COURSE OVERVIEW
From production to consumption, food security presents the world with one of its greatest challenges, and this course focuses on providing you with a wide range of relevant skills in agricultural science.
You will study international agriculture, markets and policy, the socio-economic priorities that affect food importation, exportation, safety and quality, and consumer awareness, confidence and well-being.
On graduation, you will possess the knowledge and expertise to establish a career with any number of public or private organisations, or progress to further study in this important subject.
This course is for students with a HND or Foundation Degree in a related subject area who wish to progress to a full bachelor’s degree.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Learn the knowledge and skills essential for a fulfilling career in agriculture, the food industry and their associated public and private sector organisations
- Study specialist subject areas such as global food security from production to consumption, biotechnology in crop and animal production, genetic modification and climate change
- Develop and deepen your understanding of the major challenges facing international agriculture, markets, policy and the socio-economic context in which you will work
- Gain from a wide-ranging and highly practical course that emphasises employability by engaging with industry and other agencies
- Explore this complex and constantly evolving subject with highly skilled and experienced staff who have a wealth of knowledge and connections
- Benefit from our close partnership with the Shuttleworth College Estate, and our well-established academic links with the Rothamsted Research Institute and the Cranfield Soils and Agrifood Institute.
- Challenge yourself with further study with a postgraduate degree within the School of Life Sciences at Bedfordshire such as Environmental Management or Biotechnology.
CAREER PROSPECTS
The majority of lecturing staff are actively engaged in scientific research, and have previously worked in academic, government, charity or industry research laboratories. Our teaching and the course are therefore directly informed by our research knowledge and activities.
Some key aspects of the course that emphasise employability of our graduates include:
- Training in key laboratory techniques relevant to employment within the agricultural sciences, including awareness of relevant health and safety, legal and ethical considerations.
- Training and practice in the scientific method that underpins all scientific research (developing novel hypotheses, testing these by experiment, accurately interpreting data and understanding error, and drawing valid conclusions).
- Practice in professional standards of reporting including field and laboratory reports using the standards of professional research publications, preparation of scientific conference posters, and written and oral presentations.
- Maintenance of field and laboratory diaries and research diaries following standard practice within the field.
- Guest lectures from employers and from the Universitys careers service.
Many of the skills you will develop are applicable to professions away from the subject itself. The ability to research complex information, analyse data and write professional reports are highly valued and our students are encouraged to think about potential careers in a wide variety of sectors.
