Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course description
The effective control of pests and diseases is fundamental to the use of plants by man for economic, environmental and general well-being. The threats to plant biosecurity have increased with the globalisation in trade and travel, which has resulted in increased volume and diversity of plants and plant products entering the UK. This has resulted in much greater risk of the introduction and establishment of new plant pests and pathogens. A recent example was Ash Dieback which is estimated will cost the British economy £15 billion.
The course is offered part-time only and intended to provide students with a detailed understanding of basic plant pathology and entomology, and the application of this science to control current plant pests and pathogens, to reduce the introduction of invasive pests and pathogens and minimise their impact when introduced.
This course is primarily aimed at UK government staff with biosecurity responsibilities but will also be of benefit for staff working within plant businesses (e.g. plant importers, growers and distributors) with responsibility for biosecurity.
The PgC element is a blended learning course of four modules where each module is delivered as 60% online over a six-week period followed by two days of face to face delivery on campus. All module assessments are by coursework assignments. There is a two-day induction to the course at the start of the academic year in September.
Students in full-time employment would normally complete the four PgC modules over two years. (For students wishing to complete in one year there would be an overlap of typically two weeks of two modules running concurrently where the first module students would be completing an assignment and in the second module students would be starting the on-line portion of the taught content)
Students may then progress onto the PgD by the selection of four optional modules from the applied ecology suite of courses. These are taught in one- or two-week blocks. For the MSc, a Master’s Research Project is also completed.
The course is strongly aligned with the competencies of the Royal Society of Biology Plant Health Professional Register.
Program Outline
MSc (180 credits from)
- Plant Health Principles
- Plant Biosecurity
- Plant Health Practices
- Surveillance and Diagnostics
- Masters Research Project
Optional modules
Harper Adams University
Overview:
Harper Adams University is a renowned institution specializing in agriculture, food, and the environment. It is known for its strong industry connections and commitment to research, aiming to educate and inspire businesses to achieve Net Zero. The university boasts a strong reputation for career prospects, consistently ranking No. 1 in the UK for this category.
Services Offered:
Harper Adams University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Courses:
Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields related to agriculture, food, and the environment.Apprenticeships:
Opportunities to gain practical experience and qualifications through work-based learning.Placement Advantage:
Strong industry connections and support for students seeking placements and careers.Careers Service:
Guidance and resources for students seeking employment opportunities.Scholarships:
Financial support for students through various scholarship programs.Students' Union:
A vibrant student community with various clubs, societies, and events.Research:
Opportunities for students to engage in research projects and contribute to knowledge advancement.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Harper Adams University provides a unique campus experience with:
Open Days:
Opportunities for prospective students to visit the campus, meet staff, and learn about the university.University Life:
A vibrant campus community with various social and extracurricular activities.Inclusive University:
A commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all students.Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry Connections:
Strong relationships with businesses and organizations in the agricultural, food, and environmental sectors.Career Prospects:
Consistently ranked No. 1 in the UK for career prospects.Research Focus:
A commitment to research and innovation, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.Unique Campus Experience:
A vibrant and supportive campus community with a focus on practical learning and industry engagement.Academic Programs:
Harper Adams University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Study:
Programs in areas such as agriculture, food science, environmental management, and animal science.Postgraduate Study:
Programs in areas such as sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental policy.Other:
A UK honours degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent overseas qualification. Applicants with a good FdSc/HND pass in a relevant subject area plus at least two years' relevant industrial or professional experience may also be considered.
Previous experience, referees' reports and interviews will be used to determine the suitability of candidates for particular programmes.