Taught postgraduate
PgC / PgD / MSc /MProf Agricultural Sciences and Production Systems
Key information
Duration
1 year full-time
2 to 3 years part-time
Start date
September 2024
Award
Final award: MSc or MProf
Intermediate awards: PgC Agricultural Production Systems, PgD Agricultural Sciences and Production Systems
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Course description
Gain the skills and knowledge to keep feeding the world. As the population grows so do the challenges we face, and the need for creative solutions from agricultural specialists.
The demand for safe, wholesome food produced in an environmentally sensitive manner is a major political issue for national governments and internationally within global commodity markets. Global population is set to rise to 9 billion by 2050*, which will substantially increase the demand for food.
As a recognised centre of research excellence that is closely engaged with the industries, professions and organisations involved in the global agri-food chain and the UK rural economy, we can help you develop the skills to play a key role managing global agricultural production systems.
MSc students will learn to:
- Understand global crop and animal production systems and their impact on environmental quality.
- Produce management solutions that take into account the balance between crop and animal production, economic and social needs and environmental protection.
- Communicate ideas and technical management solutions to different audiences.
- Assess the quality of farmland environments and create strategies to enhance landscape and wildlife potential in different geographic locations.
- Formulate, test and draw conclusions from hypotheses.
- Solve problems through novel research techniques.
* Food Matters: Towards a Strategy for the 21st Century; UK Cabinet Office report, 2008
For the MProf route, candidates will complete 120 credits from the Postgraduate Diploma programme plus a further 60 credits from any other module which is running and for which they meet the pre-requisites. Options can be discussed with the course team.
Funding
The full-time and two year part-time courses are eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Block-based study
Modules are delivered in one week (and in a select few modules two week) blocks on campus. You will know in advance which weeks require physical attendance as they’ll be scheduled on the timetable. In addition to this, you will be required to allocate time for self-study to complete the assignments associated with each of the modules. Some modules may also include research and/or exam elements, these are also highlighted on the timetable.
Entry requirements for 2025
For PgC/PgD entry candidates should possess one of the following:
- Honours degree (at least a 2.2)
- A good UK based HND or Foundation Degree, together with related industrial or professional experience of at least two years
- A Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate or equivalent
For MSc entry candidates should possess one of the following:
- Honours degree (at least a 2.2)
- A Postgraduate Diploma or equivalent
What will I study?
Optional modules are indicative and may be subject to change.
Teaching and learning
Suggested pathways and associated optional modules:
Farm Business Management
- Land Economics
- Agricultural Economics, Policy and Trade
Precision Farming
- GIS and Land Use
- Applied Crop Precision Farming
Soil and Water Management
- Soil Tillage and Compaction
- Soil and Water Nutrient Cycling, Waste Management
Crop Production
- Plant Health Management - Principles
- Soil and Water Management
- Pesticide Technology
- Applied Crop Precision Farming
Sustainable Agriculture
- Fundamentals of Agroecology
- Sustainable Energy in the Countryside
Animal Production
- Principles of Nutrition
- Ration Formulation and Feeding Systems
Note: Principles and Practices of Crop Production and Principles and Practice of Livestock Husbandry can be replaced with an optional module for students with a first degree in Agriculture.
Careers
Students have typically entered a wide variety of professions. Some have worked for government departments and agencies such as Natural England or the Environment Agency. Others have joined agrochemical companies or found positions within agricultural or environmental consultancies.
98% Employability
91Pro has the best and most consistent long-term graduate employment performance in specialist agri-food higher education
(HESA 2017)
No. 1
In the UK for graduate employment
(Graduate Outcomes 2020)
700
We work with more than 700 businesses to deliver, develop and drive forward higher skills
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