The course
Study at the forefront of crop management with this industry recognised programme, informed by the latest research, extensive agri-sector networks and expert staff.
Efficient crop production remains key to sustained and effective use of rural resources. However, over recent years crop management systems have undergone considerable change. The emphasis has shifted away from purely commercial objectives to sustainable production systems, and modern crop managers must increasingly justify inputs and assess the impact of their activities on the environment. These new demands are challenging and complex and require highly skilled and knowledgeable individuals to manage them successfully.
After a common first year, in your second year you will start to specialise in crop science and agronomy, studying areas such as soil management and crop nutrition, crop protection, crop physiology and fresh produce production, whilst continuing to study more general aspects of agriculture, such as grass and forage production, waste management and farm business management and economics.
In the final part of the course, your specialisation becomes complete and the focus is on crop management, studying areas such as sustainable crop production, advances in agronomy, crop breeding, post-harvest technology and a research project focused on crop management.
The Harper Advantage
- In choosing Harper Adams, you are choosing a trusted name with an outstanding reputation in the agricultural sector, a large agricultural student cohort that allows you to build your network from day one, plus extensive industry connections to support your career development.
- Our far-reaching academic and industry experience and active involvement in applied crop research and delivery of professional training to industry, ensures the course is vocationally relevant and up to date.
- 494-hectare farm on the campus – so you will have direct, uninterrupted access to real, commercial arable systems, alongside other farm enterprises, and agricultural engineering facilities.
- FACTS & BASIS Training: Subject to academic performance in specific modules and undertaking an appropriate placement, you will be eligible to undertake the Harper Adams FACTS & BASIS training courses free of charge following successful completion of this degree.
- A full placement year in industry as part of your degree, enabling you to put knowledge into practice, develop your network and discover your future ambitions
- More than 20 placement-scholarships open to students on Agriculture routes – offering guaranteed placement year job and additional financial support, plus a range of non-placement scholarships.
- Access to subsidised practical skills training and industry recognised certification through the Land Based Skills Programme.
- Study at the forefront of agri-tech. Harper Adams is home to the School of Sustainable Food and Farming, Hands Free Farm and the Agri-EPI Centre Midlands Innovation Hub, where industry and practitioner are working together on the latest precision arable (and livestock) systems. Scope for student projects related to agri-tech grows every year.
- Common first year means you can change direction in year 1 if you wish.
- Access to Agriculture programme to enable new entrants to the agricultural sector to qualify alongside those from more rural/agricultural backgrounds without disadvantage.
FACTS and BASIS training
Subject to academic performance, students passing this degree will be eligible to be entered for free FACTS and BASIS training following successful completion of their degree.
Work experience
Work experience forms an essential part of our entry requirements for this course. Details of the experience we need you to have can be found within the entry requirements listed below.
Find out more about work experience
Access to Agriculture Programme
Applicants to Agriculture courses who are likely to meet the academic entry requirements, but who are identified as having minimal/no practical experience, and/or who are unlikely to meet the minimum practical experience requirements due to non-farm/non-rural background, and/or lack of appropriate contacts, can benefit from the Access to Agriculture Programme to gain the necessary practical experience in their first year of study.
Duration
4 years (full-time) including a one-year work placement. A three year programme is available for applicants with at least two years, full-time relevant work experience, or all who have completed a 12 month placement as part of another approved course. Please contact Admissions for further information on this option.