Course modules
Year 1
Agricultural Machinery Management
The module aims to provide students with a good working knowledge on the compatibility of power units with implements/equipment and the effect this has on the finance/management of a business. Students investigate in detail how operational systems are controlled by the equipment available, the level of staff training required and how the equipment is operated. Students will be given the opportunity to analyse and evaluate data produced when operating equipment, giving the students the potential to use this information to influence management decisions.
Academic and Vocational Skills
A module designed to enable students to maximise their performance both on the course and in the industry to kick start a strong degree and excellent career in the sector. You will gain first-hand experience using a relevant industry environment to develop academic, practical and technical skills. You will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module. The module is fundamental to the ethos of foundation degrees in providing engagement in a professional environment and should inspire students through study on the ‘Industry Project’ module at level 5.
Essential Plant and Soil Science
Plants and soils have a very close relationship. This module will look at the biochemistry and physiology of plants and how these are affected by the plant’s environment. You will consider the characteristics of the soil environment and how these impact on plant growth and land use. The mechanisms by which plants can express the genetic information coded in their DNA and pass this on to the next generation will also be explained.
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy, physiology and environmental assessment are introduced through this core module. With a focus for the agricultural students on livestock, you will explore the fundamentals of animal biology, an understanding of which will help foster successful livestock farmers. The module includes some lab practical's. The module aims to enable the students to describe the natural anatomical and physiological mechanisms that control behaviour, reproduction and defence against disease and impact on an animal’s welfare.
Principles of Animal and Crop Husbandry
The module will allow students to discuss and evaluate livestock and crop production and how they complement each other. Breeding; variety/breed choice; good health indicators; key pests, diseases and weeds; and nutrition will be evaluated with regard to arable, livestock and integrated farm management and how they impact on countryside management.
Introduction to Agricultural Marketing
The module is designed to develop and improve students’ knowledge and understanding of both marketing principles and management, enabling them to make informed decisions concerning marketing in different farm and ancillary business scenarios. The main objective of the module is to develop students’ understanding and skills to successfully manage the marketing of agricultural and food products in an ever-changing, competitive environment.
Year 2
Forage Crop and Grassland Management
Central to farm profitability is the scientific basis of grassland and forage crop production as we seek sustainability in livestock production systems. In this module, emphasis will be placed on the fundamental principles with the application of science allowing students to develop the essential management skills required for the commercial production of both forage crops and grass production.
Industry Project
Students will apply the practical, technical and professional skills developed in Year 1 (L4) to a relevant self-driven project within the industry. Using a structured work environment students identify a suitable project, and collaborate with their supervisor in developing and managing the project, and reporting on the outcomes. Students will be encouraged to use the project to develop professional relationships and target their chosen career options along with creating a positive digital footprint.
Livestock Nutrition and Breeding (Option)
Essential for those destined for a career in livestock here you will develop a broad understanding of the biological and biochemical principles which underpin animal nutrition and breeding. Dietary requirements and modern breeding techniques along with the use of cutting edge science will explore how to maximise yield from our livestock.
Research Methods (Option)
Experimental design and data analysis are core themes in this module. It will introduce concepts of statistical testing and further develop skills in presenting and interpreting results of scientific investigations. The module will give students vital skills in formulating research questions and designing an effective experiment in preparation for the final year research project.
Agricultural Crop Management (Option)
The management of arable crops in the UK is central to the agricultural industry. This module builds on knowledge developed previously to help students appraise the key factors for successful management of crops. Students will evaluate the optimisation of agronomic practices in sustainable production systems to meet the end market needs.
Business Development and Planning
This module examines the business process and develops key business skills necessary to take an enterprising idea forward and formulate a successful business. Students will propose enterprising ideas with reference to market research and formulate a business plan. The module will equip students with creative thinking and innovation skills and challenge them to find solutions for a sustainable business.
Sustainable Farm Management
This module will examine the current approaches to farm management and the increasing demands in terms of economic, social and environmental pressures. Agroecological and agrotechnological farm management approaches in context of a range of sustainable farm management concepts such as precision farming, regenerative agriculture, conservation agriculture, integrated farm management will be explored in this module and how they are applied to improve the economic, environmental and social performance of farms.
Entry requirements & additional information
- Entry requirements
- Learning and assessment
- Progression
- Careers
- Professional accreditations
- Special requirements
Entry requirements
5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)
Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:
- 2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
- BTEC/C&G Level 3
- 2 Scottish Highers at C or above
- 3 Irish Highers at C or above
- International Baccalaureate at 24 points
- NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
- Access to HE Diploma in a relevant discipline
AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview
Learning and assessment
Learning and Assessment:
Students will face a variety of assessments including examinations, essays, debates, assignments, technical reports, group and individual presentations, individual study projects and industry based case studies.
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops.
This course makes use of the extensive on-site research facilities and the College farms.
Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Additional Information:
Study trips may include visits to a variety of successful agricultural livestock and arable enterprises in the Cumbria, Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Wirral areas. These farm businesses have welcomed Myerscough student visits to supplement the learning in specific modules. Farm diversification and commercial energy generation projects may also be visited including wind farms, large scale anaerobic digestion units and biomass plants. Further to this, subject to interest, International Study Tours may also be offered to farms in Canada, USA and Ireland.
Guest speakers often visit and may include industry experts in areas such as crop protection and marketing, agricultural waste management, animal nutrition, livestock technology, AI and breeding. Attendance at national events and conferences including British Cattle Breeders annual conference.
There may also be opportunities for students to attend National Farming Seminars held by AHDB, NFU etc. for networking.
What work experience can I get?
There is no formal work placement on this course. The Academic and Vocational Skills module and Industry Project modules may utilise both on and off site working environments to provide opportunities for students to develop practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chose subject area.
Progression
On successful completion of the FdSc programme students may apply for further qualifications such as BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture (Top-up).
Careers
Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts available in the agricultural industry (and other related industries) including:
Farm Management
Livestock specialist
Contractor
Farm Business Advisor
Feed Sales Management
Livestock Breeding specialist
Animal Nutritionists
AI Technicians
Veterinary Drugs Representative
Professional accreditations
The College works closely with a range of industry organisations including AHDB, NFU, TFA, Breed Societies, RASE Agricultural discussion groups and Monitor farms YFC.
Special requirements
Extra Costs:
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course:
- Approx £150 - Waterproofs, safety boots, wellingtons and overalls
Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:
- Approx £1500 – Study tour (previous visits: Ireland, USA and Canada)
- Approx £150 – conferences (some are free).
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