Sustainable Agriculture

Could you influence the future of farming and food production? Do you want to discover ways to feed an expanding population? If so, the agriculture industry needs you.

With global population expected to reach 9.8 billion people by 2050 (FAO, 2017), the demand on the agri-food sector is forever increasing. The need for increased food production whilst operating in a changing environmental and social landscape, in light of major global events such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased the urgency to improve food quality and sustainability. Along with continuing skills shortages, the need for sustainable production has uncovered a range of exciting careers and opportunities in the agricultural and environmental sectors. Start your journey to making the world a better place here at University Centre Reaseheath today.

Did you know?

A farm manager can earn over £50,000

Source: prospects.ac.uk

Courses

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:

Foundation Degrees

*subject to validation

Bachelors of Science Degrees

Industry focused

Facilities

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.

Lecturers

Learn from experienced lecturers

Our expert staff are well-equipped to support you on your journey into the agricultural industry. The team provide a wealth of experience from a wide range of agricultural sectors and are well positioned to help you to explore the ethical, economic and social influences on UK and global agriculture and sustainability, as well as support your development of new and innovative research ideas.

We’re a leading university in the integration of LEAN management across all our teaching. You’ll learn how to utilise data to create a culture of continuous improvement and how to apply this to your industry and farming business. In addition to LEAN management, our lecturers are dedicated to environmental sustainability and will share opportunities for you to engage with projects being run by the Institute of Sustainability and Food Innovation and the Reaseheath Sustainability Committee.

Industry

Benefit from our links with industry

Every foundation degree student will benefit from an industry placement in their second year, with past students working with market-leading companies such as Velcourt, Dale Farm and Grosvenor Farms.

You will also benefit from engaging with external speakers, who in the past two years have included companies such as LLM Farm Vets, Kite Consultant and Nuffield Farming Scholarship Director Jo Speed, Flame Marketing’s Hayley Parker, Agricultural Pricing Reporter Aled Thomas of S&P Global and poultry nutritionist Andrew Fothergill of ForFarmers.

You will have the opportunity to attend field trips, industry events and conferences, both in person and virtually. In recent years, students have attended the British Cattle Breeders Club, UK Dairy Day, DEFRA Consultations, Cereals Event and many more. Recent field trips have included Pilsbury Aberdeen Angus, Fordhall Organic Farm and Bidlea Dairy.

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.

Andrew FletcherManaging Director, Grasslands and College Governor

Career ready

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:

Farm/Unit Management
Farm and Environmental Consultancy
Animal Health Advisory & Sales
Animal Genetics Advisory & Sales
Farm Business Analyst
Vet Technician
Agronomist
Vertical Farm Manager
Glasshouse Manager
Research and Development
Lecturer/Education

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.

Student success

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!