Agriculture has a vital role to play in global food production and security, climate change mitigation, environmental protection, water management and renewable energy creation.
Our Agriculture students are taught by lecturers with extensive industry and research experience to develop and manage sustainable production systems integrating appropriate technologies to maximise economic, social and environmental security. You will be studying in a diverse range of learning spaces located at the heart of our Future Farm alongside students from a wide range of rural and urban backgrounds, whilst establishing a life-long network of friends and professional contacts.
You will soon be putting your learning into practice engaging with real-world scenarios and projects from day one. Supported by an integrated placement year in industry, you will be ready for your future career having developed a range of personal, technical and professional skills that today’s employers value. You will be well prepared for careers in farm management, on-farm advisory and consultancy roles, the agri-food industry and both agriculture and environmental policy roles. Additionally, your degree will equip you with the skills to continue in research or education.
FACTS Certificate of Competence
FACTS is an independent non-statutory certification scheme for advisors in plant nutrient management. The scheme and initiative are fully supported by DEFRA and the Environment agency. In order to obtain FACTS certification individuals are required to undertake and pass the FACTS examination which assess the following competencies:
- Soil management in relation to plant nutrition
- Organic nutrient sources
- Nature and properties of fertilisers
- Crop nutrients in plants and the factors influencing the amount of fertiliser required
- Use of fertilisers in the main crop groups in the UK
- Transport, storage and handling of fertiliser
- Application of fertilisers
- Code of Good Agricultural Practice and legal and other requirements to protect the environment.
A number of modules within the BSc/BSc (Hons) Agriculture programme cover appropriate areas relating to fertiliser and organic manure use, and protection of the rural environment. As such, the courses fit well with this subject area and the areas assessed in the FACTS exam.
Students passing the BSc/BSc (Hons) Agriculture programme will be eligible to be entered for the Harper Adams University FACTS training course free of charge and BASIS FACTS exam (chargeable) for up to 18 months immediately following the end of their course, subject to academic and placement performance.
