Graduate Diploma in Agriculture

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.

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

• Agriscience
• Sustainable Farm Management
• Animal Health and Welfare
• Agronomy

Students must then select four further level 6/7 modules from the selection below:

• Forestry and Woodland Management
• Countryside & Environmental Management
• Crop Health and Protection
• Climate Change and Natural Resource Challenges
• Livestock System Challenges and Solutions
• Organic and Regenerative Systems
• Food Ethics and Governance
• Technology and Agroecology Innovation
• Food Supply Systems and Policy
• Wildlife Behaviour & Evolution
• Agronomy Challenges and Solutions
• Managing Global Soils in a Changing Environment

A description of each module can be found here.

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.

• Farm managers
• Agricultural commodity sales/trading
• Agricultural consultants
• Agricultural research/trials officer
• Farm assurance scheme officers
• Livestock feed analysis
• Crop agronomy

"We need to change our food and farming systems in the face of climate change. The GDA programme at the RAU is a perfect opportunity to embark on a career in this space. It is a fascinating, intense and immersive experience."

Brad Currin, Student

The Graduate Diploma 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 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.