Organic Farming

Entry requirements

The normal entry requirement for the MSc/PGDiploma is a degree in agriculture, or other science or technology subject relevant to the sector, however acceptance onto the programme is essentially based on an assessment of candidates ability to benefit from studies. Applications from mature students with extensive work experience are particularly welcome. The course is taught in English and students for whom it is not their first language must have achieved a minimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Organic food and farming sector within Europe is continuing to develp in response to governmental Action Plans and CAP policy development. The organic sector requires highly trained individuals to work as certification officers, advisers, agronomists, farmers, farm managers and livestock specialists. SRUC offers this programme to enable students with a variety of academic and working experiences to gain a fast-track understanding of the key technical production, marketing and management aspects of organic farming and food.

This enables students to build on their existing expertise and aspirations, and to give them enhanced career opportunities as practitioners, promoters and facilitators within the sector.

The organic farming courses are offered on a part-time distance learning basis to allow those in continuing employment or with family commitments to be able to participate. Course participants come from a wide range of backgrounds, including farmers, growers, vets and other agricultural and food sector workers who wish to develop their career and businesses in the organic food and farming sector, as well as those from unrelated backgrounds wishing to increase their knowledge and understanding of organic systems.

Specific course objectives are to provide graduates with:

• An ability to critically appraise organic farming as an agricultural system
• A good understanding of the organic sector
• A sound knowledge of the science underpinning organic farming
• An understanding of the marketing, business & quality assurance requirements for organic produce
• Work placement experience
• Research skills (MSc only)

The course is accessible through its delivery by part-time on-line distance learning.

Awarding University - University of Glasgow

Information for international students

The course is taught in English and students for whom this is not their first language must have achieved an IELTS band 6.5 or above.

Fees and funding

Please visit the web site for further information. Home and EU students may be eligible for funding through SAAS