Total of 120 credits

Module code Module title Level Credit value Core/ Elective Semester
1125 Agriscience 4 15 Core Autumn
3337A Sustainable Farm Management 6 15 Core Autumn/Spring
2372 Animal Health and Welfare 5 15 Core Spring
2373 Agronomy 5 15 Core Spring
3090 Forestry and Woodland Management 6 15 Elective Autumn
3098 Countryside and Environmental Management 6 15 Elective Autumn
3239 Climate Change and Natural Resource Challenges 6 15 Elective Autumn
3339 Livestock System Challenges and Solutions 6 15 Elective Autumn
7A009 Organic and Regenerative Systems 7 15 Elective Autumn
3323 Food Ethics and Governance 6 15 Elective Spring
3330 Technology and Agroecological Innovations 6 15 Elective Spring
3331 Food Supply Systems and Policy 6 15 Elective Spring
3333 Wildlife Behaviour and Evolution 6 15 Elective Spring
3338 Agronomy Challenges and Solutions 6 16 Elective Spring
7A008 Managing Global Soils in a Changing Climate 7 15 Elective Spring
Total Credits: Graduate Diploma in Agriculture    120    

1125 Agriscience

Led by Iris McCormick, this Level 4 module introduces the scientific principles underpinning animal and crop production. Students explore anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and productivity, with practical lab work and field visits. Assessment is a 3000-word portfolio, comprising at least five artefacts demonstrating understanding of key concepts and lab skills.

2372 Animal Health and Welfare

Led by Kat Watson, this Level 5 module explores frameworks for assessing farm animal health and welfare, ethical considerations, and regulatory standards. Students engage with case studies and farm visits. Assessment includes a 2000-word essay on a critical health and welfare challenge and a 15-minute group presentation, applying theory to practice.

2373 Agronomy

Led by Nicola Cannon, this Level 5 module covers agronomic and economic factors in crop production, including cereals, legumes, oilseeds, and root crops. Students examine variety selection, crop establishment, nutrition, and market requirements. Assessment includes a portfolio (infographic, podcast, crop blueprint) and a 1-hour online test, evaluating both practical and theoretical knowledge.

3090 Forestry and Woodland Management

Led by Jonathan Code, this module covers woodland creation, silviculture, and ecosystem services. Students assess timber production alongside biodiversity, recreation, and climate mitigation. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, and site visits. Assessment comprises a 2000-word professional practice report and a portfolio of artefacts, evaluating woodland management planning and ecological appraisal.

3098 Countryside & Environmental Management

Led by Ian Grange, this module explores contemporary countryside and environmental issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and rural poverty. Students examine these topics through academic, technical, and operational lenses, using field visits and case studies. Assessment includes a 1000-word literature review and two 1000-word problem sheets, focusing on project funding proposals and applied sector knowledge.

3239 Crop Health and Protection

Led by Nicola Cannon, this module prepares students for careers in agronomy and crop protection. It covers integrated pest management, pesticide safety, biosecurity, and sustainable crop health strategies. Students explore biological control, diagnostics, and agrochemical innovations. Assessment is a 3000-word professional practice report addressing a technical challenge involving a specific crop issue in a chosen country.

3323 Food Ethics and Governance

Led by Philip Hudson, this module investigates the ethical and governance frameworks shaping food policy. Students analyse stakeholder influence, government responsibility, and industry-led initiatives, applying ethical theory to real-world food challenges. Assessment is a 3000-word essay evaluating policy development and ethical dilemmas in food systems.

3329 Climate change and Natural Resource Challenges

Led by Emmanuel Zuza, this module explores the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and agriculture, with a focus on soil health and sustainable resource management. Students examine mitigation strategies, regenerative agriculture, and the role of soil in achieving sustainability goals. Assessment includes an online exam and an individual scientific poster on climate change impacts.

3330 Technology and Agroecological innovation

Led by Jessica Stokes, this module examines the integration of agricultural technologies and nature-based solutions within modern farming systems. Topics include Agriculture 4.0, carbon reporting, urban farming, and data-driven decision-making. Assessment includes two 1500-word reports: one evaluating a current nature-based solution, and one proposing an improved strategy through a case study.

3331 Food Supply Systems and Policy

Led by Philip Hudson, this module examines UK agri-food supply chains in a global context, focusing on performance, policy, and sustainability. Students analyse food security, market structures, and policy interventions. Assessment is a 3000-word essay evaluating a supply chain policy challenge aligned with SDG goals.

3333 Wildlife Behaviour & Evolution

Led by Katharina Watson, this module explores faunal ecology and evolutionary processes across global ecosystems. Students study feeding and reproductive behaviours, interspecific interactions, and ecological cycles. Assessment includes a 15-minute group presentation and a 2000-word scientific report based on field-collected ecological data.

3337 Sustainable Farm Management

Led by Jenny Edwards, this module examines farm management strategies that balance productivity with environmental and social sustainability. Students develop a comprehensive farm plan incorporating agroecological and agrotechnological approaches. Assessment is a 3000-word coursework assignment, requiring a detailed farm management plan aligned with Net Zero and biodiversity goals.

3338 Agronomy Challenges & Solutions

Led by Nicola Cannon, this module investigates emerging technologies and practices in crop production, including regenerative systems and precision agriculture. Students engage with industry experts and conduct field-based evaluations. Assessment includes a 2500-word professional practice report and a 1000-word abstract summary of guest lectures and visits.

3339 Livestock System Challenges and Solutions

Led by Lisa Morgans, this module explores the impacts of livestock farming on health, welfare, and the environment, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Topics include disease control, genetics, nutrition, and public health. Assessment includes a 3000-word professional practice report with portfolio and a 10-minute presentation, evaluating farm-level data and policy influences.

7A008 Managing Global Soils in a Changing Climate

Led by Ishwar Pun, this module addresses soil degradation and climate change impacts on global agriculture. Students explore soil biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and sustainable management strategies. Assessment is a 3000-word report (100%) requiring critical analysis and solution design. Weekly seminars and lectures support student-led discussions and collaborative learning, with a focus on adaptation and resilience.

7A009 Organic and Regenerative Systems

Led by Jonathan Code, this module explores the principles and practices of organic and regenerative agriculture in addressing food sovereignty, climate change, and environmental degradation. Students engage in lectures, seminars, and farm visits. Assessment is a 3000-word report (100%) synthesizing learning and proposing pathways for transitioning to sustainable food systems. The module emphasizes systems thinking, peer learning, and policy analysis.