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

The PGCert - or Postgraduate Certificate – is the shortest of our Postgraduate level offerings, which is completed by studying four modules (60 credits). It allows you to study business skills in depth but takes less time to complete than the MSc or Postgraduate Diploma.

The PGCert is a great way of fitting postgraduate study around a busy life. Full-time students can complete the course in as little as one year. Part-time students can choose to spread the course up to two years, giving you lots of time for thinking and writing between modules. It is ideal if you want to study a specific subject but would rather not commit to a full MSc with its attendant time and financial costs.

It can be a great way to boost your career or enter a new industry, but if you desire to continue your studies PGCert credits can be used to contribute towards a PGDip or even an MSc qualification later down the line. Completing studies using this route is often likened to building blocks – one step at a time – the first step being a PGCert.

*Please note that overseas applicants who require a student visa cannot be considered for this course as the weekly contact hours do not meet the UKVI threshold for a full-time Student visa.

Modules:
Integrated Agricultural Systems
Environmental Science and Technology in Agriculture
Livestock Production Technology and Innovation
Crop Technology and Innovation

Modules will be assessed primarily by coursework; there may be some examinations.