How does it work?

The Livestock Market Operations and Management course is run by Harper Adams University, on behalf of the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers of Scotland (IAAS).

The course is aimed at aspiring auctioneers and market managers and provides the only route to membership of the LAA and the IAAS.

Students undertake two residential weeks each year at Harper Adams University for tuition, group visits, assessments, and examinations, usually in January & July. Further study is supported between the residential weeks online through a Virtual Learning Environment.

The programme is presented from January to July to leave the latter half of the year clear for the all-important peak period in sales.

Mari Lloyd Photography

What qualifications will I gain?

The course consists of two programmes:

The University Foundation Certificate: Livestock Market Operations and Management (Years 1 & 2)

Designed to provide the bedrock of knowledge and skills needed by anybody aspiring to competent livestock auction practice.
Covering 6 modules over 2 years, leading to Associate Status with the requisite practical experience.
Following successful completion of Years 1 & 2, students may progress to:
The Certificate of Higher Education: Livestock Operations and Management (Years 3 & 4)

Builds on knowledge from Years 1 & 2 for future mart managers and directors by looking at a broader curriculum in the context of livestock operations and management.
Covering a further 6 modules over 2 years, leading to Fellowship Status with the requisite practical experience

Expert Faculty in Auctioneering and Valuation Practices

All the modules are graded at Level 4 in the National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This is equivalent in level to the first year of a degree course.

The teaching staff of the University include professionally-qualified auctioneers and valuers with extensive industry experience. They will also be supported by practitioners who are at the forefront of current market operations and practice.

What do students think of the course?

The LAA Livestock Market: Operations & Management course has been hugely beneficial to my career so far due to the content and most importantly the contacts I’ve made. I have made friends who I can trust in business from Caithness all the way to Ashford. If I want to know about a client or discuss stock prices, I can pick up the phone and know who I’m talking to. I would highly recommend the course

Jack Walton, Auctioneer Hexham & Northern Marts

How do I join?

To be considered for this programme, you must be working in the industry and be supported by your employer, as you will need to draw on your workplace experience. You must have Maths and English GCSE at grade C or above or a period of employment/work experience in the livestock sector and must be at least 18 years old on the date of enrolment.

Advanced Entry

Advanced Entry options are available to graduates in suitable subjects, and holders of other suitable qualifications.

Course Information Brochure