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COURSES
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INDEX OF COURSES
  1. 10/10/07 : MCAST Introductory Certificate in Animal Husbandry and Horticultural skills

  2. 10/10/01 : MCAST Foundation Certificate in Horticulture and Animal Care

  3. 10/10/02 : MCAST-BTEC Diploma in Horticulture

  4. 10/10/03 : MCAST-BTEC Diploma in Animal Care

  5. 10/10/04 : MCAST-BTEC National Diploma in Agriculture

  6. 10/10/05 : MCAST-BTEC Higher National Diploma in Animal Management

  7. 10/10/06 : MCAST-BTEC Higher National Diploma in Horticulture (Garden Design)

CLICK HERE for a summary and diagram of the courses offered [PDF 200Kb]
Aqra bil-Malti
MCAST Introductory Certificate in Animal Husbandry and Horticultural skills
Course Code 10/10/07
Level 1
Awarding Body MCAST
Entry Requirements Finished Compulsory Education
Duration of Course 1 year full-time
About The Course The MCAST Introductory Certificate in Animal Husbandry and Horticultural Skills is a comprehensive course for students who wish to begin their studies in Agriculture. This course consists of 2 Vocational units which are Animal Management and Horticultural Skills and 5 key skills which are Mathematics, English, Maltese, Information Technology and Personal Development. Mathematics, English and Maltese are embedded within the vocational subjects so the students will have the opportunity to learn Technical English, Maltese and Mathematics. The vocational units are based on practical sessions so the students will have the opportunity to work directly with animals and in the fields. They will have the opportunity to handle a variety of animals as well as work on crop fields and fruit trees. Students will be continuously assessed on their key competences.
Key Skills English, Maltese, Mathematics, Information Technology, Personal Development
Vocational Practice:
Animal Management, Horticultural Skills
Horticulture Skills
MCAST Foundation Certificate in Horticulture and Animal Care
Course Code 10/10/01
Level 2
Awarding Body MCAST
Entry Requirements Finished Compulsory Education and Obtained a Pass in Tests
Duration of Course 1 year full-time
About The Course The programme is designed to provide an opportunity to school leavers in possession of the School Leaving Certificate to follow a structured programme of study in that area which is closer to their interests. The programme includes a significant amount of vocational practice that will help students to form a clear idea of the nature of the trade or vocation they intend to follow. Assessment of each unit in this qualification is mainly through a system of continuous assessment and tests.

This course is intended for school leavers. This is a one year full-time course designed to equip students with a range of skills and competences enabling them to become competent in various land-based activities.

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Topics include: tractor driving and handling; soil management; establishing crops; animal management; livestock nutrition and farm maintenance. Students are expected to work in a relevant work placement for a minimum of 8 hours per week.

Successful students will have the opportunity to progress to the MCAST-BTEC Diploma in Hortriculture or MCAST-BTEC Diploma in Animal Care.

Students who apply to join a Vocational Foundation Course at level 2 shall be required to pass MCAST tests in Maltese, English and Mathematics. Following these tests, MCAST shall draw up a list of those who are found to require significant help in their studies. These learners will stand to benefit by joining the Foundation Course at Vocational Level 1 instead. This is a one-year course which should help them to progress to the Foundation Course at level 2 the following year.
Study Units English
Maltese
Mathematics and Science
Information Technology
Personal Development
Vocational Practice:
Animal Science
Plant Science
Soil Science
Animal Husbandry
Horticulture Skills
MCAST-BTEC First Diploma in Agriculture
Course Code 10/10/02
Level 3
Awarding Body MCAST-BTEC
Entry Requirements Either: 2 SEC/O-Level passes - Preferred: Biology, English Language
Or: MCAST Foundation Certificate
Duration of Course 1 Year Full-time
Fees BTEC Registration Fee
About The Course The one-year full-time Diploma course offers a mixture of the basic theoretical knowledge combined with the technical practical skills. It provides students with the required practical skills and foundation knowledge in plant management and production principles. Most of the units are delivered through a combination of classroom-based lectures, tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations, projects and assignments, practical workplace situations, and activities. Continuous assessment is attained through assignments, projects and practical work.

This is a practically based course where the emphasis is on gaining skills, backed up by the theoretical knowledge gained at the Institute. Students are expected to attend scheduled horticulture practical sessions which form part of the course. This will improve employment opportunities and is a good foundation for future career opportunities or progression to a more advanced qualification.
Study Units Core Units
Understand the Principles of Plant Science, Undertake Work Experience in the Land-Based Industries, Establish and Maintain Plants Outdoors, Understand the Principles of Soil Science
Specialist Units
Participate in Horticultural Crop Production Outdoors, Participate in Protected Horticultural Plant Production, Introduction to Animal and Plant Biology
MCAST-BTEC Diploma in Animal Care
Course Code 10/10/03
Level 3
Awarding Body MCAST-BTEC
Entry Requirements Either: 2 SEC/O-Level passes - Preferred: Biology, English Language or equivalent qualifications
Or: MCAST Foundation Certificate
Duration of Course 1 Year Full-time
Fees BTEC Registration Fee
About The Course This one-year full-time Diploma course offers an introduction to working with and handling animals. It provides the practical skills and background knowledge required to form a solid foundation in animal care. Students learn by carrying out projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. Continuous assessment is attained through assignments, projects and practical work.

This course covers the basic knowledge and the required technical practical skills, providing a good foundation for future career opportunities. Students are expected to attend scheduled husbandry duties which form part of this course. This practical experience will back up the theoretical knowledge gained at the Institute.

