This course focuses on the skills necessary to manage an agricultural enterprise or farming business in the present economic climate. It combines periods of College-based teaching with work-based learning, experience being gained both in the lecture room and on the farm. It aims to equip you with the practical, financial and management skills necessary to manage a successful business despite fluctuating commodity prices.

Course Structure

The core subjects are studied in the first year, with the onus on teaching that is heavily biased towards practical, work-related situations. The summer vacation entails a period of compulsory employment, where further training and experience are gained. This period is monitored and you are expected to produce a portfolio of evidence of your learning experience.

The first two terms of the second year are used for further teaching and experiential learning, and there is also the opportunity for you to gain relevant practical experience and qualifications to adhere to legislation, such as pesticide application and materials handling operations. Using the resources of the College-based Rural Skills Centre, you can enrol for courses leading to the award of Certificates of Competence.

The final term comprises a full-time block of study at the College where an Integrated Project is undertaken ensuring that you are fully conversant with both financial and physical management techniques in the field. This time also adequately prepares you for progression to other higher education programmes.

Progression Opportunities

The course prepares you for further education in agriculture and land management, both at the Royal Agricultural College and elsewhere. Upon successful completion of the foundation degree course, you will have opportunities to progress to a BSc Honours Top-up course at the College. Progression opportunities will also be available to appropriate honours conversion courses at other HEIs in the UK.

What you need to join the Course

You will be required to have achieved a minimum of 120 UCAS points from at least one subject passed at A2 level plus GCSE passes at grade C or above in English and Mathematics. Candidates with a lower UCAS tariff but significant work experience may also be considered.

Alternative entry routes are available if you have other qualifications, including a Diploma, AVCE, GNVQ, overseas qualifications and prior experience; although entry is subject to approval by the programme managers and admissions staff.

Career Prospects

Having obtained this foundation degree, you can look forward to a wide range of careers including:

• Farming as an owner or manager
• Buying and selling agricultural produce
• Occupations in agricultural supply industries, such as feedstuffs, machinery and farm building construction
• Opportunities in agricultural insurance, finance and journalism, countryside organisations, agricultural consultancy and advisory positions with government, international and private organisations
• Business opportunities in other commercial areas based on the business management content of the course.