HNC Agriculture

This is a husbandry-based programme in production agriculture which, in combination with practical experience, will enable you to take on the running of a farm. ***Applications are currently closed at Barony, Edinburgh and Oatridge to Scottish/Home applicants for September 2026 entry.***

Locations: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Barony, Oatridge
Study mode: Part Time (2 years), Full Time (1 year)
Subject area: Agriculture
Start date: September 2026
Agency code: 104D

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Course overview

This one-year course will develop your skills and knowledge in crop production, animal production and mechanisation, along with the ability to complete and maintain appropriate records and documents.

You'll also develop an awareness of health and safety, animal welfare and environmental issues directly related to agriculture.

Academic study is supported by practical experience, which will enable you to undertake the running of a farm enterprise as a manager or assistant manager.

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Entry requirements

Two Highers (CC) preferably including a science or geography.

National 5 (A–C) or equivalent pass in English and Maths.

Alternative entry qualifications like a related National Certificate are also accepted.

What you'll learn

The HNC qualification is designed to support learners now and in the future with skills to enable them to thrive in the 21st century workplace. These qualifications provide the adaptability and flexibility learners need to respond to a constantly changing employment and working environment, while supporting life-long learning and multiple career options.

The principle aim of the course is to provide the underpinning principles of modern production systems within farming in the UK. Students will achieve both specific farm practical skills and personal development skills to allow them to gain employment and start a career within the agricultural industry, at farm operator or junior level. This qualification will also allow progression on the pathway of higher level qualifications in Agriculture.

As part of the professional practice and skills/Professional Development modules, you will need to complete a work placement.

Example modules include:

Principles of Crop Production
Principles of Livestock Production
Professional Practice and Skills
Specialty Farming Systems
Diversified Farming Systems

Student experience

Despite not coming from a farming background, Lawrence Martin always dreamed of working in agriculture.

He studied for an HNC in Agriculture before going on to do a Modern Apprenticeship with Carbeth Home Farm in Balfron. The course gave Lawrence the fundamentals to work on a farm, which allowed him to put what he was learning into practice and gain first-hand experience.

He also says that being the only person in his class who wasn’t from a farming background made him extra keen to keep up and excel from his position on the back foot.

His best memory of his time at SRUC is being selected to show an Angus cow at AgriScot 2017.

Despite not coming from a farming background, Lawrence Martin always dreamed of working in agriculture

Meet the lecturer

Gemma Higgins

Lecturer

Gemma is one of the lecturers for Agriculture at the SRUC Barony Campus. Gemma has worked at the Barony Campus since December 2019 and teaches soils, crops and the environment as well as ICT. Gemma teaches NC, HNC and HND Agriculture students.

Before joining SRUC Gemma was a trials officer for Scottish Agronomy Ltd, a company who carry out trials on combinable crops as well as potatoes. This job involved field work (e.g. crop assessments and sampling, spraying), data entry and attending local RHET events to teach school children about crops.

Gemma has a degree in Agricultural Bioscience and is currently part way through a Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary and Higher Education.

Fees and funding

Eligible full-time students studying HNC Agriculture should apply to SAAS for fees and funding. A student loan is also available to help students with living costs.

If you do not apply, you will have to pay your fees yourself and if you have studied at HNC/D/degree level before SAAS may not pay your fees.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees & funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: There are a number of bursaries available to care-experienced students studying full time. Find out more from our student funding teams at: registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Discretionary fund
- SAAS student bursary
- Care Experienced Accommodation Grant
- Childcare
- Going further bursary
- RUK bursary (for students from outside Scotland)
- The Gregor Thomas Royan Lamb Bursary for Future Farmers
- Centenary bursary
- Change your path bursary

HNC Agriculture

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