FdSc Agriculture
Course Details
-
Department
Agriculture -
Qualification
Level 5 -
Course Type
Full Time -
Length
2 Years -
Location(s)
York
Course at a glance
Our FdSc Agriculture programme, has been crafted to help equip you with the essential academic foundation, technical skills, and managerial acumen needed to excel in today's dynamic agricultural landscape.
UCAS Code
D4U8
Awarding Body: Askham Bryan College
Centre Code
A70
What you will learn
Throughout this modular programme, you’ll get the opportunity to delve into livestock management, crop production, and the intricate integration of diverse agricultural systems. Our approach to delivery aims to support you in blending industry experience with ongoing education and training.
Experience a blend of theory and practice as you delve into livestock and crop production, sustainable environmental practices, and the latest advancements in agricultural technology. Our modular approach supports you in balancing your studies with real-world work experience, ensuring that your learning journey aligns with the demands of the industry.
Resources available to University Centre Askham Bryan students, include the 238-hectare Home Farm, provide a rich learning environment where you can immerse yourself in the daily operations of a modern agricultural enterprise. Engage directly with a milking herd of 200 cows, utilise state-of-the-art precision beef facilities, and explore the latest in crop cultivation techniques.
There is also our £2.4 million Agri-Tech Innovation Centre, equipped with the DeLaval Digital Farm and robotic milker, offering hands-on training in advanced agricultural and engineering practices. Real-time data analysis tools provide insights into dairy cow performance, while cutting-edge software aggregates on-farm data to enhance your understanding of enterprise performance.
This course is 2-years full time (part-time study may also be available – contact he@askham-bryan.ac.uk for more information about part-time study).
Year 1 Modules
- Introduction to Agri-Business
- Environmental Management in Agriculture
- Agricultural Mechanisation
- Livestock Health
- Crop Production
- Academic Writing and Research
Year 2 Modules
- Research Skills – Agriculture
- Applied Agri-Business
- Livestock Production
- Crop Production Management
- Continuous Professional Development
Level 5 Options (Choose one):
- Livestock Feeding
- Agronomy
Programme Specification
Key Information
Applicants should have achieved:
- 48 UCAS Points (2024/25 entry)
- 64 UCAS Points (2025/26 entry)
• 5 GCSE’s including Maths English and Science at Grade C/4 or above. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted in lieu of GCSE’s. Applicants must have successfully completed a full Level 3 study and/or have significant industry experience.
Some students may be asked to attend an interview.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) will be considered on an individual basis.
If you have any queries in relation to entry qualifications, then please contact the University Centre directly.
On successful completion of the FdSc Agriculture, students may wish to consider progressing on to the University Centres BSc (Hons) Agricultural Management Top Up. Allowing students to graduate with a BSc (Hons) Degree.
Alternatively, students may wish to consider careers in a variety of industries focused on livestock health and management as well as crop health and management.
UK, Isle of Man and Channel Isles Students on BSc Honours Degree/ BSc Top up/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree – £9,000
Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA
Non-Home (Overseas Students) on Honours Degree/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree – £14,000
This programme requires students to undertake 300 hours of work placement, with 150 completed each academic year.
Work placement is completed with an external employer which is arranged by the student. Such placements include farm hand, NFU, trainee agronomist, auction mart, feed mill etc. All work placements are subject to a health and safety check by the college to ensure that placements are suitable and safe. Support can be made available via the module tutor to help locate a suitable placement.
If you are already working in the sector, it may be possible to APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) this element of the course. Evidence of such employment will be needed, outlining duties etc for consideration at the APL panel, where applications will be considered on an individual basis. If you have any queries in relation to this, then please contact the University Centre team directly.
University Centre Askham Bryan fosters diverse talents and skills through a range of engaging assessment methods tailored to hone industry standard subject skills, as well as transferable skills and graduate attributes. From traditional coursework to time-constrained assessments that sharpen quick thinking, with each assessment opportunity you can showcase your abilities.
Engage in online assessments blending technology with information for adaptable problem-solving. Whilst presentations amplify your voice, and scholarly viva-voce discussions deepen understanding. Practical assessments bridge theory with real-world application, helping to shape your subject expertise. With our varied approach, learning isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about discovering your potential within an educational landscape.
In addition to tuition fees and accommodation if applicable. Students will need to budget for some extra costs as part of this course, which you will need to pay for yourself.
Below is a link to a list with approximate additional course cost to help with your budgeting.