FdSc Agriculture

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The UK “has to have to have a supply of skilled and talented people that our farmers and rural economies need.” (gov.uk, 2017). It is estimated an additional 60,000 highly skilled and qualified people over the next ten years are required in the industry. To take on this challenge we have planned this course to mix both practical and theory skills in the sector, to prepare you for farm management or management in the ancillary sector.

World population is expected to grow by over a third, or 2.3 billion people by 2050 and with this farming faces many challenges: it has to produce more food and fibre to feed a growing population with a smaller rural labour force, increased crops for the bioenergy market, and adopt more efficient and sustainable production methods to adapt to climate change (FAO, 2009)

The course helps you develop knowledge alongside technical, practical and employability skills, to allow you to relate your studies to current issues and challenges in the farming industry. Set over 2 years and making use of our Farming and Food Innovation and Technology Centre, the course offers a broad range of topics, and aims to equip you for an exciting future in farming and food production.

Agriculture is also a major global employer and many students find their newly learnt skills are in demand overseas. If you enjoy the challenge of farming and its theories, innovation and policy, this is the course for you.

5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)

Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:

2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above

BTEC/C&G Level 3

2 Scottish Highers at C or above

3 Irish Highers at C or above

International Baccalaureate at 24 points

NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline

AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

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

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course:

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

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

• Approx £1200 – Study tour (previous visits: Ireland, USA and Canada)
• Approx £150 – conferences (some are free).

You must be able to demonstrate proof of your English language skills by showing that you have a minimum of CEFR level B2 in each of the four components of language learning; reading, writing, listening and speaking. If you are applying with a visa then in most cases, you will require a UKVI version of an authorised test at an approved centre. You can find more information on the Government website. Depending on the test you take, there will be a comparison guide on the test centre website to show which score is required to ensure you meet the B2 CEFR level.  

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

Farm Management

Livestock specialist

Contractor

Farm Business Advisor

Feed Sales Management

Livestock Breeding specialist

Animal Nutritionists

AI Technicians

Veterinary Drugs Representative