Land
The Diploma of Higher Education in Agriculture course recognises the changes in UK agriculture in the wake of the new agriculture policy and the threat of climate change. While the broad themes of the course are food production systems & precision farming, the economic, social and environmental sustainability of practices are recognised and evaluated as are the links to food security, consumer behaviour and supply chains.
This two year full time award has been developed to give students knowledge of arable and livestock farming with a wider consideration of environmental impacts and sustainability.
On successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of the broad principles underpinning general farm production whilst monitoring environmental and commercial viability.
Course Modules
Essential graduate and professional skills, including entrepreneurship, farm management including a sound understanding of diversification, underpin all modules.
Throughout the course, delivery will parallel developments within the sector, paying close attention to innovation and novel production systems to ensure that graduates are employment ready, are informed and able to contribute to decision making at a farm, company or policy making level.
| STAGE ONE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Graduate, Professional Skills (15 credits) |
|
| Principles of Sustainable Development (15 credits) |
|
| Biological Processes (15 credits) |
Climate, Soils and Land Use (15 credits) |
| Agribusiness Management for a Circular Economy (15 credits) |
|
| Global and Local Food Systems (15 credits) |
|
| Introduction to Livestock and Production Systems (15 credits) |
|
| Integrated Production Systems (15 credits) |
|
| Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture (30 credits) |
|
| STAGE TWO | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Academic and Professional Development (30 credits) |
|
| Political and Economic Contexts (15 credits) |
International Value Chain (15 credits) |
| Livestock Production Systems (30 credits) |
|
| Issues and Solutions In Production (15 credits) |
|
| Fresh Produce Production (15 credits) |
|
Key
| OPTIONAL MODULES |
|---|
Optional modules
Students can select 30 credits of optional modules from stage one.
Note
These are the modules that are offered in this academic year; however, modules may be subject to change for the following reasons:
- Staff availability - for example the availability of staff to deliver specialist modules, which cannot be delivered by staff who do not have the relevant specialist expertise.
- In response to feedback and annual review processes to ensure we continually enhance our programmes. Changes in these circumstances will usually be made for the benefit of students.
- Student demand - to ensure there are adequate numbers on a module to support the provision of an excellent Learning & Teaching experience.
- The currency of the relevant module. Some modules are specified at a time when they reflect the issues that are currently topical in the subject area. They may have lost that currency by the time that the student is required to exercise the option. In the circumstances, in order to ensure that students are provided with an appropriate learning experience, those modules will be replaced by those which are relevant to the changing nature of the subject area.
The Writtle University College will endeavour to ensure that any impact on students is limited if such changes occur.
Entry Requirements
The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.
UCAS Tariff Points
GCE A Levels
Irish Certificate
Scottish Highers
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
BTEC Level 3 Diploma
C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma
C & G Level 3 Diploma
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
- Lectures and tutorials
- Seminars and debates
- Inquiry-based learning
- Farm and business visits
- Online quizzes, wikis and activities
- Case studies
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
Employment Details
This list of careers below are those that graduates from this programme have been successful in.
- Farm Manager
- Agronomist
- Animal nutritionist
- Land agent
- Nutrition company sales representative