IMI Extended Diploma Land Based Technology

This program is designed to give you the knowledge you need to gain an engineering apprenticeship in land-based engineering.

Location: Barony
Study mode: full time (1 year)
Start date: August 2025
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: LBE1

Apply now

Course overview

The Extended Diploma in Land Based Technology is a nationally recognised qualification presented by IMI Awards on successful completion of course work and assessment at the Barony Campus.

The Extended Diploma course is a work-based programme over three years and is designed to provide the knowledge required for a land-based engineering apprenticeship. Candidates on this course are normally in employment and the experience you gain in college will enhance your skills and knowledge in the workplace and also “earn as you learn.”

The college works very closely with manufactures and local dealers, where possible you will be expected to complete “real repairs” on a range of specialist land-based equipment.

Whatever has been your previous knowledge and experience you may find some aspects of this course challenging. Overcoming these challenges is an important part of your experience and we are committed to providing the help you need.

We endeavour to provide you with a platform to develop and progress within your industry. The engineering teaching team are here to assist, guide and work with you in this learning partnership.

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

You must be employed in land-based engineering.

You are normally expected to have a minimum of two National 4s, including English and Maths, and two National 5s in any subject.

You may also apply if you have completed the NC Land-based Engineering.

What you'll learn

For each of the first two years of this course you will attend college for 4 blocks of 4 weeks training and assessment. In the third year you will attend for one intensive 4 week block of training and assessment.

During the course you will study a series of IMI Units (subjects) in Agricultural Engineering and Technology. In addition, core skills in the areas of information technology, numeracy and communication will be delivered and assessed within your course work.

We will provide you with essential information, working principles theory and set the scene for your own investigations or practical activities.

Over the three years you will complete 20 units that will give you a vast education in Agricultural Engineering.

The course focuses on the technology found on modern land-based equipment and covers the following topics along with some traditional engineering.

Example modules include:

Service & Repair Engines & Components
Working with Land-based Diesel Fuel Injection Systems
Hydraulic Systems & Components on Land-based Equipment
Vehicle Chassis Systems on Land-based Equipment
Thermal Joining Operations
Electrical Systems on Land based Equipment
Understanding Computer Application and Control in Vehicles
Understanding and Servicing Harvesting Equipment
Understanding and Working with Engine Technology
Understand and Service Mechanical Power Transmissions on land-based equipment

Meet the lecturer

Fraser Wilson

Coming from a farming background, Fraser always wanted to be an agricultural engineer. He has worked at our Oatridge campus for about 17 years across various roles in the engineering team. After completing an apprenticeship at Oatridge working with a grass machinery company, he moved on to work with agricultural machinery dealers in the Lothian area.

As the land-based engineering sector evolves, new technologies, larger machines and a focus on reducing environmental impacts are driving innovation. Fraser enjoys discovering the methods machinery manufacturers are using overcoming these challenges.

View Fraser's Pure profile

Course Funding

Full-time students of Extended Diploma Land-Based Technology 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

IMI Extended Diploma Land Based Technology

Apply now