New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems)

at Universal College of Learning

This programme comprises 85 credits.

• Pastoral farming, agricultural systems and technology
• Sustainable practices
• Animal anatomy and physiology
• Land and water quality and use 
• Fertiliser use and implications
• Soil properties
• Farm practices and farm animal behaviour
• Assist with livestock grazing management and sale
• Assist with handling cattle in yards
• Assist with the preparation and handling of lambs for docking
• Handling livestock, recognise and assist health problems
• Farm dogs
• Calf rearing from birth to weaning
• Health and safety

Domestic Entry Requirements

NCEA Level 1 (including Literacy 10 credits and Numeracy 10 Credits at Level 1) or equivalent.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.0 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

International Entry Requirements

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency

International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.0 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age

In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Domestic Fees: *
$4159.28 (2022)

International Fees:*
$14,520

Graduates of this qualification will be able to work under limited supervision in the pastoral farming sector in a range of roles including milk harvester, shepherd, dairy farm assistant or general farm hand. You'll be able to:

• Apply theoretical knowledge of key farming inputs to pastoral farming systems
• Assist with key livestock production tasks in a pastoral farming context
• Utilise technology within pastoral farming systems
• Assess and minimise risk to self, others and equipment
• Apply theoretical knowledge of sustainable practices to pastoral farming systems.