Alumni: Mollie Burns
Masters in Sustainable Crop Production
Mollie Burns
What attracted you to Warwick?
My interest in the course came from my undergraduate degree in Geography and my curiosity about the world around me. I was keen to move into a career where I felt I could make a difference to the agricultural industry, and Warwick’s course felt like the perfect fit. It offered a balance of academic research and practical application (e.g., field visits) which aligned closely with my career goals. I was also drawn to the campus itself with the excellent facilities and green space.
What was the most enjoyable part of the course?
The bi-weekly field visits were a real highlight for me. They offered the opportunity to step away from the classroom and engage directly with the industry in a hands-on, practical way. Seeing theory applied in the real-world enhanced my understanding and made the learning experience far more interesting. As someone who learns best through practical engagement, these visits were both memorable and invaluable.
How did your research project help to develop your skills?
My research project examined the effects of temperature on glasshouse crops, providing me with an understanding of horticulture in controlled environments and the broader, more serious implications of climate change. It strengthened my analytical and research skills, while also developing my appreciation of farming in general. It’s tough out there! This knowledge has proved highly relevant in my current role, where I support farmers to grow crops more sustainably in an ever-changing climate.
What is your current role and how did the course prepare you?
I currently work at Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF), where I have been based since completing my MSc at Warwick four years ago. The course gave me the technical knowledge, confidence, and transferable skills needed to succeed in my role as LEAF Marque Standards Coordinator, particularly given I do not come from a farming background.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering this course?
If you are considering applying, do it! My year at Warwick was both professionally and personally rewarding. I developed a wide range of transferable skills that have supported my career progression over the past four years, and the opportunities that followed have been a direct result of the experience and networks I built during the course. It is a challenging but incredibly worthwhile course that opens doors which I am hugely grateful for.