2010 will see the return of the Foundation Degree in Agriculture. With a new look the proposed Foundation Degree in Agricultural Managment and Diversification will tackle current issues that Farms and Farm Managers have to deal with. What this space for more updates...
"I came to Bicton College because it had a great reputation as an agricultural college, and I thought the course content sounded in-depth"
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UCAS Institution Code:P60
UCAS Programme Code:D402
Duration:2 YEARS FT / 3 YEARS PT
With a foundation degree in agriculture you could...
...progress after one year to the second year of the BSc (Hons) Applied Biosciences (Agriculture and Environment) or BSc (Hons) Agriculture, Ecology & Environment degrees at the University of Plymouth… …or become an agricultural adviser, a farm manager, an agricultural economist, an agriculture research scientist, an agricultural auctioneer, a field trials officer, a sales executive for a animal feed or agricultural products manufacturer, a journalist for a land-based magazine or journal…
Facilities
- 166 Ha farm
- Spring calving dairy herd of 185 cows plus followers
- 24:48 milking parlour
- Around 300 sheep (180 mule ewes with 100 pedigree Texels)
- Demonstration beef and pig enterprises
- Laboratory facilities
- Extensive range of land-based machinery
Programme Aims
The Foundation Degree in Agriculture combines both practical skills and theoretical knowledge - thereby giving the student a full range of options at the end of the programme.,
A range of issues related to consumerism, diversification and the environment are also covered in depth. The programme is very practical and designed to meet the current and future needs of the industry. The modules have been created so that students can develop general agricultural skills as well as the opportunity to pursue specialist interest areas. There are opportunities for students to develop their individual personal skills throughout the programme.
Entry Requirements
120 points are required in total, which equates to one of the following:
- Two A levels at grade C or above, or equivalent combination of two grades
- MPP grade profile for BTEC National Diploma
- MP grade profile for BTEC National Certificate
- Students with experience will be assessed on merit
Course Structure
This is a two year full-time programme, although there are opportunities to study on a part-time basis.
There is a minimum 30 day work-based learning placement during the first year of the programme which gives you the opportunity to develop the skills learnt during the year, as well as giving you the chance to observe good practice.
The programme is delivered using a wide range of methods ranging from lectures, practical laboratory sessions, field visits, practical field and livestock sessions and tutorials. We are able to offer tuition in small groups with a great deal of individual support.
Every opportunity is taken to use the Bicton College farm and estate for learning. In the first year there is a clear focus on agricultural production systems and recognition of good practice. The basic scientific principles relating to agriculture are also explored and developed.
What you will study
Year 1- Farm Mechanisation
- Crop and Grassland Production
- Agricultural Science
- Livestock Production
- Work-based Learning (six weeks)
- Professional Development
- Business Foundations
- Biological Concepts
Compulsory Modules- Major Integrated Assignment
- Business Operations
- Farm Business Management
Optional Modules (choose three)
- Livestock Management
- Conservation with Estate Management
- Specialist Conservation
- Crop Production Systems
Please note that option choices may be limited due to group size requirements.
In the second year the optional modules will enable you to pursue your own particular specialist areas of interest. The skills to manage a successful rural business make up the main theme during this year.
Assessment
Your progress is monitored by a variety of assessment techniques including a planned programme of written assignments, presentations, group work, practical assessments and in-class tests. A major integrated assignment and six weeks work-based learning must be completed as part of this course.
This course will be awarded by the University of Plymouth.
Progression
Successful students may progress in one year to the BSc (Hons) Agriculture or the BSc (Hons) in Agriculture, Ecology and Environment degree at the University of Plymouth. Details of these arrangements will be available from your tutor. There may also be the opportunity to progress to other universities.
Future career opportunities include employment within the production and ancillary sectors of the agricultural industry in a variety of roles including sales, marketing, journalism and management.
University of Plymouth Colleges Faculty
The University of Plymouth Colleges Faculty (UPC) is a partnership between the University of Plymouth and over 20 partner institutions, including Bicton College. It is nationally recognised as one of the largest, longest established and best-developed partner college networks in the country and brings university-level education to over 10,000 students across the South West peninsula and the Channel Islands.
All of the higher education courses offered at Bicton College are validated by the University of Plymouth. This means when you graduate you will achieve a University of Plymouth award.
Every UPC foundation degree has a built-in progression route to an honours degree. These are often one-year ‘top-up’ courses available at the University of Plymouth, or in some cases, a partner college or another university.
In terms of academic study, all UPC students have the same rights and status as other University of Plymouth students. In addition, you will be able to benefit from the services that your college can provide – as well as the extra support and resources on offer at the University’s campus.
All UPC students are entitled to use the University’s library, access electronic resources and learning support materials through the web-based student portal, become a member of the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) and through your college, gain assistance from the University’s support and advice resources (such as its careers’ service, student funding team, international students’ advisory service and the disability assist scheme).
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 8AA
Tel: 01752 585858 (course information)
Tel: 01752 600600 (all other enquiries)
Fax: 01752 588050
Email: prospectus@plymouth.ac.uk
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APPLY TODAY
For a full-time application apply to UCAS direct at www.ucas.ac.uk or
Write to:UCAS
PO Box 28
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL50 3SA
To study part-time apply directly to Bicton College.