Course modules
Year 1
Agricultural Machinery Management
Students will discuss the principles of agricultural machinery systems and investigate of the strength and suitability of materials in relation to different roles within machinery. Safety systems within machinery will also be considered. You will also develop skills in the acquisition and analysis of primary and secondary data.
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, the module includes some lab practicals.
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
Here students explore the underpinning knowledge and understanding of plant biology and soil science. For plants (crops) students discover how plant form and function relates to their basic needs in terms of light, water, nutrients and reproduction. Soils will enable you to recognise soil properties (in both soil samples and in the field) and their influence on plant growth and development.
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.
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 activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. This course makes use of the extensive on-site research facilities and the College farms. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations will form an important part of the course. Students will also have access to specialist IT hardware and software including an on-line learning platform.
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.
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?
The Academic and Vocational Skills Development module 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 course, students will be able to progress onto the final year of the FdSc Agriculture run here at Myerscough College. Upon completing the FdSc Agriculture students can also top up to BSc Hons Sustainable Agriculture (Top-up) degree.
Careers
Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts available in the agricultural industry (and other related industries) including:
Herdsperson (dairy/beef)
Livestock Specialist
Farm Contractor
Feed Sales Advisor
AI Technicians
Shepherd
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).
Latest news, Agriculture
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FEATURE: Green Careers Week highlights jobs that make a difference to the planet
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- Monday 4 November
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FEATURE: Industry collaboration the key to future farming
- Published
- Tuesday 29 October
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Myerscough lecturer presents latest agricultural research at international event
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- Wednesday 18 September
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Open Farm Sunday at Myerscough
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- Thursday 25 April
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Myerscough welcomes social media influencers to showcase sector-leading agriculture provision
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- Friday 12 April