Graduate Diploma in Agriculture

You will complete three compulsory modules, followed by three 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.

Here at the RAU we are always looking for ways to better support our students. We recognise that a number of our students may be working or have caring responsibilities alongside studying which can sometimes make it difficult to attend every teaching session in person. As such we have the ability for you to join lectures and seminars through an alternative digital format in prior discussion with your programme leader. Please note that for international students on a student visa you are expected to attend your classes in person. Remote delivery is not an UKVI authorised mode of attendance for the taught element of your course and therefore non-attendance would affect your student visa.

The in-person teaching sessions and study tour visit for core modules, for both full time and part time students, are timetabled on a Tuesday each week for the full year (both semesters).  This allows you to fulfil other commitments you may have, such as work, family and interests. 

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

• 4A005 Farming Systems and Sustainability: This module examines diverse farming systems including arable, livestock, mixed, organic, regenerative, and agroecological approaches. Topics include climate change, soil and water management, urban agriculture, and future farming scenarios. Students engage with farm visits, guest speakers, and case studies. Assessment includes a 10-minute recorded presentation and a 2500-word case study-based report. The module supports critical evaluation of sustainability challenges, system transitions, and agroecological practices across global and UK agricultural contexts.
• 5A003 Farm Business Planning and Food Supply Chains: This module introduces farm budgeting, financial planning, and supply chain dynamics. Topics include gross margins, cash flow, benchmarking, and food system integration. Students explore local and global supply chains and policy frameworks. Assessment includes two 2000-word reports: one on farm business planning and one on food supply chain strategy. The module supports critical evaluation of farm economics, resource use, and food security.
• 6A002 Agri-Food Systems and Policies: This module examines food systems through systems thinking and the One Health framework. Topics include food security, policy development, economics, and regenerative agriculture. Students engage with debates, case studies, and guest speakers. Assessment includes a 1000-word academic poster and a 2500-word literature review. The module supports critical evaluation of global food policy, health interconnections, and sustainable system design.

Students must also select THREE additional modules from the selection below:

• 6A001 Agroecological and Technological Solutions: This module explores global food system challenges and evaluates agroecological and technological solutions. Topics include climate change, biodiversity loss, animal welfare, and sustainable crop and livestock systems. Students engage with field trips, seminars, and guest lectures. Assessment includes a 5-minute podcast, a 10-minute individual presentation, and a portfolio of six field visit reflections. The module supports critical evaluation of farming innovations and sustainability strategies.
• 6A003 Advanced Farm Business Management: This module develops strategic planning skills for farm enterprises under economic and environmental pressures. Topics include financial forecasting, resource appraisal, compliance, and net-zero strategies. Students engage with site visits, workshops, and scenario-based planning. Assessment includes a 2000-word farm plan and a 2000-word rental plan. The module supports critical evaluation of farm performance, sustainability, and business innovation.
• 6A004 Farm Business Consultancy: This module explores strategic consultancy for small and medium-sized farm businesses. Topics include financial analysis, investment appraisal, taxation, and feasibility planning. Students engage with case studies and industry practices. Assessment includes a 1500-word accounts analysis and a 2000-word strategic consultancy report. The module supports critical evaluation of farm performance, financial planning, and advisory techniques for sustainable business development.
• 6A005 Advanced Livestock Nutrition and Breeding: This module investigates sustainable breeding and nutrition strategies across livestock species. Topics include genomic selection, reproductive technologies, feed innovations, and precision nutrition. Students engage with field visits, seminars, and practicals. Assessment includes a 2500-word breeding improvement plan and a 1000-word nutrition problem sheet. The module supports critical evaluation of livestock systems and data-driven solutions for animal health and productivity.
• 6A006 Crop Health, Nutrition and Protection: This module examines sustainable crop management strategies. Topics include pest and disease control, crop nutrition, biosecurity, and integrated pest management. Students engage with field visits, lab work, and agronomy exercises. Assessment includes a group presentation, a 2000-word crop monitoring report, and a viva voce. The module supports critical evaluation of crop health challenges and evidence-based agronomic decision-making.
• 6W001 Countryside and Environmental Management: This module addresses contemporary countryside issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and rural development. Students explore policy, land management strategies, and sustainability through field visits and case studies. Assessment includes a 1500-word grant application, a presentation of a countryside improvement plan, and a 7-day timed assessment. The module develops applied knowledge and strategic thinking for environmental management careers.

The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.

Disclaimer information

The University has established various rules and regulations that you must agree to and follow if you accept an offer to study with us. View our full disclaimer notice.

• Farming as either owner or manager
• Farm assurance schemes
• Agricultural sales
• Livestock feed analysis
• Crop agronomy
• Agricultural commodity trading
• Agricultural research

Other opportunities also include but are not limited to:

• Agricultural consultancy
• Agricultural policy makers
• Farm assurance assessors
• Sustainable agriculture in non-government organisations

"I was looking to try something completely different, having spent the previous six years working in corporate consulting in London. The GDA was perfect for me as it is aimed at people looking for a high level of academic study, but is tailored to be accessible to someone with no knowledge of agriculture."

Olivia Rohill, Graduate

Candidates will normally have a first degree from a discipline other than agriculture, awarded at 2:2 or above. 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.

International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.

Students may enter practical farming after completing the programme, although it should be noted that proven practical farming abilities may be required by some employers prior to engaging in direct production agriculture. 

2025-26 Applicants

For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for this course are: 

** Please note: International students can study on a part-time basis only if they are in the UK with a different type of visa (other than Student Visa/Tier 4 General) that allows them to undertake part-time study and their visa does not expire prior to the end date of the proposed course of study.

Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk before you apply to confirm your eligibility.

Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan and are subject to Government and regulatory body conditions.

For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.

Scholarships

The University offers a range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the scholarships, awards and bursaries available, please visit the scholarships webpage.