Course summary
With agriculture accounting for 38% of the global land surface, there is increasing interest in finding sustainable solutions for future agricultural development. Different agricultural production models contribute to a variety of environmental, social and economic goals and aim to limit the trade-offs between productivity and sustainability of land use. This postgraduate qualification will provide a grounding in sustainable agricultural systems, natural capital and enterprise, examining and critiquing different models of production. The programme will provide students with opportunities to develop both production relevant skills in soil, crop and livestock management, and business, communication and entrepreneurship skills, immersing them in real world applications relevant to future employment. The programme taps into the need for sustainable management of land and water resources, supporting biodiversity and working to address societal challenges and will typically be based on one to three years part time online distance learning in a format that offers flexible progression routes from PGCert to PGDip and MSc, thus enabling students in employment and with different life circumstances to achieve their optimum level of award. SRUC’s postgraduate programme Sustainability in Agriculture and Business aims to provide a context for graduates to develop skills which will enable them to critique agricultural systems within the evolving contemporary political and regulatory framework. The programme will future proof learning, using authentic real world applications to equip graduates with technical and professional knowledge relevant to sustainable agricultural systems and businesses, and the skills to utilise this knowledge to adapt to changing environments, solve problems and propose solutions to contemporary and future issues faced by agriculture.
Modules
Core modules: Principles & Policy for Sustainable Agriculture Explores the main philosophies, principles and standards relevant to different farming systems, developing skills in evaluating evidence and enabling students to identify and evaluate different systems and how they relate to each other. It will also consider policy and regulatory challenges in agriculture and associated industries and facilitate the necessary skills for recommending evidence-based solutions. Soils in Sustainable Systems Examines approaches to sustainable and resilient soil management and its impact on the wider environment. There will be a focus on nutrient inputs and the need for soil properties to be optimal to ensure other agronomic and environmental requirements are met. This module provides students with the tools to manage soils optimally for sustainable production. Students will be able to describe soil properties, evaluate soil fertility and assess management requirements in the context of sustainable and resilient farming systems, including legal requirements such as those defined within organic certification standards.
Assessment method
Personalised learning journeys will be achieved via tailored assessment allowing students the opportunity to centre their learning experience on personal preference, opportunity or experience. There will be a range of assessment methods such as reports, portfolios, posters, plans and proposals, data analysis, presentations and communication artefacts.
Entry requirements
Applications are accepted from those with an Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area. We also welcome applications from individuals with degrees in a wider range of disciplines, and/or who have relevant experience, along with clear motivation for the programme. All applications are assessed on their own merit.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £4000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £4000 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £4000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £3500 | Year 1 |
| EU | £8000 | Year 1 |
| International | £8000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
SRUC Scotland's Rural College
SRUC Edinburgh
West Mains Road
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG