MSc Agricultural Technology and Innovation
**There are two entry points for this course; January 2024 and September 2024**
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 program 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.
Course overview
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. Read more about the farms that we learn from.
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.
The video transcript is available here
Course content
The in-person teaching sessions are timetabled on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays each week for the full year (both semesters) which allows you to fulfil other commitments you may have, such as work, family and interests.
Modules are assessed primarily by coursework.
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 (15 credits)
- 4233 Computing and Information Technology in Precision Agriculture (15 credits)
- 4263 Entrepreneurship and Business Planning (15 credits)
- 4413 Research Skills (15 credits)
- 4723 Crop Technology and Innovation (15 credits)
- 4725 Environmental Technology and Innovation (15 credits)
- 4726 Livestock Production Technology and Innovation (15 credits)
- Either 4414 Dissertation (45 credits)
- or 4415 Applied Project (45 credits)
Plus two electives from
- 4203 Small Scale Farming and Local Food Supply (15 credits)
- 4250 International Rural Development (15 credits)
- 4261 Leadership and Personal Development (15 credits)
- 4409 Facing the Global Challenges in Food and Agriculture (15 credits)
- 4722 Climate Change and Sustainability (15 credits)
- 4724 Environmental Science in Agriculture (15 credits)
- 4727 Managing Global Soils in a Changing Climate (15 credits)
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.
Careers and graduate destinations
- 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
Potential job opportunities include:
- Agricultural and horticultural engineering
- Information technology
- Resource appraisal
- Agronomy
- Farm management
"The course at the Royal Agricultural University presents me with the ability to utilise the latest global industry standards, with up-to-date modules inspired by innovative technical approaches."
Ibrahim Aderemi, Student
Entry requirements
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
2023-24 Applicants (January 2024 entry)
For the academic year 2023-24 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas/EU | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,950 per year | £16,400 per year |
2024-25 Applicants (September entry)
For the academic year 2024-25 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas/EU | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £10,950 per year | £18,050 per year |
Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan 2019/20.
For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.
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.
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.
Apply now for January 2024 entry
Applications to study for postgraduate degrees need to be made directly through the University using the online application form via the website.
Alternatively, if you are unable access the online form you can call Admissions on 01285 889 912, or email admissions@rau.ac.uk.
We recommend applicants keep a copy of the completed form for their records.
Application deadline, January entry:
EU and overseas applicants requiring a study visa must submit their application the latest by 1 December 2023
UK applicants should aim to submit their applications the latest by 8 January 2024
Results deadline, January entry:
EU and overseas applicants will need to meet their conditions by 11 December 2023
UK applicants will need to meet their conditions by 10 January 2024
SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS will open closer to December 2023. Please check back to our website around this time to apply.
Application deadline, September entry:
EU and overseas applicants must submit their application the latest by 30 June 2024
UK applicants should aim to submit their applications the latest by 1 September 2024
Results deadline, September entry:
EU and overseas applicants will need to meet their conditions by 1 August 2024
UK applicants will need to meet their conditions by 15 September 2024
If you are applying for a 2024 Chevening Scholarship you can submit your scholarship application prior to receiving a course offer. Further details can be found on the application timeline and eligibility criteria sections on the Chevening website. N.B. Course applications for entry in September 2024 will open on our website closer to December 2023.
Applicants will be notified via email once a decision has been made and decision letters will be emailed to you. If there is a deadline by which applicants must accept an offer of admission or pay a deposit, this will be stated in the offer letter.
Requests to defer the year of entry will be considered only when an applicant holds an Unconditional offer and need to be submitted in writing to the admissions team. We cannot guarantee that requests will be granted. Decisions on deferral requests are considered:
- For January entry at the end of January
- For September entry at the end of August
If the deferral request is granted applicants will receive a new offer letter with tuition fees which are applicable to their year of entry, at the opening of the next admissions cycle.