Higher Certificate in Engineering in Agricultural Mechanisation

Course details

The course provides education and training for students to enable them to understand the core subjects of agricultural mechanisation. The focus of this course is firmly on the provision of skilled technicians for the farm machinery industry in Ireland. The course will enable graduates to function in the machinery retail, machinery operation sector and allied agricultural machinery and manufacturing industries.

Entry Requirements and Application Procedures

Applicants must apply through the CAO. Applicants must have passes in five Leaving Certificate subjects at ordinary level (Grade D3 or better). The subjects passed must include Maths and either English or Irish. The standard points system is used to rank applicants. Holders of Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) awards at Level 5 and Level 6 and mature students may also apply through the CAO.

Course Structure and Content

Year 1

During Year 1 students spend four days per week at the agricultural college and one day per week at the Institute of Technology.

Students take the following subjects: Tractor Engineering and Workshop Processes; Electrical and Electronic Technology; Machinery Operation; Agricultural Engineering Science; Computer Studies (including CAD) and project work.

Students complete a nine-month practical learning period in approved training locations – garages, contractors, fabricators etc. Students will be facilitated with foreign practical learning periods in the US and New Zealand, if desired.

Year 2

During Year 2 students spend two days per week at the Institute of Technology and three days per week at the Agricultural College.

Students take the following subjects; Tractor Engineering and Workshop Processes, Electrical and Electronic Technology, Business Management, Workshop Administration, Agricultural Engineering Science, Computer Applications. Included in these subjects are the following topics: soil fertility, soil testing, grass measurement, grass utilization, animal nutrition, ICBF.On satisfactory completion of the course students are awarded a HETAC Level 6 Higher Certificate in Engineering in Agricultural Mechanisation.

This award meets the training requirements for Stamp Duty exemption.

Progression

Students who achieve merit can progress to the second year of the DN047 Engineering Technology Level 8 Programme at UCD or into the add-on Ordinary Bachelor Degree in

Engineering (Agricultural) Level 7 at the Institute of Technology, Tralee.