Course Philosophy
The Certificate Course in Knowledge of The Land for Sustainable Development is a short-term program delivered in a modular format under the Bachelor of Science program in Knowledge of The Land for Sustainable Development. Each module is designed with clear professional objectives and is self-contained, enabling learners to apply the acquired knowledge in relevant careers. Additionally, learners can accumulate credits from the program towards earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Knowledge of The Land for Sustainable Development.
This innovative approach to education serves as a model for adapting to global changes and aligning with national development policies. It represents a transformation of learning aimed at fostering Thailand 4.0 citizens and advancing smart farming. The program’s objectives are as follows:
Objectives
- Promoting lifelong learning: The program is accessible to individuals of all ages, including students, working professionals, the elderly, and underprivileged groups seeking knowledge to enhance their employability.
- Fostering entrepreneurial skills and modern agriculture (smart farming): Emphasizing practical, hands-on learning, the program enables participants to start new businesses (start-ups) or become entrepreneurial farmers, tailored to the modules they select.
- Encouraging innovation and the creation of new knowledge: The program supports learning that drives innovation and the development of novel ideas.
- Integrating work-based learning: Through collaboration with businesses and communities, the program adopts a work-integrated learning model, enhancing essential work skills and ensuring readiness for employment.
Applicant Eligibility
Applications are open to individuals of all genders and age groups. Eligibility is based on a demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning, along with relevant experience or an interest in the offered modules. This program provides an excellent opportunity for participants to reskill or upskill, aligning their knowledge and abilities with evolving professional and personal goals.
New Graduates Generation Project
Principles and Reasons
The transformation from a traditional economy to an innovation-driven economy is a key mechanism for propelling Thailand towards the goals of Thailand 4.0, focusing on stability, prosperity, and sustainability. Strategic frameworks such as the 20-Year National Strategy (2017–2036), the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017–2021), and the National Education Plan (2017–2036) emphasize the critical role of human capital development in achieving developed nation status. The aim is to cultivate Thai citizens with advanced knowledge, skills, and capabilities, a strong sense of social responsibility, digital literacy, and a global mindset. To achieve these objectives, key development strategies include transforming cultural values, enhancing human capacity at all life stages, revolutionizing learning processes, and focusing on the development and retention of high-performing talent.
Aligned with the Education and Sports Committee of the National Legislative Assembly, higher education reform plays a significant role in driving national development. This includes building a competitive workforce, reforming curricula to ensure relevance, enhancing the competencies of academic staff, and adopting innovative teaching methods. Furthermore, the reforms prioritize impactful research, reduce educational inequality, and promote the integration of information technology in education. These measures collectively aim to support transformative learning and pave the way for sustainable progress, ensuring that Thailand achieves the vision of Thailand 4.0.
Objectives
The Non-Degree Program in Knowledge of the Land for Sustainable Development is a short-term, module-based learning initiative. Each module is designed with clear and comprehensive professional objectives, enabling learners to apply the knowledge gained directly to relevant careers. Additionally, participants can accumulate credits toward earning a Bachelor of Science in Knowledge of the Land for Sustainable Development.
This innovative teaching and learning approach serves as a model aligned with global changes and national development policies. It embodies the transformation of education to foster the development of Thai 4.0 citizens and to advance smart farming practices. The program aims to achieve these goals through the following objectives:
- To serve as a model for short courses (modules) that integrate diverse disciplines, achieving self-sufficiency so that learners can apply the knowledge gained directly to their careers.
- Promote lifelong learning by accommodating learners of all ages, including students, working professionals, the elderly, and the disadvantaged, all of whom can benefit from career-building courses.
- Encourage entrepreneurship and modern agriculture (smart farming), with a focus on practical application. Learners can start new businesses (start-ups) or become farmers and entrepreneurs based on their chosen courses.
- Foster innovative learning and the creation of new knowledge, facilitating the development of creative and forward-thinking solutions.
- Support collaborative learning with establishments and communities through work-integrated learning, helping learners develop essential job skills and enhancing their readiness for the workforce.
Module’s Connection to Major Industries
The Non-Degree Program in Knowledge of the Land for Sustainable Development comprises a range of professional and operational modules designed to develop Thai 4.0 citizens who are proficient in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program focuses on enhancing knowledge, competence, and hands-on experience through real-world exercises. Its aim is to develop modern farmers who can transition from traditional farming to smart farming, with an emphasis on management and technology. This shift allows farmers to become entrepreneurs who increase the value of agricultural products through innovative processing. Start-ups driven by innovation-based enterprises (IDE) are a key component in propelling Thailand toward becoming a country characterized by stability, prosperity, and sustainability.
The program consists of 37 modules, each with distinct learning goals. Each module includes 4-5 courses, totaling 20 credits, and takes one semester to complete. These modules are interconnected and aligned with industries critical to advancing the country’s economy. They also reflect Thailand’s education reform and national development, in line with the New Graduates Generation Project from the Ministry of Education, as illustrated in Figure 2.