University Centre Reaseheath has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
In your first year, you will focus on gaining a sound theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable agricultural production through developing your knowledge and skills in the foundations of agricultural science and production, before specialising in Dairy Herd Management in your second year. On the Dairy Herd Management pathway, you will explore different management strategies in key areas such as genetics, nutrition and health which will enable you to effectively combine science and production to combat key global issues such as food security and climate change. In particular, you will explore the role of autonomous and biological technologies, such as our robotic milking facility, and concepts such as OneHealth to improve livestock health, efficiency and sustainability. Rural business management is integrated throughout your foundation degree, covering areas such as diversification, marketing and accounting, which are hugely important for the performance monitoring and management of successful agricultural businesses and are often looked for by employers in the food industry. Upon graduation you will be armed with the toolkit required to progress the dairy industry forward in a career in dairy herd management, as well as progress to the BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Agriculture Top-up degree. Course features:
- Training on our commercial farm — a regional centre for agricultural education
- Developing research skills using new state-of-the-art technologies, including our Lely Astronaut A5 automated robotic milking systems and Data Hub
- Projects run by the Institute of Sustainability & Food Innovation (IoSFI) and the Reaseheath Sustainability Committee
- Industry work placement and visits from guest speakers
- Field trips and study for additional industry-recognised qualifications
- Herd Management
- Farm and Environmental Consultancy
- Animal Health Advisory & Sales
- Animal Genetics Advisory & Sales
- Farm Business Analyst
- Vet Technician
- Research and Development
Modules
Level 4 At Level 4 all Sustainable Agriculture students will study a suite of core modules which will provide the foundations in agricultural science and production to aid specialisation at level 5. Modules will include:
- Animal, Plant and Soil Science
- Sustainable Livestock Production Systems
- Farm Animal Welfare and Nutrition
- Farm Business Diversification and Marketing
- Sustainable Crop and Forage Production Systems
- Agricultural Machinery & Technology
- Environmental Land Management
- Business Management and Finance
- Work Based Learning for Land-Based Industries
- Farm Animal Health and Behaviour
- Sustainable Dairy Herd Management
Assessment method
Module assessments are designed to encourage both academic and workplace skill development. They include a wide range of coursework-based assessments in both independent and collaborative formats including reports, data processing, presentations, academic posters, lab-reports, seminar discussions, literature reviews and portfolios. Assessments will range in size and will be spread throughout the year to give you the greatest level of support and feedback whilst maintaining an even, manageable workload. Examples include a short report in Sustainable Dairy Herd Management, in which you will develop analytical skills to report on progression of dairy herd enterprise case-studies, whilst your digital communication skills will be challenged in a series of blog posts on farm animal behaviour as part of the Farm Animal Health and Behaviour module. To investigate the dairy industry further, you will conduct an Applied Dairy Investigation, in which you will examine the latest research in an area of dairy herd management, develop a research methodology, conduct statistical analysis and later produce a scientific poster to share the results of your group investigation.
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.
Application codes
- Course code:
- SAD1
- Institution code:
- R14
- Campus name:
- University Centre Reaseheath
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher - CCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MM
T Level - Pass (D or E)
Mature students (aged 21+) will be considered on an individual basis on their prior knowledge and experience. This may be assessed by interview, completion of coursework/essay or other methods. There may be a requirement for a formal qualification to be completed first e.g. Access to HE course.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £13000 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £13000 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
All resources will be available through the college library or VLE as E-Books, therefore there is no formal requirement to purchase textbooks. Although a list of recommended texts can be provided. We promote the use of online journals, webinars and podcasts.
Some shows and field trips may have small admission fees (usually £10-20). There may also be opportunity to attend industry events and conferences, the costs of which vary depending on event, but of course are optional.
Students may also get the opportunity to join a UK or international study tour, which usually cost £150-£1,500 depending on location and duration.
Equipment Costs
Students are responsible for everyday stationary, access to a laptop and PPE (steel-toe wellies, overalls and warm clothes) for external visits. For biosecurity purposes, all PPE for the campus farm will be provided.
Steel-toe capped Wellingtons or boots – £30+
Waterproof trousers – £15+
Waterproof coat – £20+
Warm clothing and waterproofs are important for an external visit.
Prices of equipment are subject to change dependent on retailer.
Provider information
University Centre Reaseheath
Reaseheath
Nantwich
CW5 6DF