Diploma of Higher Education in Agriculture (Arable Crop Management)

• UCAS Tariff Points: 180 - 240
• GCE A Levels: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above
• Irish Certificate: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x ILC higher at B1
• Scottish Highers: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x higher at B
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MPP (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma: MM (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma: Pass (120) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• C & G Level 3 Diploma: Merit (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)

English language requirements
If you do not have English as a first language, you will normally be required to demonstrate an IELTS overall score (or equivalent) of:

• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Further Education course
• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Foundation degree, Higher Certificate or Higher Diploma
• 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a degree
• 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a postgraduate degree

If you have lower scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English Language course, which can lead to entry to the appropriate programme of study.

STAGE ONE

• Developing Graduateness - This module introduces the School of Sustainable Environment students to the academic and personal skills they will need to make the most their time in HE study. It also begins their orientation to the world of work in their respective target sectors (conservation, horticulture, agriculture and floristry). The module is team taught with some subject specific and some interdisciplinary delivery allowing the students to appreciate the wider context of their subject and to collaborate across a wider range of students than their other modules allow. The module is designed to induct students into the expectations of HE study, e.g., academic literacy and numeracy, ICT skills, constructive team-working, and self-reflection on their progress across all their modules. These aspects of study are contextualised to the students’ interests and aspirations by working with sector relevant material to assist the students in their professional development planning and encourage independence and ownership of their studies and career aims.
• Introduction to Agronomy and Cropping Systems - This module provides some basic practical skills and relevant plant and soil academic information for the student. Students will be introduced to the concepts in Agronomy. Practical soil/water issues will be investigated as will the effect of cultivation systems on various soil types and conditions. The module also requires students to observe and record machinery and crop information for use in discussion and assessment. The interpretation of this material is encouraged as is the use of recorded information that is available from the College farm and other sources and is available in the Farms Information Room. The teaching and learning in this module are linked wherever possible to the teaching and learning taking place in the level 4 science modules and is designed to be built on in level 5 husbandry and science modules.
• Introduction to Livestock and Production Systems - This module provides background information on livestock production in the UK including national statistics and the role of livestock in the wider UK economy. It introduces the concept of a production system, system inputs and outputs with associated resource use. Students will then be guided through the various production systems for each species, for example the UK stratified sheep industry, intensive (indoor) and extensive (outdoor) pig production, poultry (eggs and meat) and a number of alternative livestock species such as Alpaca, Deer and Ostrich. Wherever possible lectures will be backed up with real life examples of production systems, for example indoor pig production, lowland sheep production and semi- intensive beef production at Sturgeons Farm and milk production at Terling Hall Farm.
• Biological Processes - The module introduces key biological concepts and principles providing the foundation for future study. Dealing with life processes and living organisms, it links biological structure and function. Discipline specific themes are developed via partner units of study [e.g. the module Horticultural Science] delivered in Semester 2.
• Climate, Soils and Land Use - Soils and climate are fundamental natural resources that affect environmental sustainability and profitability. This module will develop knowledge of properties of soil formation, soils and the strategies required to manage it for growing plants and various crops. The essential nature of soil, its physical, chemical and biological make-up, are examined, with a view to understanding how these natural processes are essential to plant growth, as well as how they may be harnessed to sustainably manage land and landscapes. Students will also discover how the capability of soil is a prime factor in determining the capability of a site to support the growth of a range of plants, and how this might determine and limit productivity. Fertiliser properties, organic manures and environmental considerations will be emphasized. The fundamentals of weather and climate; the global climate system, climate zones, will also be investigated Ultimately the importance of how this in respect of plant growth, as well as how this essentially underpins the understanding of global climate change is highlighted.
• Principles of Agricultural Management - This is a practical module which aims to equip students with the technical skills needed while underpinning this practical knowledge with theory. Students will study aspects of livestock management and handling, crop production, mechanization and business planning. Safe operation of farm machinery will be taught alongside the relevant health and safety legislation. Livestock practicals will involve a range of species and will involve practical handling and aspects of management. This is a hands on module allowing students to gain vital skills needed for an career within the agricultural industry.

