Agrifood Innovation MRes

Program Overview

The MRes Agrifood Innovation program at Aberystwyth University is a blended learning experience designed for individuals working in the agri-food sector who wish to integrate the Circular Economy ethos into their practice or policy. The program emphasizes research over taught elements and offers a flexible course structure with three intakes per year. It includes core modules in research methods and research projects, along with a wide range of optional modules covering various aspects of agrifood innovation. The program is suitable for those seeking to advance their careers in agrifood research or gain a deeper understanding of circular economy principles.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

MRes Agrifood Innovation at Aberystwyth University is a postgraduate program designed for individuals interested in integrating the Circular Economy ethos into agrifood practice or policy. It is particularly relevant for those working within the Welsh agrifood supply chains. The program emphasizes research over taught elements, making it an ideal stepping stone for those seeking to develop their research careers.

Outline:

The program is structured as a blended learning experience, combining distance learning modules with work-based research.

Course Structure:

• Distance Learning Modules: Individual modules run for 14 weeks and are delivered online.
There are three intakes per year, allowing students to start in January, May, or September.
• Work-Based Research: The research elements are conducted in the student's workplace with regular academic supervision.

Course Schedule:

• May Start - 2024:
• Core Modules:
• MRes Research Project (A) - BDM6060 - 60 credits
• MRes Research Project (B) - BDM6160 - 60 credits
• Research Methods - BDM0120 - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Behaviour Change - BDM8820 - 20 credits
• Biorefining Technologies - BDM7720 - 20 credits
• Controlled Environment Agriculture - BDM6220 - 20 credits
• Future of Packaging - BDM1320 - 20 credits
• Horticultural Science - BDM6920 - 20 credits
• Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond - BDM6320 - 20 credits
• Livestock Health and Welfare - BDM5920 - 20 credits
• Meat Processing - BDM8720 - 20 credits
• Precision Livestock - BDM6420 - 20 credits
• Public Goods - BDM1920 - 20 credits
• Sustainable Supply Systems - BDM1120 - 20 credits
• Waste Resource Management - BDM1220 - 20 credits
• September Start - 2024:
• Core Modules:
• MRes Research Project (A) - BDM6060 - 60 credits
• MRes Research Project (B) - BDM6160 - 60 credits
• Research Methods - BDM0120 - 20 credits
• MRes Dissertation DL (A) - BDM0060 - 60 credits
• MRes Dissertation DL (B) - BDM0260 - 60 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Behaviour Change - BDM8820 - 20 credits
• Biorefining Technologies - BDM7720 - 20 credits
• Controlled Environment Agriculture - BDM6220 - 20 credits
• Future of Packaging - BDM1320 - 20 credits
• Horticultural Science - BDM6920 - 20 credits
• Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond - BDM6320 - 20 credits
• Livestock Health and Welfare - BDM5920 - 20 credits
• Meat Processing - BDM8720 - 20 credits
• Precision Livestock - BDM6420 - 20 credits
• Public Goods - BDM1920 - 20 credits
• Sustainable Supply Systems - BDM1120 - 20 credits
• Waste Resource Management - BDM1220 - 20 credits
• January Start - 2025:
• Core Modules:
• MRes Research Project (A) - BDM6060 - 60 credits
• MRes Research Project (B) - BDM6160 - 60 credits
• Research Methods - BDM0120 - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Behaviour Change - BDM8820 - 20 credits
• Biorefining Technologies - BDM7720 - 20 credits
• Controlled Environment Agriculture - BDM6220 - 20 credits
• Future of Packaging - BDM1320 - 20 credits
• Horticultural Science - BDM6920 - 20 credits
• Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond - BDM6320 - 20 credits
• Livestock Health and Welfare - BDM5920 - 20 credits
• Meat Processing - BDM8720 - 20 credits
• Precision Livestock - BDM6420 - 20 credits
• Public Goods - BDM1920 - 20 credits
• Sustainable Supply Systems - BDM1120 - 20 credits
• Waste Resource Management - BDM1220 - 20 credits
• May Start - 2025:
• Core Modules:
• MRes Research Project (A) - BDM6060 - 60 credits
• MRes Research Project (B) - BDM6160 - 60 credits
• Research Methods - BDM0120 - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Behaviour Change - BDM8820 - 20 credits
• Biorefining Technologies - BDM7720 - 20 credits
• Controlled Environment Agriculture - BDM6220 - 20 credits
• Future of Packaging - BDM1320 - 20 credits
• Horticultural Science - BDM6920 - 20 credits
• Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond - BDM6320 - 20 credits
• Livestock Health and Welfare - BDM5920 - 20 credits
• Meat Processing - BDM8720 - 20 credits
• Precision Livestock - BDM6420 - 20 credits
• Public Goods - BDM1920 - 20 credits
• Sustainable Supply Systems - BDM1120 - 20 credits
• Waste Resource Management - BDM1220 - 20 credits

Assessment:

• Taught Modules: Assessed through coursework and forum discussions.
• Research: Monitored and assessed throughout the program.

Teaching:

• Learning Materials: Include podcast lectures, e-group projects, guided reading, interactive workbooks, discussion forums, assignments, and e-tutorials.
• Faculty: The program is supervised by academic staff within the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University.

Careers:

• Target Audience: The program is designed for individuals already employed in the agri-food sector who seek to update their technical knowledge and gain a qualification.
• Career Advancement: It serves as a stepping stone for those aiming to move into research roles within the agri-food sector.

Other:

• Language: The program is available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh.
• Online Learning: The program is web-based, allowing students to study from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.