NC Land-Based Engineering (Agriculture)

This course is for anyone with an interest in working as an agricultural engineer, offering a mix of theory and practical skills. ***Applications for this course are now closed for 2026.***

Location: Oatridge
Study mode:
Start date: September 2026
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: LEA1

Course overview

This National Certificate course is designed for anyone who wants to work as an agricultural engineer.

Over the duration of the 33 weeks, you will enjoy a challenging and innovative course.

This is a challenging course where you will need to prove a high level of determination, motivation and a drive to succeed from beginning to end. At times you will be required to work as a team and at others, completely independently. You will be expected to work to deadlines like those you will face in the industry. You will work along with a teaching team that is hugely experienced in their field, all coming from an industry background.

The engineering team prides itself on the record of positive student employment success following successful course completion over many years.

This course has been proven as a successful stepping stone for trainee engineers and apprenticeships in this key industry, or progression onto other courses provided by SRUC.

When you've completed your studies you'll be in a great place to look for work, or, if you'd like, to progress to an SVQ work-based or to HNC study.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of 2 National 4s including English and Maths, and

2 National 5s in any subject, or have successfully completed the NC Land-based Engineering: An Introduction.

Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.

What you'll learn

Your core topics on this course include engine technology, piston engine repair, and an introduction to electrics.

You'll learn about workshop processes, welding and mechanical transmission, and hydraulic systems, brakes, steering and traction.

You'll also gain the health, safety and environment knowledge you need, and work on mathematics and communications.

You will learn about cultivation, plant establishment and crop harvesting machinery.

Real work experience helps put your skills to use and improve your chances of finding a job when you complete your studies.

Example modules include:

Electrics: An Introduction
Engine Technology
Mechanical Transmission Systems
Hydraulic Systems
Crop Harvesting Machinery

Student experience

Mathew Howie, a former NC Land-based Engineering Agriculture student, now works at JT Walkers Agricultural Engineering, completing his Modern Apprenticeship in Land-Based Engineering (Agricultural Machinery).

“I benefited from SRUC teaching me about things like transmission systems and engineering drawings, which are common in workshop manuals," he said. "I can look at a manual and recognise parts and components, as well as understanding operational systems.

"I'm now involved in the service, maintenance and repairs of agricultural equipment, and part of a small team — so I can really contribute to the business.”

"I benefited from SRUC teaching me about things like transmission systems and engineering drawings."

Mathew Howie, MA in Land-Based Engineering (Agricultural Machinery)

Course Funding

Full-time students of NC Landbased Engineering (Agriculture) can apply for a Further Education Bursary.

Once you’ve accepted a place, we’ll email the bursary funding online application. Complete the application and return it along with any required documents. You should apply even if you're still waiting for exam results.

Tuition fees are waived for students who qualify for a bursary.

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: Any care experienced students studying full time can apply for a bursary of around £202.50 per week. Find out more from our student funding teams at registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Education Maintenance Allowance: Students between the ages of 16-19 who meet specific criteria may be entitled to an EMA. This means-tested allowance depends on the income of the home the student stays in.
Discretionary Fund
Childcare

About SRUC

Building on our traditions in tertiary education, research excellence and industry expertise to deliver sustained impact and innovation in the natural economy.

Student life

Explore what life is like at SRUC from before your arrival all the way through to graduation. Find campus and accommodation information, tips, checklists and helpful information on getting started at SRUC. You can also find information on student support services, term dates & timetables, Moodle and more.

Training courses

SRUC's training service offers a wide range of training and skills development courses to meet the needs of the land-based workforce across Scotland and the rest of the UK.