FdSc Precision Livestock Farming
Course Details
-
Department
Agriculture -
Qualification
Level 5 -
Course Type
Full Time -
Length
2 Years -
Location(s)
York
Course at a glance
Step into the future of agriculture with our FdSc Precision Livestock Farming programme, tailored for those eager to spearhead innovation in the agricultural sector. This course is designed to refine your technical and managerial skills in innovative agricultural practices, including forage crop production, nutrition, genetics, and more, leveraging the latest in machinery, data collection technology, and software.
UCAS Code
D4U5
Awarding Body: Askham Bryan College
Centre Code
A70
What you will learn
University Centre Askham Bryan offers a learning environment with access to Home Farm’s 238 hectares, which boasts a 200-cow milking herd, a state-of-the-art precision beef facility, and a commercial flock of 200 breeding ewes, all serving as a practical learning canvas. You will get the chance to delve into the cultivation of crops like wheat, sugar beet, and maize on grade 2 arable land, applying advanced precision field technology and software to maximize yields and support the performance of dairy and livestock enterprises.
Also, the high-spec Agri-Tech Innovation Centre, equipped with the latest in agricultural and engineering training facilities, including the DeLaval Digital Farm and a robotic milker, provides live data for in-depth analysis of dairy cow performance. Coupled with the latest Map of Agriculture software, you could gain real-time insights into farm operations, inputs, and performance across different enterprises.
By joining the FdSc Precision Livestock Farming course could become part of a movement towards smarter, more sustainable farming practices at the forefront of the agricultural industry.
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).
Gallery
Year 1 Modules
- Introduction to Agri-Business
- Environmental Management in Agriculture
- Emerging Livestock Technology
- Livestock Health
- Introduction to Livestock Production
- Academic Writing and Research
Year 2 Modules
- Research Skills – Agriculture
- Applied Agri-Business
- Livestock Production
- Livestock Feeding
- Precision Livestock Systems
- Continuous Professional Development
Programme Specification
FdSc Precision Livestock Farming 2025
Key Information
Applicants should have achieved:
- 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 Precision Livestock Farming, 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 livestock health and innovation.
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 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.
Additional Course Costs (UCAB)