Agriculture

Bedford College Group has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Course summary

This course will provide you with high-quality, advanced skills and knowledge in sustainable crop, livestock and land management. You will gain practical skills on our college farm combined with advanced scientific, technical and business enterprise skills which are key components of the course. You will also gain valuable industry experience through work-related activity. The aim of this Foundation Degree in Agriculture is to provide you with a vocationally relevant Higher Education qualification, the content of which reflects the knowledge, skills and competencies expected by the agricultural industry. Specifically, these include:

the management of a range of crop science and production systems, specifically in relation to growth, protection, nutrition and soil management.

the knowledge and application of science and technology for optimum crop production, harvesting and transportation.

the knowledge and application of animal science and livestock production systems, specifically in relation to livestock husbandry, nutrition, health and welfare.

a knowledge and understanding of future demands for improved sustainability in the agricultural sector and the use of agricultural technologies and biosciences to achieve improved efficiency and production.

the investigation and understanding of sustainable management practices to facilitate the optimal and innovate use of land based resources technology.

the applied business and management skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage within the agricultural sector.

The course provides a good quality, broad-based training in the principles and practices of agriculture and land management. This degree is based around a framework of sustainable agriculture and land management activities, ensuring that graduates have a firm understanding of bio-sciences, business management, agri-technology, research and marketing. This will enable you to progress into a wide range of careers in particular but not exclusive to the agricultural sector. Trips over the two years of the course will include a range of arable and livestock facilities. Food production organisations and diverse business enterprises. There will be study tours in the UK and Europe to investigate wider agricultural practice. Study tours are not compulsory and it is expected that additional costs for study tours will equate to around £900. Learners must buy and wear correct PPE for practical skills activities. The cost of additional safety equipment should not exceed £90. Students will have the opportunity to take additional qualifications in first aid, the safe use of pesticides and forklift handling. There may be additional registration fees required for learners wanting to undertake additional qualifications. If commuting to Shuttleworth College will be difficult for you, then you can choose to live in our halls of residence on campus. Progression for successful learners will lead to progression to our top-up degree. The qualification will provide learners with access into employment in the industry or further progression to other Higher Education institutes.

Modules

The units which make up the course include: Year 1 (Level 4) Business Development in Agriculture and Land Management Scientific Methods for Agricultural Management Sustainable Crop Production Livestock Husbandry, Health and Welfare Year 2 (Level 5) Sustainable Land Management Business Enterprise in the Agricultural Sector Agricultural Science and Biotechnology Investigating Sustainable Agriculture

Assessment method

Assessment will be through reports, course work, group work and presentations, as well as practical assessments and final exams set in the first and second year for four of the units.

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 32 points

A level - EE - AAAA

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP - DDD*

T Level - P - D*

You will need: 32-48 UCAS points including a relevant science OR Advanced Extended Diploma in Agriculture, Countryside Management, Fisheries Management, Horticulture or Animal Care with good references OR An equivalent Advanced level qualification with GCSEs in English, Maths and Science at A*- C We also welcome applications from mature students who will be considered individually on experience rather than qualifications. Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course https://www.bedford.ac.uk/our-courses/subjects/agriculture/agriculture-foundation-degree-fdsc-levels-4-5

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.bedford.ac.uk/our-courses/subjects/agriculture/agriculture-foundation-degree-fdsc-levels-4-5

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£3083	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£3083	Year 1
Scotland	£3083	Year 1
Wales	£3083	Year 1

Additional fee information

Additional costs during this course include £660 for trips throughout the course. Learners must buy and wear correct PPE for practical skills activities. A full list of equipment is available on request. The cost of additional safety equipment should not exceed £45. You will require a Laptop PC or MAC Fees subject to change.