| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
| 2024-05-01 | - |
Program Overview
Thompson Rivers University's Regenerative Agriculture Diploma is a 21-course program that prepares students to develop resilient agricultural enterprises in harmony with nature. The program emphasizes nutrient-dense food production, soil health, carbon sequestration, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Through block-based flexible learning, students gain practical experience, develop business management skills, and have the opportunity to showcase their plans at the "Bull's Den" presentation.
Program Outline
It focuses on developing resilient regenerative agriculture enterprises that work in harmony with nature. The program emphasizes producing nutrient-dense foods while building soil health, sequestering carbon, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels and costly inputs.
Objectives:
- Develop skills in producing nutrient-dense foods.
- Build soil organic matter and water holding capacity.
- Sequester carbon from the atmosphere.
- Reduce fossil fuels and costly inputs.
- Gain practical experience through host farm practicum or self-directed learning plan.
- Develop a strong foundation in business management.
- Apply regenerative agriculture and resource management concepts to various landscapes.
- Learn management skills specific to pasture-raised beef and sheep production, winter forage production, agri-tourism, and food sovereignty.
Assessment:
- Students complete assignments for each course.
- Assignments are used as building blocks for their final business and operations plan.
- Students present their business plans at the ‘Bull’s Den’, where they receive feedback from subject experts.
- The ‘Bull’s Den’ presentation is the culmination of the second year and a highlight of the learning experience.
Teaching:
- Block Based Flexible Learning: Each course is three weeks long with one seminar or field trip per week, usually on a Monday or Tuesday.
- Winter seminars are delivered through video conference.
- Summer months involve field trips to farms within the region and learning from successful agriculture entrepreneurs or subject experts.
- Students work on their host farms and complete readings and assignments on their own schedule, submitting them by Sunday.
Careers:
- Farm and ranch operations and management
- Agriculture banking and insurance sectors
- Marketing, sales, and management in the agri-business sector
- Range and land use management
- Economic development, agriculture, and land management within communities
- Agriculture entrepreneur
- Agriculture business consulting
Other:
- The program is open to international applicants.
- Students are responsible for finding their own suitable work experience placement.
- The program has intake dates in September, January, and May.
Thompson Rivers University
Overview:
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is a public university located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online learning options. TRU is known for its commitment to student success, providing individualized student services, hands-on learning opportunities, and a diverse and inclusive environment.
Services Offered:
TRU offers a comprehensive range of services to support students, including:
Enrolment Services:
Course registration, academic advising, dates and deadlines, course schedule, and academic calendars.Student Awards & Financial Aid:
Scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs.Student Life:
Student clubs and organizations, events, and activities.Academic Supports:
Tutoring, writing centers, and other academic resources.Health & Wellness:
Counseling, health services, and wellness programs.Diversity & Equity:
Support for diverse student populations and initiatives promoting equity.Career & Experiential Learning:
Career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Campus Services:
Library, bookstore, IT support, and other campus resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
TRU provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for students. The university offers a variety of student clubs and organizations, events, and activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Students can participate in sports, arts, and cultural activities, as well as engage in volunteer opportunities. The campus is located in Kamloops, a city known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, providing students with access to hiking, biking, skiing, and other activities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Hands-on Learning:
TRU emphasizes practical learning experiences, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.Individualized Support:
The university offers personalized student services, ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed.Diverse and Inclusive Environment:
TRU is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.Location:
Kamloops offers a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities, providing students with a balanced lifestyle.Academic Programs:
TRU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Bachelor's degrees, diplomas, and certificates in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, education, health, and technology.Graduate Programs:
Master's degrees and postgraduate certificates in specialized areas.Trades Programs:
Hands-on training in skilled trades, such as welding, carpentry, and automotive technology.Adult Basic Education:
Programs for adults seeking to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.Study English:
English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for international students.Community Programs:
Courses and programs designed to meet the needs of the local community.Other:
TRU is committed to sustainability and has achieved a double platinum rating in sustainability from STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System). The university is also accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Entry Requirements:
- Open admission
- Grade 12 (or equivalent) or mature student status
- Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum C (or equivalent)
- English Studies 12/English First Peoples 12 (or equivalent)
