Agricultural Technology and Innovation (Taught)

With the unfolding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, connected sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), biotechnology and other technologies are being leveraged to keep agriculture sustainable. This programme will equip students with theoretical background combined with business management, to come up with disruptive, sustainable and ground-breaking innovations. Graduates are likely to start their own businesses, become consultants, work in the agriculture industry or, work for the government as advisors or policy makers.

Developments in sensors, robotics, automation, analytics and telematics are enabling new and sophisticated ways of managing agricultural practices. You will gain a comprehensive appreciation of the wide range of new and innovative technologies in the areas of crop production, livestock production, and management of the natural environment, whilse also learning about entrepreneurship and business management.

Mechanisation and data capture are becoming increasingly important in the production and management of animals, crops and the natural environment. For anyone wishing to start a career in this emerging industry, or for the entrepreneurial among you, this course will help you discover all that you need to know to succeed.

This is the first course of its kind in the UK and is designed to equip graduates with real world development in novel and innovative technologies applied to agriculture, horticulture, and the natural environment.

Students are given free access to the University's Farm491 facility, an agritech business incubator which provides support to agritech businesses for the promotion of technology and innovation within the sector.

A period of independent study provides an opportunity to engage with sector specialists in a professional capacity. Students also have the opportunity to complete a professional placement following the taught element of the course.

Graduates are highly likely to go on to pursue a career within:

• The high-tech agricultural and environmental sectors

• Industries allied to crop and animal production

• Technical consultancy

• Government and international agencies

• The development of new companies through entrepreneurial initiatives

Potential job opportunities include:

• Agricultural and horticultural industry

• Information technology

• Resource appraisal

• Agronomy

• Farm management

• Academia