Course summary
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. A globally recognised centre for excellence with on-campus facilities, leading specialists and industry connections – there is no better choice than the RAU if you seek to make an impact on the future of agriculture. 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. 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
- Agricultural and horticultural engineering
- Information technology
- Resource appraisal
- Agronomy
- Farm management
Modules
The course may be studied full-time over 12 months. You will study six modules over the autumn and spring terms, followed by a Research Project (dissertation), which is carried out over the summer to be submitted the following September. This may include a viva voce examination. Modules are assessed primarily by coursework. Some modules have an examination as part of the assessment. The modules available for this course are shown below. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Modules 4038a Integrated Agricultural Systems: Explore complex systems including agroforestry, regenerative agriculture and vertical farming 4233 Computing and Information Technology in Precision Agriculture: Assess the emerging technologies in digital agriculture 4263 Entrepreneurship and Business Planning: Understand and critically evaluate the linkages between entrepreneurship and venture creation, development and growth 4413 Research Skills: Develop research competencies related to data collection and analysis 4723 Crop Technology and Innovation: Gain an understanding of the various technologies applied to improve crop production globally 4755 Environmental Science and Technology in Agriculture 4726 Livestock Production Technology and Innovation: Appraise the science behind different livestock technologies and evaluate their benefits, disadvantages and applications in different real-life systems 4414 Dissertation: Undertake an independent research project with guidance from a supervisor Plus two electives from 4203 Small Scale Farming and Local Food Supply: Examine how small scale farmers contribute to food systems on a national and global scale 4250 International Rural Development: Critically engage with normative and historical concepts of development theory and practice 4261 Leadership and Personal Development: 4409 Facing the Global Challenges in Food and Agriculture: Discuss challenges affecting food production, including the global population increase and the energy crisis 4722 Climate Change and Sustainability: Critically assess the causes and impacts of climate change 4744 Organic and Regenerative Systems: 4727 Managing Global Soils in a Changing Climate: Understand the fundamentals of soil processes key to protecting this precious resource
Assessment method
Modules will be assessed primarily by coursework; there may be some examinations.
How to apply
International applicants
International applicants please visit the RAU website for more information: https://www.rau.ac.uk/study/international-students on entry qualifications, study visas and English language requirements
Entry requirements
An Undergraduate Honours Degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or overseas equivalent, or a professional qualification and/or experience considered to be equivalent to the above. For information on international qualifications, please, see our country specific pages. For countries not listed please contact [email protected]. We welcome applications from applicants with non-standard qualifications who are able to demonstrate knowledge, experience and skills developed in the workplace or elsewhere and which are relevant to the programme of study. Applicants will need to use their personal statement to provide further details supported by a CV. All non-standard applications will be considered by the Programme Manager on a case-by-case basis and applicants can expect that an interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our English language requirements for the level of study. For postgraduate taught programmes this is IELTS Academic min. overall 6.5 with no element below 5.5(or equivalent). English language tests usually have a validity of 2 years from the date the test is taken. Offers will typically be made in line with the academic requirements set out above. Offers can be conditional or unconditional. An unconditional offer will be made to applicants who have already met the conditions and provided evidence that conditions have been met. Where academic or language requirements have not yet been fulfilled, applicants will receive a conditional offer stating the requirements that must be met.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
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.
Sponsorship information
Provider information
Royal Agricultural University
Stroud Road
Cirencester
GL7 6JS