STAGE TWO

• Academic and Professional Development - Employability is at the core of this module helping to equip students with the skills recognised as essential by graduate employers. It aims to refine scholarly and professional skills introduced in Year 1, with students actively encouraged to record their own progress through their Mahara portfolio or its equivalent in the context of their own career aspirations and long-term goals. This module is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and thought processes necessary for effective, original academic and/or work-focused research. A recognised prerequisite for graduate employment is data handling/research skills and the techniques and approaches used here will reflect the student's academic discipline providing a basis for progression to the Level 6 Dissertation module or equivalent. Critical thinking, autonomy, independent learning and subject specific competencies will be promoted through its delivery. The module gives students the opportunity to identify realistic and satisfactory short and long term career goals helping students to acquire graduate skills, attributes and attitudes that will be necessary to achieve this. Students will have opportunities to develop their understanding of personal development planning leading to the identification of realistic and satisfactory career goals and the skills development and knowledge acquisition that will be necessary to achieve these. It seeks to give students an understanding of the skills needed in their eventual roles dealing with complex situations as professional practitioners holding supervisory and managerial responsibilities.
• Sustainable Farming Systems - This module will give students an insight into alternative types of farming practices for example organic, urban and peri-urban. Environmental stewardship schemes will be examined in detail and students will develop an understanding of how correct management can minimize negative effects on the surrounding countryside. An understanding of modern agro-chemicals and their impact on the environment will be gained. Measures to reduce pollution and their safe storage will also be covered.
• Agricultural Markets and Supply Chains - The importance of marketing to farmers has become increasingly important as support for agriculture has moved away from production ,provenance of food has become an issue and food markets have become increasingly competitive at a national and international level for those producing arable crops but also for livestock farmers . This module identifies the requirements of different agricultural markets and evaluates the supply chains of different arable and livestock products from the farm to the consumer. Appropriate marketing concepts will be applied to agriculture and the quality requirements for different products in different markets will be discussed. Much of the module will use a case study approach to specific products and their route to market while students will be required to investigate and justify strategies in the marketing of these products.
• Combinable Root and Alternative Crops - This module examines the production of a range of economically important crops and builds on the knowledge gained in core Level 4 Agriculture modules. The range of crops covered includes cereals, major oilseeds, legumes (combinable peas and beans), sugar beet, potatoes and other relevant “alternative” crops. Some alternative uses for major crops will be examined. Students are expected to develop a detailed understanding of the agronomic requirements of each crop and an appreciation of environmental considerations. A comprehension of the basic principles of crop protection will be required and emphasis will be placed on the cost effective use of inputs within an Integrated Crop Management (ICM), Integrated Farm Management (IFM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems. Students will also be encouraged to investigate market opportunities and to understand the quality standards demanded by the wholesale and retail customer.
• Field Vegetable, Salad and Fruit Crops - This module will give students the opportunity to assess the potential and gain an understanding of root salad and fruit crops which are important in certain parts of the UK and overseas where they contribute significantly to farm output. Specific crops will be evaluated and the agronomy discussed within the framework of Integrated Farm Management to promote the sustainable techniques and the production of high quality produce for multiple retailers and specific markets. Management issues will be evaluated to assess the factors necessary to produce high value field crops profitably to demanding customers. Developments in technology and machinery design will be considered along with the storage requirements of the crops as these are likely to make significant contributions to the efficient production of marketable produce in the future. The opportunity to visit local farmers, processors, packers and retailers will be taken.
• Agrotechnology - This module will help students to understand the importance of soil and good land management relating to UK and EU legislation. Drainage, run off, flooding, soil erosion, and soil compaction will be investigated. Water management will be covered as well as the use of irrigation, water storage & water abstraction licensing and drainage techniques. Farm machinery from planting to harvest will be discussed and the best way of implementing them effectively. Precision farming techniques will also be assessed and evaluated. On farm energy generation will be covered with comparisons between the different technologies currently available. Planning procedures and incentives will be included. Storage of crops to meet crop assurance schemes will be studied.