Full time Foundation Degree in Food Chain Management AG133

Foundation Degree in Food Chain Management AG133
QualificationFdSc Food Chain Management
Qualification Level
Level : 4
What do these levels mean?

Duration :New course - starting October 2011 (subject to validation)

Dates :New course - starting October 2010 (subject to validation)

Run by : Agriculture Department.
Tutor : Tim Stephens

Awarding Body
Bournemouth University

Is it right for me?
The safety, quality and sustainability of the food we eat are currently issues of global importance. Consumers and regulators alike demand ever greater standards throughout the whole food chain, from production to the point of sale. This new qualification will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with industry and government to meet these ever changing demands. Students will develop both academic and practical ability throughout the course, including gaining additional industry recognised qualifications. There is a strong emphasis placed on the application of the skills and knowledge gained to solve practical real'life industry problems in areas such as food safety, food production, sustainable food production, quality control, auditing, procurement, marketing, sales and the implementation and enforcement of new and existing legislation.

What qualifications will I need?
Applicants should be at least 18 years of age by 31st December in the year of entry and are required to demonstrate a set of basic skills required to fulfil the demands of the course including an ability to express themselves in written English and basic numeracy skills. These skills should be demonstrated at levels equivalent to GCSE grades A to C. Applicants may offer GCSE, GCE, CSE, appropriate BTEC or Access qualifications or an appropriate record of using these skills in employment. Applicants whose first language is not English must have evidence of qualifications in written and spoken English: acceptable qualifications are TOEFL 550 & IELTS 6 or equivalent. Applicants should also confirm their ability to study on a Foundation Degree by presenting evidence of one 12'unit qualification equivalent to one A Level grade C (normally Biology or a related science) or 80 UCAS points. Additionally all candidates will normally be expected to present passes at Grade C or above in at least three subjects at GCSE.

What will I be learning about?

• Indicative programme:
• Animal production systems
• Business management
• Supply chain logistics and operations management
• Crop production systems
• Study and research skills
• Food safety and hazard analysis
• Legislation and ethics
• Work based learning
• Principles of retail
• Buying and marketing
• Independent research project
• Food technology and processing
• Internal auditing systems

What is involved?
This two year full time course requires 3 days per week attendance at Kingston Maurward College and includes a 300 hour industry placement prior to starting Year 2. The course is presented through a combination of lectures, discussions, assignments, practical activities, visiting guest speakers, specialist site visits and work experience.

Where will it take me?
The food industry has shown a consistent demand for high quality science graduates able to demonstrate the ability to apply their skills. This program of study provides opportunities for entry into every link in the food chain, from production and processing to retail. Graduates will find themselves pursuing careers at the forefront of this growing and innovative industry with organisations as varied as multinational companies, local producers, government organisations and inspection and assurance agencies. Equipped with a sound knowledge base and a range of practical skills, our graduates may find themselves filling key roles within areas as diverse as food growing, production and processing, operations and supply chain management, technical roles (including hazard analysis, compliance, auditing, quality control), commercial roles (such as procurement, marketing and sales) as well as positions with associated organisations.

How will I be assessed?
A combination of assignments, presentations, course work, vocational practicals, case studies and written examinations.

How much will it cost?
Higher Education course

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