We are pleased to confirm that Writtle University College and ARU (Anglia Ruskin University) are joining together. The merger will happen during the 23/24 academic year. Writtle’s full range of Higher and Further Education courses will continue to be delivered on site at the Writtle campus, enhanced by resources available at nearby ARU. If you are starting your course in September 2024, your degree will be awarded by ARU. Find out more about ARU, including our recent Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, at aru.ac.uk.
Land
BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Regenerative Systems) is the first of it's kind in the United Kingdom and is recognition of the shifting emphasis and changing direction of the agricultural industry as a result of political, economic social and environmental influences.
The drivers of change include the recent threat to supply chains during the coronavirus crisis, climate change, biodiversity targets, a new UK agricultural policy and an increasing public awareness of the issues surrounding the production of food.
Regenerative Agriculture is an alternative approach to farming production systems that focuses on enhancing and restoring resilient systems and relates to the science of managing the soil, landscapes and communities. The course has been developed to encompass thinking across conservation agriculture, agro-ecology, climate smart agriculture, carbon farming, technology use, and integrated management practices.
Particular emphasis is placed on the importance and relevance of soil health and the integration of livestock along with the practices which underpin the principles. These include minimising soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover, reducing the use of pesticide and artificial fertiliser and using grass leys to build fertility providing food for soil improving livestock. Such farm level practices can contribute to global goals of building resilient local food chains, the provision of ecosystem services and mitigating the impact of climate change.
BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Regenerative Systems) focuses on crop production while the BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Regenerative Systems and Livestock) focuses on livestock, each recognising the importance of a holistic approach, which should include both in a circular structure.
Course Modules
| STAGE ONE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Graduate, Professional Skills (15 credits) |
|
| Principles of Sustainable Development (15 credits) |
|
| Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture (30 credits) |
|
| Biological Processes (15 credits) |
Climate, Soils and Land Use (15 credits) |
| Global and Local Food Systems (15 credits) |
|
| Agribusiness Management for a Circular Economy (15 credits) |
|
| STAGE TWO | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Academic and Professional Development (30 credits) |
|
| Organic and Sustainable Farming Systems (15 credits) |
Agroforestry (15 credits) |
| Political and Economic Contexts (15 credits) |
International Value Chain C (15 credits) |
| Issues and Solutions In Production (15 credits) |
|
| Fresh Produce Production (15 credits) |
|
| STAGE THREE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Dissertation (30 credits) |
|
| Natural Resources Management (15 credits) |
|
| Integrating Science, Crop and Livestock Management (15 credits) |
|
| World, Heritage & Novel crops (15 credits) |
|
| Contemporary Issues in Food Production (15 credits) |
|
| Sustainable Business Solutions (30 credits) |
|
Entry Requirements
The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.
UCAS Tariff Points
96
GCE A Levels
96 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above
Irish Certificate
96 UCAS tariff points, to include 4 x H3 higher, one of which in a relevant science-based subject
Scottish Highers
96 UCAS tariff points, to include 3 x B
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Total (IB) Diploma point score of 24 or more
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
MMM
BTEC Level 3 Diploma
DD
C & G Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720)
Distinction (96)
C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma
Merit (96)
C & G Level 3 Diploma
Distinction (96)
Please note:
An equivalent or higher combination of grades to that indicated above will also be accepted.
GCSEs
All applicants must hold a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include English, Maths and Science.
Access course
Writtle University College welcomes applicants studying Access to HE Diploma courses. For more information please contact Admissions.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)
Information about our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL) policy can be found on our Higher Education Regulations and Policies page.
Learning & Teaching Methods
The following list shows the variety of learning and teaching methods experienced on this course.
- Farm walks and practicals
- Tutorials
- Seminars and debates
- Inquiry-based learning
- Farm visits
- Online quizzes, wikis and activities
- Laboratory practical classes including dissections
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed in a variety of ways many of which are centred on the College farm, these include.
- Practical assessments with both livestock and crops
- Examinations - both multiple choice and essay questions
- Presentations - both individually and in small groups
- Essays and technical reports
- Assessed seminars
- Case studies
- Experimental work and laboratory reports
- Poster presentations
- Debates
- Dissertation
Employment Details
As agriculture faces the need for a more sustainable approach to production brought about by changing consumer preferences, climate change and the new subsidy framework, so the demand for graduates who have a regenerative approach will increase. This will be evident along the supply chain and for the supporting service providers. Input providers will need to understand alternative and integrated methods of production, avoiding the use of the increasingly less available pesticides and fertilisers, farmers will need to be able to demonstrate their ability to provide public goods and merchants and wholesalers will need to capitalize on these approaches in the market place to ensure goods meet the demands of the consumer. Opportunities will be available in the traditional occupations such as research, agronomy, farm management, advisory and land agency amongst others but the graduates from this programme will be more fully equipped to meet the challenges of the new approach.
The food and beverage sector is currently the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, contributing £28.2 billion to the economy annually and is one that is proactively seeking new graduate recruits. The growth of small, local, innovative business and start-ups in all level of food production and retail offer alternative new pathways. In addition, there are opportunities to support technical managers, enter junior produce / buyer / food quality roles as well as being production specialists. Roles in the private and public sector as policy advisors and agricultural journalists, as well as non-profit and civil society organisations are all potential graduate pathways.
Good to know...
Undergraduate part-time student loans are available to students that have already studied at degree/higher education level before!
Under the equivalent or lower qualification (ELQ) exception rule, our Agriculture, Horticulture and Sustainable Food honours degrees are all eligible for part-time funding.
Find out more