Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Horse Care) 2024-25

You will cover a mixture of theory and practical activities and will work to collect evidence throughout the year of the skills that you are gaining. This work will then be used to build a portfolio of evidence for the course. The Houghall equine unit and surrounding estate provides the ideal environment for you to gain practical skills and knowledge and also gives you the opportunity to develop essential employability skills.

Topics covered in the course: Maths & English, Health and safety and safe working practices, Work experience, Assisting with the following: feeding and watering, maintaining health, preparing accommodation, preparing fro exercise, and exercising horses under supervision.

Following completion of this course you may gain employment in the land-based sector, e.g. assistant equine groom or progress to the level 2 diploma in horse care or study and work by completing an equine apprenticeship.

Level 2 Technical Diploma in Equine/Animal Care/Land & Wildlife/Agriculture

You must achieve a minimum grade of Merit in this qualification and a GCSE in Maths OR English at grade 4 to progress to a Level 2 Technical qualification. Learners who do not meet the maths & English may be offered an alternative qualification.

3 or more GCSEs. The course is a mixture of written work and practical assessments. Due to the practical nature of the compulsory course assessments, you must be physically able to carry out practical tasks by yourself after proper training.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

East Durham College's Houghall Campus is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for all our students. The campus, some of which is over 80 years old, has seen over £40m invested in new facilities over recent years. However, there are still some aspects of the site which are not fully accessible and would cause an issue for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users and due to the nature of the site, adjustments may not always be reasonable at this stage. The College is committed to further investment and improvements of the site, as we work towards ensuring the campus is as accessible as possible. If you have limited mobility or are a wheelchair user and wish to undertake a course at the Houghall Campus, please contact Student Services on 0191 375 4710 in the first instance to discuss your needs and options.

You will be assessed throughout the course through written tasks and practical activities. There is also a multiple choice test on safe working and health and safety.

September 2024

1 Year programme - Full time.