The UBKA currently offers accredited beekeeping training courses at two levels, with the intention of developing courses for higher level study in the near future.

Introduction to Beekeeping

‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ is an Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) Level 1 endorsed course, developed by the UBKA Education and Assessment Team in conjunction with CAFRE and OCN NI.  It aims to give those interested in taking up beekeeping the basic knowledge and skills to enable them to care for their honeybees.  It provides a pathway to more advanced courses which build upon the experience gained.

Introduction to Beekeeping – Beekeepers | CAFRE

Delivery

The course is delivered by suitably qualified tutors in 7 x 2 hour sessions, which may be held in a classroom or on Zoom, followed by 3 sessions in the local Association apiary which will give students the ability to handle honeybees. 

Course Content

The course has 6 units:
Unit 1: Beekeeping Equipment
Unit 2: Natural History of the Honeybee
Unit 3: Beekeeping – The Year’s Work in the Apiary
Unit 4: Keeping Honeybees Healthy
Unit 5: Harvesting Honey
Unit 6: Practical Work in the Apiary

Books

Guide to Bees and Honey – Ted Hooper
Practical Beekeeping – Clive de Bruyn

Assessment

Assessment of Units 2 to 5 will be by the completion of student workbooks. Units 1 and 6 will be assessed by observation of students completing the practical tasks. All Units must be completed to a satisfactory standard to obtain the Level 1 award.

Entry requirement

the minimum age for candidates participating in this course is 16 years. By special arrangement with course tutors, 13-15 year olds can attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Cost: £135 which covers a registration fee, assessment fees and tuition.

Proficiency in Beekeeping

‘Proficiency in Beekeeping’ is an Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) Level 3 endorsed  course developed by the Ulster Beekeepers’ Association  (UBKA) Education and Assessment Team in conjunction with OCN NI and CAFRE. It builds upon the knowledge gained from any introductory course successfully studied.

Delivery 

The course consists of 10 units, the content of the first nine to be delivered in the classroom or by Zoom, over 2 years with 15 x 2 hour sessions each year.  Unit 10 skills will be developed and assessed in apiary settings.  UBKA tutors will deliver the two year course in a range of locations.

Course content 

Unit 1: External Anatomy of the Honeybee
Unit 2: Natural History of the Honeybee
Unit 3: Diseases, Parasites, Pests and Risks
Unit 4: Forage, Plants and Pollination
Unit 5: Nectar and Honey
Unit 6: Honeybee Products and Preparation for Show and for Sale
Units 7, 8 and 9: Apiary Management and Honeybee Husbandry
Unit 10: Practical Management of the Apiary

Assessment

Assessment of Units 1 to 9 will be by continuous assessment by means of workbooks. Assessment of Unit 10 will be conducted in an Association Apiary.                                                                                       All units must be completed to a satisfactory standard to achieve the Level 3 endorsed award.

Entry Requirement

Successful completion of ‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ Course or an equivalent award.

Cost: £200 for each of two years, covering a registration fee, assessment fees and tuition but excluding Unit 10 Practical Assessment fee.

 

 

 

For further information and to register for a course, please visit www.cafre.ac.uk/study/agriculture and enter’ Beekeeping’ in the search  

 

Further Reading

For further reading see our ‘recommend reading list and sources’

Contacts

UBKA Education & Assessment Team Chair  ubkaeducation@gmail.com

UBKA Education & Assessment Team Secretary  ubkaeducationsecretary@gmail.com