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22 08 18 Myerscough (53 Of 289)
22 08 18 Myerscough (53 Of 289)

BSc (Hons) Agricultural Livestock Science (Top Up)

BSc (Hons) Agricultural Livestock Science (Top Up)

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The course is a specialised route to top-up to an Honours Degree for those who have a passion for livestock farming and the associated industries and who hold a Foundation Degree or HND in an agricultural related subject or who have completed two years of the BSc Agriculture programme at Myerscough.

Students explore issues affecting sustainable agriculture at both a global and UK level, along with using new and emerging technologies to manage livestock effectively for high welfare and profit. Five modules are studied, allowing for critical analysis of the underpinning science that will shape the future for agriculture with particular reference to the livestock industry. It is designed to enable successful students to develop key employability skills and prepare for a successful career in the UK livestock 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.

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Course modules

Year 1

Advances in Livestock Science

An opportunity to examine the developments and use of current and emerging livestock technologies and evaluates the empirical research behind them. The application of these technologies is explored to evaluate the relevant ethical, social, environmental and economic issues

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.

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.

Sustainable Livestock Science

This module explores the advances in the application of scientific research to emerging sustainable extensive and intensive livestock production systems, including water and feed use efficiency, animal nutrition and breeding.

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. Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively. Applicants must also produce evidence of successfully completing a research based module at level 5.

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

Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops.

This course makes use of the extensive on-site research facilities and the College farms.

Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.

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.

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 animal nutrition, AI and breeding, livestock technology and marketing. Extra curricula activities include a week long international study tour takes and attendance at national events and conferences including British Cattle Breeders annual conference.

What work experience can I get?

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

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may 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 livestock research

Agricultural finance and insurance

Agricultural journalism

Livestock specialist

Consultants

Contractor

Farm Business Advisor

Feed Sales Management

Lecturers

Livestock Breeding specialist

Animal Nutritionists

Veterinary Drugs Representative

Professional accreditations

Students will be encouraged to maintain and develop further links with local and national agricultural organisations such Tenant Farmers Association, NFU, AHDB Dairy, Pork, Beef & Lamb, Breed Societies, NBA, NSA, RASE, agricultural discussion groups and Young Farmers Associations.

Special requirements

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course:

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

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

  • Conferences - £100
  • Field trips and visits (including possible overseas trips) - £1,100

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University Centre Myerscough, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston, PR3 0RY

For all enquiries please see our contact page or call 01995 642222.

UK Provider Registration Number: 10004478