Agriculture - Foundation Degree

Program Overview

This two-year foundation degree in Agriculture provides a comprehensive understanding of modern agricultural practices, business management, and sustainable enterprise management. Students gain hands-on experience through field visits and work opportunities in the UK and overseas, preparing them for technical and managerial roles within the industry. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to adopt best practices amidst a changing agricultural landscape.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This two-year foundation degree in Agriculture is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of modern agricultural practices, business management, and the changing farming landscape. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage sustainable agricultural enterprises. The program is taught by leading experts and researchers in the field, and students have opportunities to gain work experience in the UK and overseas.

Outline:

Year 1

• Agricultural Technology and Farm Safety (RD18420): This module introduces students to the technologies used in the agricultural industry and explores safety practices on farms.
• Business, Economics and Land Use (RD11420): This module examines the economic factors influencing land use and explores the resources needed to operate a rural business.
• Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management (RD18040): This module covers the management of crops, grasslands, soils, and agricultural land.
• Introduction to Livestock Science and Production Systems (RD17020): This module provides an introduction to livestock science and production systems.

Year 2

• Agronomy and Crop Improvement (RD27620): This module explores crop production systems and strategies for improving crop yields.
• Business Budgeting and Appraisal (RD22520): This module teaches students how to analyze and budget for a farm business.
• Food, Farming and the Environment (RD20420): This module examines the impact of agriculture and food supply systems on the environment.
• Research Methods (RD27520): This module introduces students to research methodologies.
• Science and Technology in Agriculture (RD20720): This module explores the role of science and technology in modern agriculture.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Essays
• Practical reports and exercises
• Oral presentations
• Exams
• Plans
• Worksheets
• Field notebooks
• Case studies

Teaching:

The program is taught through a balanced program of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, study tours, and demonstrations. Students are assigned a personal tutor who provides academic and personal support throughout their studies.

Careers:

Graduates of the Foundation Degree in Agriculture enter a variety of technical and managerial roles at enterprise and farm level. They are equipped to adopt best practices that incorporate current research and husbandry practices, allowing them to manage livestock and crops in a changing environment.

Other:

• The program is taught in a department renowned for agricultural innovation.
• The university farms provide a setting for practical learning.
• Field visits to farms and agricultural and food businesses reinforce academic learning.
• The majority of teaching staff are qualified to PhD level and are research active.
• The department has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.
• The program offers opportunities for work experience in the UK and overseas.
• Students who successfully complete the program to the required standard can progress onto the BSc Agriculture degree.