Successful students have the opportunity to progress from this course to the MCAST-BTEC National Diploma in Agriculture.
Study Units Core Units
Undertake Work Experience in the Land-Based Industries, Maintain Animal Accommodation, Plan and Monitor Animal Feeding, Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
Specialist Units
Understanding the Principles of Animal Biology, Introduction to Animal Breeds and Grooming, Contribute to the Nursing of Animals
MCAST-BTEC National Diploma in Agriculture
Course Code 10/10/04
Level 4
Awarding Body MCAST-BTEC
Entry Requirements Either: 4 sec/o-level passes - Preferred: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Language
Or: MCAST-BTEC First Diploma in Agriculture
Or: MCAST-BTEC First Diploma in Animal Care
Duration of Course 2 Years Full Time
Fees BTEC Registration Fee
About The Course This two-year full-time course is geared to give students an all-round knowledge of the agricultural industry. Students will learn about the production and management of crops, livestock and farm machinery. This course is designed to give the students the opportunity to gain experience whilst developing and learning new skills.

A range of study methods are employed, ranging from formal lectures, industry-related visits, tutorials, seminars, assignments, audio visual presentations, projects, Institute-based practical work, to Industry work placements.

Students are encouraged to relate theory to practice at all stages. Continuous assessment is practised through assignments, projects, practical work and monitoring of performance at work placements. Students are required to carry out scheduled husbandry and crop duties which form an integral part of their course curriculum. This practical experience will back up the theoretical knowledge gained at the Institute.

Students have the opportunity to choose either the animal care or the horticultural option. Successful students in the Animal Care stream have the opportunity to progress from this course to the MCAST-BTEC Higher National Diploma in Animal Management or MCAST-BTEC Higher National Diploma in Horticulture (Garden Design)
Study Units Students must follow all core units, all common units and either the agriculture units or the animal management units (total units 18).

Core Units
Animal Anatomy and Physiology OR Principles of Plant and Soil Science, Investigative Project in the Agricultural Sector, Work Related Experience in the Agricultural Sector, Business Management for Land-based Industries

Specialist Units

1. Common
Farm Habitat Management, Land-Based Construction, Repair and Maintenance Skills, Agriculture and the Environment, Agricultural Organic Production, Land-Based Industries Pollution Control and Waste Management, Business Planning, Farm Diversification

2. Agriculture
Agricultural Forage Crop Production, Root Crop and Field Vegetable Production, Mechanized Agricultural Crop Handling and Storage, Agricultural Spreaders and Sprayers, Agricultural Crop Production, Principles of Land-Based Machinery, Business Improvement for Land-based Industries

3. Animal Management
Poultry Production, Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Animal Health, Pig Production, Dairy Production, Agricultural Livestock Production, Animal Biology
MCAST-BTEC National Certificate in Agriculture
Course Code 10/10/05
Level 4
Awarding Body MCAST-BTEC
Entry Requirements Either: 4 SEC/O-Level passes - Preferred: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Language
Or: MCAST-BTEC First Diploma in Agriculture
Or: MCAST-BTEC First Diploma in Animal Care
Duration of Course 2 years part-time on an apprenticeship
About The Course This course is geared to give students an all-round knowledge of the agricultural industry. Students will learn about the production and management of crops, livestock and farm machinery. This course is designed to give the students the opportunity to gain experience whilst developing and learning new skills.

A range of study methods are used including lectures, visits, tutorials, seminars, assignments, projects and practical work. Students are encouraged to relate theory to practice at all stages. Continuous assessment is attained through assignments, projects and practical work.

Students are expected to attend scheduled husbandry and crop duties which form part of this course. This practical experience will consolidate the theoretical knowledge gained at the institute.

Students have the opportunity to choose either the animal care or the horticultural option.
Study Units Core Units
Animal Anatomy and Physiology OR
Principles of Plant and Soil Science
Investigative Project in the Agricultural Sector
Work Related Experience in the Agricultural Sector

1. Common
Land based Construction,
Repair and Maintenance Skills
Agriculture and the Environment
Agricultural Organic Production
Land-Based Industries Pollution Control
and Waste Management
Business Planning
Farm Diversification

2. Agriculture
Root Crop and Field Vegetable Production
Agricultural Crop Production
Principles of Land based Machinery

3. Animal Management
Poultry Production
Pig Production
Dairy Production
MCAST-BTEC Higher National Diploma in Animal Management
Course Code 10/10/05
Level 5
Awarding Body MCAST-BTEC
Entry Requirements Either: MCAST-BTEC National Diploma in Agriculture + Interview and Portfolio
Or: Passes in two subjects at ‘A’ Level *
Or: Passes in one subject at ‘A’ Level and three subjects at intermediate level.

* These must include at least one subject from Biology and Chemistry.
Duration of Course 2 Years full-time
Fees BTEC Registration Fee
About The Course This two-year course is designed to expand the knowledge and skills of students from an animal management point of view. It also gives students the opportunities to concentrate on the development of higher-level skills in a land-based context, and how their role and that of their business fits within the overall structure of the land-based industries and the national and international economy. This course also helps the student to develop a range of skills, techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

A range of study methods are used including lectures, visits, tutorials, seminars, assignments, projects and practical work. Students are encouraged to relate theory to practice at all stages. Continuous assessment is done through assignments, projects and practical work.

Students are expected to attend scheduled husbandry and crop duties which form part of this course. This practical experience will back up the theoretical knowledge gained at the Institute.
Study Units Core Units
Principles of Land-based Business, Investigative Project, Biological Principles, Animal Husbandry, Animal Health and Welfare, Animal Nutrition, Environmental Management

Specialist Units
Project Management for Land-based Industries, Land-based Industry Experience, Sustainable Development, Principles of Ecology, Animal Adaptations, Animal Behaviour, Applied Animal Health, Animal Nursing, Land Use Issues and Policies
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