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BSc (Hons) Agricultural Crop Science (Top Up)

BSc (Hons) Agricultural Crop Science (Top Up)

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. This programme offers a specialised route to top-up to an Honours Degree in crop science for students holding a Foundation Degree or HND in an agricultural related subject or who have completed two years of the BSc Agriculture programme at Myerscough.

The course provides the opportunity to study issues affecting sustainable agriculture at both a global and UK level. Five modules are studied, allowing for critical analysis of the underpinning science that will shape the future for agriculture with particular reference to the arable industry. It is designed to enable successful students to develop key employability skills and prepare for a successful career in the UK arable sector or overseas.

Note: applicants will need to demonstrate skills in research methods at Level 5 to enable them to progress smoothly onto the programme. Those applicants whose previous programme of study has not covered research skills at the appropriate level will be asked to complete a bridging module "Research Methods", which may be taken during the summer prior to entry onto the final year BSc.

Course modules

Year 1

Research Project (Double module)

This module will provide an opportunity to pursue an in-depth study of the student's own choice which is related to their substantive areas of study. Students will work independently, under limited supervision, in order to develop and demonstrate their academic skills and abilities. The dissertation will normally be based on an academic topic using primary and/or secondary data collection techniques. In both cases academic theory is to be critically evaluated and applied to the research topic.

Advances in Agronomy

This module examines the developments and use of current and emerging crop agronomic practices/ technologies and evaluates their ethical, environmental and economic issues. The design of effective experiments and data interpretation to validate new technologies and crop products will also be covered

Developments in Food and Farming Innovation

This module explores the productivity of UK agriculture. Students will examine case studies of innovation in the food and farming supply chain with the aim of creating and justifying innovative solutions to given food and farming situations in order to improve agriculture productivity.

Developments in Global Land Use (Option)

This module critically evaluates the issues with current global land uses. In particular, it will focus on subjects such as climate change, energy use, water management and soil degradation and how current techniques could be altered to achieve lower impacts.

Policy Developments in the Rural Environment (Option)

This module focuses on the global political, economic and legislative developments and how they will affect the rural environment in the future. The module will establish the economic framework within which land use operates and the direction in which legislation and policy are headed.

Sustainable Crop Science

This module explores advances in the application of emerging sustainable technologies and practices in crop production, including water use efficiency, plant nutrition and crop protection.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject or 2 years (one at Level 4 and the other at Level 5) of Honours Degree work in a related discipline achieved at 'pass' standard or above. Career experience plus evidence of study skills may also be considered. Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at Level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview.

Learning and assessment

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including examinations, essays, debates, assignments, technical reports, group and individual presentations, individual study projects and industry based case studies.

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. This course makes use of the extensive on-site research facilities and the College farms. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations will form an important part of the course. Students will also have access to specialist IT hardware and software including an on-line learning platform.

What work experience can I get?

Through core and option modules students will gain hands on experience in a variety of scenarios to build skills that can be used in a working environment.

Additional Information:

Study trips are organised to visit a variety of successful agricultural enterprises in the Cumbria, Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Wirral areas. These farm businesses have welcomed Myerscough student visits to supplement the learning in specific modules. Farm diversification and commercial energy generation projects are also visited including wind farms, large scale anaerobic digestion units and biomass plants.

Guest speakers often visit and include industry experts in areas such as plant breeding, crop protection and technology, and crop marketing. Extra curricula activities include a week long study tour takes based in Europe and attendance and national events and conferences.

Progression

On successful completion of the BSc (Hons) programme students may wish to apply for further qualifications such as MSc, M Phil or PhD.

Careers

Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts available in the agricultural industry (and other related industries) including:

Agricultural or crop research

Agricultural finance and insurance

Agricultural journalism

Arable specialist

Agronomist

Consultants

Contractor

Crop Chemical specialist

Crop Marketing

Farm Business Advisor

Lecturers

Plant Breeding specialist

Special requirements

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:

  • Waterproofs, safety boots, wellingtons and overalls - £100

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

  • Field trips and visits (including possible overseas trips) - £1,200