Foundation Diploma in Urban Farming

This diploma covers growing and raising food in limited space, with core modules in commercial vegetable production, permaculture systems, poultry and sustainable agriculture, alongside a general nursery growing module. Electives then let you branch into areas such as mushroom production, hydroponics, cut flowers, culinary herbs or small livestock, depending on what you want your urban farm to produce. Suitable for anyone wanting to turn a passion for growing into a productive home or small business venture in an urban setting.

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 less than an acre in size, and sometimes even less than half an acre. With pressures on availability of land and desire by consumers to buy locally grown and environmentally considerate produce there are lots of advantages to farming in urban areas. Learn about environmentally friendly, sustainable produce. Understand self sustaining ecosystems. Learn about intensive food production with aquaponics. Improve and develop your own business or improve your career prospects. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT Course Duration: 1,000 hours. Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies. Content: 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 for the Foundation Diploma in Urban Farming are summarised below. Follow the title link for further information on each. 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. Follow the title link for further information on each. 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 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). WHY CHOOSE ACS FOR YOUR FUTURE? Quality Courses - Our courses are written by experienced professionals with real world knowledge and experience. Teaching and Support - Experienced tutors with industry exerience, plus a full support system for students means they are supported at every stage of their studies. Relevant - We are an independent college which means we have the freedom to review and revise our courses as often as we need to in order to ensure they stay relevant to today's world. Flexible Studies - You get to study at your own pace, and you benefit from online studies which mean you choose where and when to study. SAVE MONEY - Become an urban farming expert. Get started on this flexible qualification. ANY QUESTIONS? Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us, our specialist staff are always happy to advise and provide assistance. Please, get in touch, use our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE. Stay in Touch. Follow us on Twitter Facebook Google