One Year Farming
As a tailor-made skills-based course, it provides you with the opportunity to hone your practical skills, both on the University farms and at the University's Rural Innovation Centre.
Mode of study
Full time / Part time
Overview
This course is subject to revalidation.
The agricultural industry is undergoing a critical phase of adaptation and change as it faces numerous environmental and social challenges. Innovative thinkers who have the practical skills to be part of the solutions being carved out across the field are in high demand – the RAU, with over a century of experience and a global reputation, is perfectly placed to help you play your part in the future of farming.
This course has been tailor-made for those seeking to become farmers, landowners or managers of contemporary farm enterprises. You will find yourself learning alongside the best in the business on-site at our farms and at our Rural Innovation Centre.
You will study all key aspects of modern farming practices, including science, crop, and animal husbandry, as well as farm mechanisation, administration and an introduction to farm and estate management.
On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Royal Agricultural University Certificate of Agriculture and will be entitled to use the MRAU post-nominal letters.
This is a privately-funded course outside of the UCAS system and does not lead to UCAS tariff points. Applicants will not have access to student loans from the Student Loans Company or other government funding initiatives. Fees must be paid in advance at the start of each term.
Structure
This short course aims to expand your understanding of some of the current challenges facing the agricultural industry, such as the food supply chain, traceability and sustainability.
It will be delivered through a series of lectures, seminars, and practical classes at the University farms and laboratories. Assessment activities centre largely around real-life scenarios based on the farms. You will complete project work, case studies, presentations, and one-to-one discussions. There are termly examinations to monitor progress and provide feedback.
Timetables
Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and societies activities.
Modules
Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Each credit equates to 10 hours of total study time. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.
Full-time students normally take modules worth 60 credits per 15 week semester but this can vary depending on your elective choice. Part-time students taking proportionally fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for your degree is based on marks obtained for modules taken at level 5 and level 6 (weighted 30:70 accordingly.)
Typical course modules are:
- Crop Production and Science
- Estate Management
- Farm Administration
- Farming and the Environment
- General Agricultural Issues
- Livestock Production and Science
- Machinery and Buildings
- Skills training
To complement your core studies, you’ll be encouraged to select from a significant choice of rural skills courses, which may include training in the following categories:
- Machinery operation and maintenance
- Health and safety
- Crop health (pesticides and agronomy)
- Estate management
- Livestock husbandry and veterinary skills
Entry requirements
Typical offers
- GCSE: Five GCSEs grades A*-C. English and Maths are required.
- You will be expected to provide evidence of effective use of time post-GCSE.
- A period of practical farming experience is also highly recommended.
Further information
Please note that this course is outside of the UCAS system and does not lead to UCAS tariff points. It is intended as a unique, stand-alone, training course and does not guarantee entry onto Royal Agricultural University Foundation or Honours degree courses.
For any further help, please contact our admissions team:
- E-mail: admissions@rau.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)1285 889912
Fees
Tuition fees cover the cost of a student’s academic studies. This usually includes teaching costs, registration and examination fees (not re-sit fees or coursework resubmission).
The One Year Farming Course is a privately-funded course and applicants will not have access to student loans from the Student Loans Company or other government funding initiatives. This course is outside of the UCAS system and does not lead to UCAS tariff points.
2018-19 Applicants
For the academic year 2018/19 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £10,500 per year | £11,550 per year |
| Part-time | £5,250 per year (Duration of course 2 years) | £5,775 per year (Duration of course 2 years) |
The tuition fees quoted for 2018/19 applicants may rise in line with inflation, subject to government policy.
Part-time fees will be charged on a pro-rata basis.
For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.
Please note: The University cannot sponsor international students who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK for the specific course. International students can study on a part-time basis only if they are in the UK with a different type of visa (other than Tier 4 Child/General).
Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk before you apply to confirm your eligibility.
Prospects
Do you aspire to managing your own farm, or providing agricultural knowledge and expertise as a consultant? Our graduates have gone on to build successful careers within the agricultural and related industries worldwide. Fulfilling roles as:
- Farm Manager
- Enterprise Manager
- Estate Manager
- Farm Consultant / Advisor
- Agricultural Marketing Manager
- Agricultural Journalist
- Agronomist
On average over the past five years, 96% of our graduates have gone on to enter employment or further study within six months, 70% in graduate or professional positions.
Curriculum review
The Royal Agricultural University is currently going through an internal review of its curriculum to ensure the best possible student experience through innovative teaching, learning and assessment in an industry-led context. The new curriculum will be fully launched in 2018 and will be designed to meet current and future needs of students and employers. As a result the course information detailed here is subject to some change. We will endeavour to ensure that the information is as up to date as possible, with the finalised curriculum then being published in May 2018. If you have any questions about the course or about the curriculum review please don’t hesitate to contact us curriculum.review@rau.ac.uk
Apply now
Applications to study for this course need to be made directly through the University.
You can now apply via our website, using the online application form.
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.
Course options
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