MA Poultry Production Systems (SCQF Level 6)

This poultry diploma at SCQF Level 6 sets you up with a vocational qualification as well as giving you practical experience for working in the industry. During the course, you will study a series of SQA Units (subjects) - 10 in all - in Agriculture, with emphasis on poultry production. Four of the units are mandatory, and six units that are chosen from a list of options. There are two further enhancement units that you must take (if not done already): Emergency First Aid (1-day course, delivered at the college or your place of work) and one other industry nationally-recognised qualification, such as using an ATV, telehandling etc. Each work-based learner is also required to achieve Core Skills units, if not already done so at school, college, or their workplace.

The aim of this work-based qualification is for you to develop skills and knowledge in tasks carried out in your workplace to a standard where you can perform your job effectively and efficiently. The course will normally be delivered and assessed over a 12-month period. Some candidates may complete in a longer or shorter period than this. Progress will depend on how quickly you build up the necessary practical skills and knowledge. You will be allocated an assessor who will check on your progress in developing skills and knowledge in each subject. They will visit you at regular intervals, which are suitable to you, your employer and the assessor.

The units are composed of some short learning elements, such as reviewing materials, taking quizzes, and building a portfolio of evidence of tasks that you have carried out which relate to the unit. These are all done online, and you will be shown how to use the tools in an induction session. The final assessment will take place in a workplace visit.

You will learn core skills in Monitoring Health, Safety and Security; Understanding the Importance of Environmental Good Practice in Land-Use; Contributing to Performing Work Activities; and Implement and Monitor Site Hygiene and Biosecurity. You will also enhance your poultry-specific knowledge by taking 2-6 units that focus on poultry production topics, such as breeding poultry, brooding and growing young birds, hatching poultry, dealing with mechanically-controlled systems used in livestock production, maintaining egg production, and monitoring and maintaining the supply of feed and water to livestock. You would also have opportunities to choose from other livestock and agricultural units on offer.

The units will give you a sound foundation in the topics listed, adding to your poultry knowledge while widening the scope of your knowledge application. The information goes beyond what you may have been taught in the workplace.