistical research, preparing research reports and presenting the project.

Industry Project: This project is based on applications in the work place. It aims to provide the student with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have developed through their studies to a workplace situation.

Learn To Apply Today's Science, Management and Economics to Agriculture

Agriculture today is more sophisticated than ever before. Farming has moved beyond what it once was; and to work in this industry successfully (as a farmer or servicing farmers); you need to understand the application of modern technology and management practices in a world that operates according to universal economic laws.

A basic understanding of economics should be applied to farm planning in order to ensure financial viability is sustained.

LAW OF DEMAND
A fall in price usually causes an increase in demand, while a rise in price usually causes a decrease in demand. If a greater quantity of a good is put on the market  then other things being equal  it will be sold at a lower price.
Example: When there are more beef cattle available, competition reduces and prices drop. When beef cattle are scarce though; competition increases, and prices increase.

LAW OF SUBSTITUTION
Expenditure on different commodities is so distributed that the utilities obtained from the last unit of money spent in each form of consumption are equal.
The demand for luxuries is elastic and the demand for necessities is inelastic.
Example: If lamb becomes a lot cheaper than beef, people start buying and eating lamb more than beef; but when beef prices drop, they return to buying beef.

LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS
As extra resources are put into production the successive extra units produced decrease.
Example: Farmers can invest more time and money and see a bigger return from their property; but only up to a certain point. Eventually the cost of extra investment begins to become greater than the potential extra return. At that point, it is unprofitable to keep improving the farm.


LAW OF DIMINISHING MARGINAL UTILITY

The more of anything you consume, the less satisfaction is obtained and in some cases  the less of it you want.

 

WHY STUDY THIS PROGRAM?

Agriculture may be an industry that has it's highs and lows, but it never disappears. So long as we need food and raw products to manufacture everything from clothing to pharmaceuticals; agriculture will remain an essential part of the global economy. This is an industry that will always offer opportunities to people who understand it.

This bundle offers you a uniquely different opportunity to other professional courses in agriculture. This is among other things, because you are able to select around 50% of the modules you study. This unique program structure enables every student to create a unique focus. You can learn a different combination of things to most others who take this program; and that means as a graduate, your knowledge mix will be unique, hence your understanding, awareness and perception of agriculture will be unique.

BEING DIFFERENT ENABLES YOU TO SEE OPPORTUNITIES OTHERS MAY MISS

  • Agriculture today is driven by knowledge, technology and being globally aware and connected

  • This bundle is longer and more involved than some study programs; but you only learn more by studying more.

  • Success in agriculture today is very much dependent upon being able to do the job. Businesses succeed because farm or other agricultural business knows what to do and does it well. 

Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.
ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.
Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason, is fellow of the CIH.
Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason, is fellow of the CIH.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS is a Silver Sponsor of the AIH; and students studying designated courses are given free student membership. ACS and it's principal have had an association with AIH since the 1980's
ACS is a Silver Sponsor of the AIH; and students studying designated courses are given free student membership. ACS and it's principal have had an association with AIH since the 1980's
ACS is an organisational member of the Future Farmers Network.
ACS is an organisational member of the Future Farmers Network.
Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason has been a member of the International Scociety of Horticultural Science since 2003
Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason has been a member of the International Scociety of Horticultural Science since 2003
UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112
UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).


What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course is aimed at providing you with a solid understanding of the subject. It has been designed to take 600 hours, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and more. When you complete the course, will have a good understanding of the area/ industry you want to work in.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exams (8-9 exams) and you will be able receive your course certificate- an Advanced Certificate. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.


What if I change my mind?

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.




Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Dr Robert Browne

Zoologist, Environmental Scientist and Sustainability, science based consultancy with biotechnology corporations. Work focused on conservation and sustainability.
Robert has published work in the fields of nutrition, pathology, larval growth and development, husbandry, thermo-biology, reproduction technologies, and facility design.Robert has B.Sc., Ph, D.

Cheryl Wilson

Cheryl has spent two decades working in agriculture, equine and education industries, across England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand. She graduated with a B.Sc.(Hons), HND Horse Mgt, C&G Teaching Cert.
For several years, Cheryl managed the distance education courses for Warwickshire College (a large UK government institution), out of their Moreton Morrell campus. In more recent years, she has co authored several books including titles on Horse Care, Dog Care and Poultry. Along with this solid background in edication, she brings a wealth of practical experience, having held positions including: Sports Horse Stud Groom, Stable Manager, Yard Manager, Equine industrial Training Manager, FE Distance Learning Manager

Dr. Gareth Pearce

Veterinary scientist and surgeon with expertise in agriculture and environmental science, with over 25 years of experience in teaching and research in agriculture, veterinary medicine, wildlife ecology and conservation in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Post-graduate qualifications in Education, Wildlife Conservation Medicine, Aquatic Veterinary Studies and Wildlife Biology & Conservation.
Gareth has a B.Sc.(Hons), B.V.Sc., M.A., M.Vet.S,. PhD, Grad. Cert. Ed.(HE), Post-Grad.Cert. Aq.Vet.Sc., Post-Grad. Cert. WLBio&Cons., Dipl. ECPHM, MRCVS.

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