The first year of your Foundation Degree in Sustainable Agriculture will provide you with the opportunity to develop an interest and focus on one of our three pathways through study of a broad range of agricultural science and production modules. These modules will provide you with a well-rounded theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable agricultural production required for successful progression to a chosen specialism. Upon completion of year one, you will be able to progress to one of the following specialisms:
Use industry-leading facilities
Our college farm, located in the dairy county of Cheshire on our 330-hectare campus, is a regional centre for agricultural education. On-site production consists of an array of livestock, arable-crop and horticultural-crop production systems which are often used for commercial trials by industry bodies such as AHDB and various machinery manufacturers.
During your studies, you will have the opportunity to use our new state-of-the-art technologies such as our Lely Astronaut A5 automated robotic milking systems and Data Hub, Vertical Farming Unit and hydroponic glasshouse which will provide you with opportunities for applied research, data collection and collaboration with industry partners.

A fully integrated approach and a strong balance of blended learning means that students develop a wider perspective of subject areas and the industry. This enables them to develop the skills to solve problems and equips them for their career.
Your degree could lead to a variety of career pathways on home turf and overseas. There are plenty of opportunities open to skilled agriculture graduates, including:
Broaden your knowledge on study tours
You will be given the opportunity to undertake relevant field trips and study tours* to broaden your knowledge of farming practices and to further develop your connections with industry and fellow students. Previous study tours have been to America whilst field trips and industry events closer to campus have seen students attend the British Cattle Breeders Conference in Telford and The Farm Business Innovation Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
You can even broaden your horizons through scholarships such as our own John Platt Travel Scholarship. In previous years, recipients of this scholarship have used it to look at agricultural industries as diverse as on-farm education for the public in New Zealand, cattle biosecurity in Australia and glyphosate use in Brazil.
Gain extra qualifications
Why not study towards an additional industry-recognised qualification* which can make a powerful addition to your CV? You can gain qualifications in spraying, specialist machinery, cow signals, foot trimming, AI, Care of Young Calf, PA Certification and the safe use of veterinary medicines.
*Study tours and additional qualifications are available at an extra cost.
Zoe Lemarechal
FdSc Agriculture 2019
I live on a dairy farm and hope eventually to take on the tenancy myself. It’s a very exciting industry and quite fast changing, particularly in the area of technology. You need specific skills
and knowledge to be a successful farm manager and I felt that this degree would deliver both.
For my research project I investigated the effect of enrichment on the growth and milk intake
of dairy calves. Although hanging balls and brushes in the pens is known to benefit growth rates, there has been little research on how regularly enrichment should be changed.
My findings were showcased at the prestigious Total Dairy 2019 event — one of my greatest achievements yet!