BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture
Bachelor's Degree | Subject to validation
This programme has been informed by the significant changes in the UK agricultural industry both post-Brexit and in the context of climate change as well as global challenges in sustainability, food security and natural resource management. It aims to equip students with the critical skills and knowledge to develop and manage agri-food businesses both in the UK and internationally.
The programme will draw on developing theories of sustainable and regenerative agriculture incorporating a practical focus where employability, communication, entrepreneurial problem-solving skills and management expertise will be key outcomes. The Government’s clear policy direction towards a low carbon environmentally sustainable economy will demand new and adaptive skills, which are not readily available in traditional course structures.
The programme aims to:
- Develop a thorough knowledge and practical understanding of current agricultural management techniques and principles and be able to evaluate and apply these appropriately.
- Investigate and evaluate new and adaptive skills, competencies emerging in the agricultural and land management environments, with particular reference to changing society and policy pressures.
- Communicate accurately, confidently, and appropriately to a variety of audiences using a range of formats and employing appropriate technical language
- Identify and work towards personal, academic and career targets including the development of appropriate agricultural management skills
Course details
| Dates & Location |
September 2024 (subject to validation) |
|---|---|
| Duration |
This programme is a full BSc (Hons) degree that can be completed in two years, rather than three years. You will study Level 4, 5 and 6 modules delivered over six terms on a hybrid learning basis. Students will attend campus 1 week with seminars, lectures, practicals and more - with the remaining 3 weeks delivered remotely with academic and industry supported study. |
| Costs |
This is an accelerated BSc course over 2 years. For UK students, this results in a total cost of £21,600 compared to £27,750 for a 3 year course, saving £6,150. Fees per year:
|
Entry Requirements
We consider a wide range of Level 3 qualifications with UCAS Tariff points, specifically:
- A Level: three subjects (BCC)
- BTEC National: Extended Diploma (DMM)
- International Baccalaureate: 26 Points overall
- Access to HE in Chemistry and/or Biology: 104 Points
We also consider alternative qualifications at Level 3, such as OCR Cambridge Technical, AQA Tech-Level, and a range of international qualifications at Level 3 equivalent.
We also consider applicants with relevant industrial experience if over 21 years of age.
We expect a minimum of five GCSEs, including Mathematics and English at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system).
Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing.
Facilities
Student Support
The College’s Inclusive Learning and Development Department offers dedicated support for HE students, this can take the form of one-to-one support, exam access arrangements.Students who have a learning disability are able to access support with making an application to the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) from the College’s Inclusive Learning and Development Department.
The Library boasts a collection of over 8,000 books, covering a range of key subject areas within land-based curriculum. The Library also provides students with access to a variety of magazines, periodicals and academic journals through online databases.
Learning technology is central to the learning experience of students at Plumpton College and therefore is supported by dedicated staff within the College Teaching and Learning Team. The responsibilities of this team are to help support students with learning technology to enhance the overall learning experience.
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor.
Class sizes
Class sizes vary by module and all students will have opportunities for 1-to-1 time with their tutors.
Assessments
Assessment methods are largely based on case studies and analysis of real-life situations, reports of workplace practices and presentations of evaluations of sustainable strategies.
Future Opportunities
Graduates from the course will be equipped to pursuit careers in:
- Farm management
- Agricultural consultancy
- International development
- Policy development in local and national government
- Agri-food supply chain management
- Academia
Modules
Term 1 & 2
- Introduction to the Rural Economy (15 credits)
- Agronomy and Cropping Systems (15 credits)
- Introduction to Livestock Science and Production (15 credits)
- Sustainable Soil management (15 credits)
- Nutrients and Water (15 credits)
- Principles of Machinery (15 credits)
- Ecology, Biodiversity and Natural Resources (15 credits)
- Geographic Information Systems (15 credits)
Term 3 & 4
- Integrated Crop Production (15 credits)
- Livestock Production (15 credits)
- Agricultural Mechanisation and Technology (15 credits)
- Sustainable Farming Communities (15 credits)
- Sustainable Business Management (15 credits)
- Sustainable Horticultural Technologies (15 credits)
- Waste Management, Recycling and Energy (15 credits)
- Research Methods and Statistics (15 credits)
Term 5 & 6
- Farming across Scales for Food Security (15 credits)
- Computers in Sustainable Agriculture (15 credits)
- Emerging technologies and precision cropping systems (15 credits)
- Advanced Global Livestock and Forage Systems (15 credits)
- Sustainable Agriculture and Climate change (15 credits)
- Agricultural Business Planning (15 credits)
- Sustainable Agriculture Honours Project (30 credits)
