Foundation Diploma in Irrigation Management

This diploma covers irrigation and irrigation management as core studies, along with water conservation, project management, climate science and plumbing fundamentals, finishing with an Industry Project. Electives let you add further skills in areas such as soil management, engineering, aquaponics or greenhouse management. Suitable for those working as an irrigation consultant, employee or business owner across agriculture, horticulture or related industries.

Become an expert in irrigation systems and management with this distance learning course. Fulfill your ambitions and move your career forward - Study the Foundation Diploma In Irrigation Management to learn about and understand the use of irrigation in different industries. Understand the management of irrigation systems. Learn about water conservation and management. Learn about the management of operations and projects. Course Duration: 1000 hours of self paced study. COURSE STRUCTURE The Foundation Diploma comprises 10 Core Modules as follows: 1. One of the following three foundation subjects in irrigation: Irrigation - Gardens BHT210 A 10 lesson module, concerned with watering in established gardens. Students will learn about estimating the water needs of different plants, along with soil characteristics and related problems, and drainage. Students will then look at the different types of systems and determining the most suitable types of systems and their specifications. Irrigation (Agricultural) BAG213 This is a 10 lesson module. Students will learn about the objectives of irrigation and potential problems associate with it. The module looks at soil types, suitability and properties, and how soil may be improved. As well as irrigation, the module covers drainage, including how drainage may be improved. Students will look at the design, operation and management of irrigation systems in agricultural applications. Irrigating Crops BHT304 This is a 10 lesson module. As with our other irrigation modules, this module looks at soils and different irrigation systems, but with a specific focus on practical application and the watering of crops. The module includes lessons on all areas of water handling, including drainage. The module is completed with the student designing and operating an irrigation system for crops. 2. One of the following two Irrigation Management Subjects: Irrigation Management (Horticulture) BHT305 This is an 8 lesson module looking at larger scale irrigation systems. It includes lessons on drainage and measuring water usage but also considers the aspects of water wastage and recycling water. Students will consider the design, control and management of irrigation systems as well as looking at the delivery of fertilizers, and soil amendments through an irrigation system. In addition to evaluating the design of a large scale system, students will learn how to design a large scale system including considerations of water use and drainage. Irrigation Management (Agricultural) BAG303 This 8 lesson module looks at irrigation in agricultural applications. The module considers the efficiency of water use and wastage, including elements such as evaporation, run off and over spray, with particular reference to scheduling and evaluation of rainfall statistics and evaluation of soil characteristics. Students will evaluate and consider recommendations for an existing irrigation system as well as preparing plans and costings for an irrigation system. 3.The following eight modules Soil Management The type and mature of soil has a hige impact upon irrigation. To understand irrigation, you must understand soil. Climatology Understand atmospheric conditions, which caused by factors such as temperature, wind, air pressure and water vapour; all of which impact on patterns and quantity of rainfall Water Conservation and Management BEN302 This 10 lesson module is highly relevant to those studying irrigation; providing adequate water to crops and the like is crucial to their healthy survival, but understanding more about water itself is equally important. The module looks at sources of water, how to store water, re-use it and conserve it. Being able to use natural water supplies or recycled water will form part of the designs and schedules for an irrigation system. Hydroponics I BHT224 This 10 lesson module provides a sound introduction to Hydroponics – growing plants in a closed system and without soil. Over the last few decades it has seen significant take up in the commercial sector due to potential high yields and the fact that being a closed system means environmental and pest/disease controls are much easier to implement and maintain. Added to this, Hydroponic farming offers a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way of producing crops (compared with traditional methods of horticulture). Serving as an introduction to Hydroponics, the module is broadly based with lessons including the global industry and comparisons with traditional growing methods, the design and management of Hydroponic systems, and plant culture. The module is completed with a special assignment where the student will plan a Hydroponic enterprise. The Foundation Diploma In Irrigation Management seeks to provide students with a deep level of knowledge enabling them to effectively operate in a management capacity within an irrigation related field. Having specifically studied irrigation, water conservation, and Hydroponics up to this point, the last 3 modules of the qualification concentrate on the management element. Operations Management VBS201 Operations Management is a 9 lesson module which is concerned with the overall management of a business – strategic planning and management, the management of information, business control systems, and marketing. The module teaches students to consider the economic environment within which a business operates, and how a business can effectively develop and operate. This takes into account not only external factors, but also by ensuring that proper systems and controls are in place to maintain planned implementation of development strategies and the correct daily operation of the business. Project Management BBS201 The Project Management module comprises 9 lessons. In order to develop a business, or operate within a contractual environment, managers need to possess the skillset that enables them to introduce and manage projects of change. The module covers key areas which include the identification and planning of projects, and the strategy for the implementation of projects. The lessons will impart the knowledge for students to develop their leadership and personnel skills, considering the different types of leadership skills as well as looking at how conflicts and problems may be effectively resolved. The module is concluded with a special assignment where the student will develop a full suite of documentation for a planned project. Professional Practice For Consultants BBS301 Professional Practice For Consultants is an 8 lesson module. This looks at the practicalities of setting up of a consultancy practice. You will need to be aware of market conditions and the legal and resource requirements for setting up a practice. Being a consultant offers the opportunity to utilise your knowledge and experience in business which you can then use to share with others and develop their businesses, with an appropriate financial return to you. The module includes lessons which look at the sustainability and maintenance of a consultancy. Workshop I HOW THE COURSE WORKS You can start the course at any time. 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. To complete the course - There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So if there are ten lessons in a course, there will be ten assignments. At the end of each module, there is also an examination which you can take at a time and location to suit you. To pass the course you are required to pass all assignments and exams. Each of the modules mentioned can also be studied as a standalone course if you prefer. WHY DO THIS COURSE? Learn extensively about the use of irrigation and irrigation systems in different applications and industries - a broad understanding provides a depth of knowledge that will better help in managing systems and resolving issues. Suitable for those looking to work on irrigation systems in a variety of applications - including golf courses, professionally maintained gardens, nurseries, or agriculture. WHAT NEXT? Promotion? You will have a greater span of knowledge than colleagues - this will be beneficial in your career development. What could this course lead to? Be a project manager, or start your own consultancy. You want to be a manager of operations or special projects, to succeed you will need passion, persistence and a willingness to do whatever it takes. If this describes you, studying with us will help you to get a start. Why not Enrol today? Go to “It’s Easy to Enrol” box at the top of the page and enrol now. If you have any questions at all our irrigation tutors are more than happy to help. Email us at info@acsedu.co.uk or use our FREE COUNSELLING SERVICE to contact a tutor.