BTSA (BTEC HND) PA (Livestock Farming)
The BTSA PA qualification is based on solid scientific foundations in combination with a practical knowledge of livestock and domestic animals (horses), and will allow the successful student to prepare the continuation of their higher education studies (engineering schools, preparation for university entrance exams) or entry into the work place
This kind of professional integration now passes through the mastering of essential skills and techniques:
- The acquisition of scientific method
- An international perspective
- The development of a professional network through apprenticeships, real situations and international exchange.
ORGANISATION
The BTSA PA is a methodological and scientific educational program which deals with the issues raised by livestock farming, notably regarding: genetics, feed, breeding and animal health.
To satisfy these objectives, the following 3 major work axes will be focused on:
The acquisition of solid scientific foundations (genetics, biology, chemistry) with a concentration on these subjects for students planning on preparing for specific entrance exams.
Interventions in livestock farms (horse, cattle, goat, pork...) throughout the two years of the program.
Students will have 3 months of overseas work experience, during which they will improve their language skills, develop their ability to adapt and observe new situations. They will also discover further professional methods and techniques.
THE PROGRAM
GENERAL COURSES COMMON FOR ALL BTSA (BTEC HND) COURSES
Oral expression, communication, organisation and documentation techniques 174 h
Economic, social and legal sciences 87 h
English (+ preparation for the TOEIC: 20 hours) 116 h
Mathematics and data handling 72 h
IT 43 h
Choice of Sports activities:
Golf or horse-riding (obligatory) 87 h
Horse-riding (optional) 87 h
VOCATIONAL COURSES
Livestock production and society 137 h
Livestock farm operation 72 h
Biology 58 h
Chemistry 43 h
Statistics 29 h
General and comparative technology for livestock production: 188 h
- Zootechnics - horses
- Zootechnics - grazing animals (cattle, goat)
- Zootechnics - pig farming
Animal handling, husbandry (horse, grazing, pigs) 130 h
Livestock management 152 h
LOCAL INITIATIVES MODULES
Mandatory module:
International cooperation (foreign work experience) 43 h
Choice of one of the following modules: 43 h
Equestrian event management
Setting up an equestrian centre
Organic farming
Farm produce processing
Food safety and hygiene
APPRENTICESHIPS
- Main apprenticeship of 8 weeks in an agricultural establishment (choice of: horse farm or other).
- 3 week apprenticeship in a livestock farm (cattle, sheep or goat)
- 4 weeks of individual « open » work experience in a company related to the student's career project
- 1 week group placement
Click here for more information on overseas apprenticeships
OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 12 weeks of classes in an overseas partner college.
During the 2nd year of the BTS, all students take the TOEIC (English language test which measures written and oral comprehension abilities for professional environments)
Click here for more information on the TOEIC
EVALUATION
Final year exams and coursework:
- 50 % coursework
- 50 % final year exam with:
- «French language and socio-economic culture» exam (Coefficient 6)
- Science and technology exam (Coefficient 6)
- Apprenticeship report (Coefficient 6)
Essentially based on the main apprenticeship and all of the specific classes of the program with the main objective being the choice and justification of a zootechnics issue.
ADMISSION
- Must have a baccalaureate or other level IV (NVQ level 3) diploma
FURTHER STUDIES
Vocational degrees, engineering schools, preparation for entrance exams, university.