FdSc Agriculture and Environment

Level One

• Policies and markets
• Communication and numeracy
• Principles of animal science
• Principles of crop science
• Environmental science
• Managing people
• Project management
• Food quality assurance and food safety.

Level Two

• Crop husbandry
• Crop production or Livestock production systems
• Resource management
• Business management
• Livestock production techniques or New cropping opportunities
• Sustainable environmental management
• Work-based project.

All students will attend an induction to the programme. Modules on the day release programme are taught through lectures, seminars and tutorials and practical/laboratory-based sessions. Individual modules also have elements of farm and site visits, sector exhibitions and conferences, and seminars led by industry experts.

The programme was developed in consultation with industry to meet the needs of students looking to establish their careers as procurement managers, farm managers, agronomists, technical advisers and consultants, and wishing to develop their own businesses within the sector.

The programme has an HE credit rating of 240 points. Students who successfully complete the foundation degree can progress, via a short bridging course, to the final year of an Honours degree.

Foundation Degrees are higher education qualifications that are distinctive by their vocational nature, having been developed in partnership with employers. They are intended to provide access to higher education to those at work, and to wherever possible, link and accredit opportunities for learning afforded at work. Delivery and assessment are inherently linked to the workplace and hence employer support is a key requirement for those joining the programme. It is intended that the majority of students will be employed and sponsored by their employer.

The FdSc in Agriculture and Environment aims to provide:

• Technical knowledge and skills in primary food production (livestock and arable), environmental and resource management, marketing and business management;
• Skills in leadership and personal development;
• An understanding of health and safety and other legislative compliance;
• Generic and key skills such as communication, decision making, critical analysis, creative thinking and project management;
• Skills to progress your career within the sector and to make a valued contribution to the businesses that have supported you and to the industry as a whole.

Students at the Riseholme Park campus have all the benefits of city living, whilst studying and learning within the peaceful, unspoilt and natural environment of a beautiful parkland campus just 3 miles north of Lincoln city centre. The Riseholme Park estate has its own agricultural facilities situated on two sites which provide access to real life industry experience for students. Riseholme Park Farms Ltd farms 369 hectares of the 415 hectare estate owned by the University, with the remaining area used to provide practical opportunities for agriculture programmes. Livestock enterprises include a sheep flock and a pedigree herd of Lincoln Red cattle. Lodge Farm in the neighbouring village of Nettleham is wholly arable, producing winter wheat, winter barley, winter OSR and sugar beet. You will also have access to the specialist food manufacturing facilities at the Holbeach Campus which is home to the National Centre for Food Manufacturing. This will provide you with the opportunity to appreciate and have a greater understanding of the whole food chain.

The foundation degree would be suitable for:

• Established managers in agri-businesses requiring a greater understanding of technical and theoretical perspectives to underpin practical experience
• Procurement managers and agronomists in the fresh produce sector seeking greater understanding of underpinning technologies, management practice and a global perspective of the agricultural sector
• Technical advisors and consultants advising the sector seeking to address gaps in their knowledge
• People wishing to develop a career in the sector

Modules are assessed through the means of written scientific reports, written projects, group and individual presentations and phase tests. The type of assessment will depend upon the subject matter of the module. Students will also undertake a work-based project in which the majority of the research will take place at their place of employment under the supervision of an employer mentor and an academic tutor.

The programme was initiated through consultation with representatives of the land-based industries and employer forums to provide development opportunities for those who already hold or are aspiring to key roles in the land based and environmental sectors, and to help the industry meet the growing need for skilled technicians and managers.

The curriculum reflects the aspirations of employers to see those working at managerial and technical level demonstrate flexibility through knowledge of a range of subjects and develop effective people and management skills, whilst acknowledging the need for well developed skills in specific disciplines.

Your course will benefit from the input of industry through farm and site visits, sector exhibitions and conferences, and seminars led by industry experts.

Applicants will be required to attend an interview.

A minimum of 180 UCAS points. Vocational or professional qualifications will be considered, such as a National Diploma in a relevant subject, as will experiential learning. Ideally candidates will have been employed in a managerial or supervisory role in agriculture or a related industry.

How to Apply

Apply via www.ucas.co.uk or complete a University of Lincoln part-time application form. Contact 01522 886644 for more information.