Graduate Diploma in Agriculture

Entry requirements

The Graduate Diploma in Agriculture comprises a programme of study that requires graduate (Honours Degree) level entry or its equivalent, and has learning outcomes that match qualifications at Honours degree level. As a result, the programme is affected by the UK Governments’ policy on Equivalent and Lower Qualifications [ELQ] whereby such students are not eligible for funding support through the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Candidates will normally have a first degree from a discipline other than agriculture, awarded at upper second level. Equivalent overseas and other UK qualifications may be accepted at the discretion of the University.

Applicants of 25 years and over may seek admission on the basis of a curriculum vitae, but evidence of ability to study at degree level, such as proven managerial level experience, is essential.

A period of relevant practical work experience within the agricultural industry is recommended as a means of enhancing understanding of the industry and the relevance of specific modules towards future career goals, but is not a prerequisite of joining the programme.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Overview

This is a unique opportunity to create your own bespoke course in a way that will help you realise your ambitions, whether you are a student or a professional with plans to advance your career in the rural industries.

Not only will you gain a detailed understanding of the UK agricultural industry, you will be given practical rural skills training at the RAU’s cutting-edge John Oldacre Rural Innovation Centre.

A summer study tour gives you the added opportunity of expanding your knowledge and contacts base by engaging directly with a variety of agricultural enterprises.

While many graduates find work as farm managers, farm assurance scheme officers and agricultural consultants, to name a few, others wish to progress onto a Masters course.

Structure

The course may be studied full-time over one academic year, or part-time over two, three or four years.

You will complete three compulsory modules, followed by four modules selected from a wide range of undergraduate modules allowing you to tailor the course to meet your career aspirations.

As well as lectures, farm walks and visits, you will work on case studies, assignments, and management projects.

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to complete pre-course reading in order to secure a minimum basic knowledge of agriculture and to highlight possible areas of weakness.

Modules

• 2256 Applied Agricultural Science
• 3100 Farm Business Management
• 3227 Agricultural Management

Plus choice of FOUR elective modules from:

• 3006 Emerging Agri-food Issues
• 3020 Advanced Crop Production
• 3067 Farm Machinery Management
• 3090 Forestry and Woodland Management
• 3092 Countryside & Environmental Management
• 3093 Farmland Ecology
• 3097 Small Scale Farming and Local Food Supply
• 3104 Food and Agri-business Strategies
• 3205 Management Information Systems for Farming Businesses
• 3207 Farming and Integrated Environmental Local Delivery (FIELD)
• 3210 Applied Agricultural Finance
• 3218 Sustainable Business and Agrifood Supply Chains
• 3237 Agricultural Technology
• 3239 Crop Health and Protection
• 3240 Contemporary Media Studies
• 3325 Rural Entrepreneurship
• 4278 Organic Systems

Information for international students

International students can study on a part-time basis only if they are in the UK with a different type of visa (other than Student Visa/Tier 4 General) that allows them to undertake part-time study and their visa does not expire prior to the end date of the proposed course of study.

Fees and funding