Course summary
his is a unique opportunity to create your own bespoke, agriculture focussed, course in a way that will help you realise your ambitions, whether you are a student who has already graduated 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. It is likely that you will have already acquired elsewhere a range of intellectual and transferable skills. However, this programme enables you to: Demonstrate your commitment to the notion of continuing learning Utilise your existing skills in pursuit of new knowledge and understanding Develop new professional skills applicable to agriculture, farming and land management 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. The course may be studied full-time over one academic year, or part-time over two years. You will complete four 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
Modules 1125 Agriscience: Explore the basic principles of animal and crop anatomy, physiology and nutrition required for product yield and quality 2372 Animal Health and Welfare: Learn how animal health and welfare can be scientifically assessed using frameworks and assessment tools to compare different UK animal agriculture systems 2373 Agronomy: Discuss the agronomic factors which are involved in the production of crops in regenerative, integrated, conventional and sustainable farming systems 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Create a farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach Students must then select four further level 6 modules from the selection below: 3090 Forestry and Woodland Management: Explore the significance of forestry in climate mitigation, timber production and farm diversification 3098 Countryside & Environmental Management: Review and evaluate the scale and rates of change in the countryside/land management sector 3223 Ecological Consultancy: Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of an ‘ecological consultant’ in relation to professional and regulatory frameworks and expectations 3238 Advances in Livestock Nutrition: 3239 Crop Health and Protection: Understand the impact that climate change has on natural resources like water, soil and biodiversity internationally 3323 Food Ethics and Governance: Explore different ethics frameworks and how they inform decision making about food 3329 Climate Change and Natural Resource Challenges: Understand the impact that climate change has on natural resources like water, soil and biodiversity internationally 3330 Technology and Agroecology Innovation: Explore the role of technology, innovation and agroecology in addressing sustainability challenges on farms and throughout the supply chain 3331 Food Supply Systems and Policy: Look at the influence of consumers on food systems and the role of policy 3333 Wildlife Behaviour & Evolution: Understand the basic principles of animal evolution 3338 Agronomy Challenges and Solutions: Discuss opportunities and challenges in the cropping sector through study visits and talks from industry leaders 3339 Livestock System Challenges and Solutions: Review livestock farming systems and their impact on the economy, society and the environment 4278 Organic Systems: Understand the agroecological principles and practices of organic systems The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.
How to apply
International applicants
International applicants please visit the RAU website for more information: https://www.rau.ac.uk/study/international-students
Entry requirements
The Graduate Certificate 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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £15300 | Year 1 |
| International | £15300 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Royal Agricultural University
Stroud Road
Cirencester
GL7 6JS