Land Based Studies

Course Information

Who is this qualification for? 

This qualification allows you to explore how we use the land for purposes of farming and leisure, forestry production and energy production. If you enjoy exploring changing trends and developments of land use, as well as enhancements in technology, this qualification is for you. You’ll get an opportunity to develop plant and animal husbandry skills. 

What will the student study as part of this qualification? 

You will explore how historical land use and management has changed from a greater emphasis on food production to an emphasis on sustainability, environmental management and public access. You will find out how science plays a major role in the modern land-based sector by investigating different parts of the industry, roles of plants/crops and animals, whilst considering the importance of biosecurity. 

This qualification has three units:  

• Exploring the use of land,  

• Application of science in the land based sector  

• Application of technology in the land based sector. 

What knowledge and skills will the student develop as part of this qualification and how might these be of use and value in further studies? 

This qualification develops the following knowledge, understanding and skills:  

• different uses of land and associated industries  

• challenges and conflicts that arise when land is used for food production, leisure and conservation  

• how the structure and function of plants affects successful propagation and yields  

• requirements of optimum nutrition required for animal growth and health  

• what role technology plays in the land based sector.

• the range of technology used within the land based sector from DNA testing to use of drones  

• how science and innovation has influenced technology developments  

Your understanding and skills can be developed further through progression to other qualifications, such as A levels or specific to a sector, including:  

• City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technicals in Horticulture/Animal Management/Equine Management/Agriculture/ Forestry and Arboriculture 

You would also find the understanding and skills useful to progress to an apprenticeship. 

Which subjects will complement this course? 

GCSEs in Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Geography will complement this qualification. 

Assessment requirements

To achieve the City and Guilds Level 2 Technical Award in Land Based Studies candidates must successfully complete both mandatory assessment components. 

Component 005 -  Level 2 Land based studies -  Synoptic assignment (60% final contribution, UMS 144 marks)

Component 505 -  Level 2 Land based studies -  Theory exam (40% final contribution,  UMS 96 marks)

Component 005 - The externally moderated Synoptic assignment is externally set, internally marked and externally moderated. The assignment requires candidates to identify and use effectively in an integrated way an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories, and knowledge from across the content area. Candidates will be judged against the assessment objectives

Component 505 - The externally marked exam  will be taken as a paper-based test The exam is designed to assess the candidate’s depth and breadth of understanding across content in the qualification at the end of the period of learning, using a range of question types and will be sat under invigilated examination conditions

There is no minimum mark requirement for either the exam or the synoptic assignment as long as both assessments have been attempted.

The candidate’s qualification grade is determined by comparing their total UMS mark to the mark ranges given in the table below:.

For full details regarding the City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Award in Land Based Studies (0170-24), please follow the link below:

City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Award in Land Based Studies (0170-24) - Qualification Handbook