Qualification - Foundation Diploma in Urban Farming

Become an Urban Farmer

Learn about which animals and plants need less space than others (e.g. poultry, pigs, fish, cut flower orchids, tomatoes).
Understand the growing methods which can produce more in a smaller space.
Learn about ways of farming unused spaces in urban areas (e.g. vertical and roof gardening; indoor production).
Study Urban Farming with ACS, add value to what you grow - greatly increase your profits, without increasing the need for additional space.

Farms Can be Smaller than You Think!

If you choose appropriate intensive, high value produce and use innovative production with smart marketing, a small urban space can often be turned into a productive farm enterprise.

Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies.

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS

Study SEVEN Core Modules and then choose THREE Elective Modules:

The Core Modules cover Sustainable Agriculture, Permaculture Systems, Poultry, Commercial Vegetable Production, Aquaponics, Nursery Growers Course, Agricultural Marketing.

Then choose three Electives from – Protected Plant Production, Green Walls and Roofs, Hydroponic Management, Cut Flower Production, Herb Culture, Culinary Herbs, Medicinal Herbs, Berry Production, Self Sufficiency, Goat Husbandry.

THE CORE MODULES

Sustainable Agriculture BAG215

This module presents many different techniques and general measures which may be adopted in part or full to move a farm toward greater sustainability. The 8 lesson module looks at ways to encourage the adoption of techniques that help to preserve, maintain and work with natural resources in order to maintain the balance of ecosystems. The module covers a number of different areas of sustainability, from looking at different ways of farming (natural, organic), detailing specific areas of consideration such as soils and water, to wider aspects such as the financial and social elements.

Permaculture Systems BHT201

A permaculture system is a unique landscape where all the plants and animals live in a balanced and self-sustaining ecosystem. Through 8 lessons, students will learn about the principles of permaculture. Understanding natural systems and the elements of a permaculture system – animals, plants, environment – will enable students to develop plans for permaculture systems. Included within the module is a lesson on relevant technologies, including solar and wind energy, bio fuels, water recycling, and more.

Poultry BAG208

Learn to manage poultry on a small or large scale, for production of eggs, meat or young birds. This course covers all aspects of poultry care and management including: Terminology, Breeds, Nutrition, Diseases in Poultry, Layers, Broilers, Incubation, Brooding, Record Keeping, Economics & Marketing; and is relevant to free range or other forms of production.

Commercial Vegetable Production BHT222

Through 8 lessons students will learn the principles to grow and harvest a wide range of vegetable crops for a commercial market garden. The module will encourage students to adopt sensible planning approaches and looks at different cultures employed in the production of vegetables (including hydroponic and greenhouse production), and includes lessons which focus on areas such as pest control and irrigation. The module goes beyond sole considerations of vegetable production with lessons on harvesting, and the marketing of produce.

Aquaponics BHT319

With this 10 lesson module, Aquaponics students will study this intensive form of farming where the two main elements - fish and plants - support each other. Crucial to understanding aquaponics, is the development of the student’s knowledge of plant and animal nutrition and growth. The module covers the essential hardware elements and by the end of the module, students will be conversant with the different options available and will be knowledgeable in the identification and rectification of problems.

Nursery Growers Course VHT101

This is an introductory module which shows the beginner how to get started in the nursery business. Students will learn how to propagate plants, decide what to propagate, how to start a small inexpensive operation, and to go about selling what they grow. Part of every lesson is devoted to the important area of building up a knowledge of plants. Through six lessons students will learn how many established nurseries have started out slowly as a small part time operation, and how they can follow the same path.

Agricultural Marketing BAG304

The manager of a rural business faces continually changing conditions rarely experienced in other industries. They have to continually consider, evaluate, assess the numerous changes and types of information that may affect the success of the business. Although crucial to the success of the business, the manager also needs to understand the unique markets within which they operate, and how to capitalise on market forces to maximise their profit. This 8 lesson module looks at establishing marketing objectives and strategies for a farming business, whilst showing students how to identify markets and understand the components of the marketing mix. The module includes lessons on customer care, market research, promotions, and managing marketing.

THE ELECTIVE MODULES

Students are to select 3 Electives from those listed below:

Protected Plant Production BHT223
Green Walls and Roofs BHT256
Hydroponic Management - Hydroponics II BHT213
Cut Flower Production BHT221
Herb Culture BHT114
Culinary Herbs VHT242
Medicinal Herbs BHT227
Berry Production BHT309
Self Sufficiency I ASS100
Goat Husbandry BAG223

Duration: 1,000 hours

Local produce - learn to grow produce in a small urban space

Modern technology and smart management has changed the face of modern farming - and change is only set to continue. Farms no longer need to be tens or hundreds of acres as they once were. Depending upon what you grow and how you grow it, some modern farms are an acre or less in size.

With pressures on availability of land and a desire by consumers to buy locally grown and environmentally considerate produce there are lots of advantages to farming in urban areas.

HOW THE COURSE WORKS

It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies. Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.

Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor. The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.

How the Foundation Diploma is Assessed

The Foundation Diploma In Urban Farming requires approximately 1,000 hours of study. It is made up of ten 100 hour modules.

To pass the course –

Pass all assignments on the ten 100 hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
Pass ten examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.

This qualification is accredited by IARC (International Accreditation and Recognition Council).

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?

ENROL TODAY!

Just go to the top of this page for pricing and enrolment options. If you have any questions you can contact us now, by:
Phone (UK) 01384 44272, (International) +44 (0) 1384 442752, or

Email us at [email protected]

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