Diploma of Higher Education in Agricultural Business Management (Crop Production)

Diploma of Higher Education in Agricultural Business Management (Crop Production)

Typical Offer:
UCAS Tariff Points
140 tariff points including at least 80 tariff points from a 6-unit (GCE A-Level/VCE A-Level) and/or 12-unit (VCE A-Level) awards. A maximum of 20 tariff points will be counted from Key Skills. (UCAS Tariff incorporates BTEC National Awards and Diplomas)

International Baccalaureate
24 points

Course Aims This shortened award prepares students for a wide range of careers in the arable crop production industry and ancillary organisations. The course is designed to give students an opportunity to specialise in farm business management and crop production. On successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of the broad principles underpinning general arable production whilst monitoring environmental and commercial viability. The course is also designed to progress to BSc (Hons) should the student wish to do so.

Course Content Students will gain the knowledge required to run a successful business. Issues such as personnel, economics, business planning and development, finance and marketing will be examined. In addition, modules will cover the production of combinable and root crops, land and resource management, sustainability and conservation issues. The graduate will be an educated agricultural practitioner who will be flexible, innovative and creative in the commercial management of business, land, environmental and related resources.

Course Content Study of the broad principles underpinning general agricultural production, monitoring and commercial viability which gives students an opportunity to specialise in business management and crop production.

Special Features This shorter programme will instil considerations of business principles, environmental impact and sustainability into all facets of agricultural practice. It aims to produce graduates capable of critical thinking and who can analyse complex agricultural operations and suggest improvements and changes leading to commercial success. The course will also provide an awareness of research methodologies.

Industrial Placements Although placements are not compulsory, an industrial placement year is strongly recommended and provides students with invaluable experience, enhancing their future job prospects. Placements may be in an agricultural enterprise or with an allied industry, such as an agro-chemical company, co-operative or merchant. Overseas placements are possible, although a second language is often required.

Career Prospects There is a high demand for well-qualified Agriculture graduates and this provision will support a varied industry; grain & seed merchants, agronomists, commodity traders; sales companies, fertiliser & chemical companies, food chain suppliers, machinery dealers, plant breeders and commercial farming production companies all seek graduates from Writtle College every year.