Core modules
Crop Physiology and Production
This module will provide you with a clear understanding of the principles and limitations of modern crop production practices. You will develop an advanced, but generic, understanding of the science underpinning crop production in both the field and glasshouse.
Read more about the Crop Physiology and Production moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Advances in Crop Protection
This module aims to teach students the importance and impact of plant pests, diseases and weeds on food production and provide them with a thorough understanding of their biology and ecology.
Read more about the Advances in Crop Protection moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Soil, Sustainability and the Environment
In this module you will focus on understanding the importance of soil in supporting ecosystem services, ways in which soils are managed in agricultural systems and the wider environmental consequences, and threats to soil security. Key topics are soil biology, biogeochemical cycling, nutrient use and management, soils and environmental pollution, soil degradation, soils and climate change and compost/waste application to land.
Read more about the Soil, Sustainability and the Environment moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Project/Work Placement/Dissertation
The project is a stand-alone component of the MSc allowing you to experience, first hand, research skills, hypothesis development, hypothesis testing, data collection, data handling, data evaluation and result presentation.
Read more about the Project/Work Placement/Dissertation moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Climate Change
Climate change is widely agreed to be the most important environmental driver of economic and societal change for the 21st century. In this module you will consider the science of climate change: origins and evidence, predictions and consequences, mitigation and adaptation.
Read more about the Climate Change moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Organic and Low Input Systems
Crop production within low input systems provides a ‘challenge’ to farmers and crop scientists alike in determining how to use their knowledge of the interactions between the soil and plants, and plant pests and pathogens, to grow crops with sufficient yield and quality. In this module you will develop an understanding of the production techniques employed within such systems. The module will focus on arable and horticultural crops but consideration will be given to livestock production within the context of a mixed farming system.
Read more about the Organic and Low Input Systems moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Cereal, Oilseed and Root Crop Agronomy
This module will provide you an understanding of the agronomic principles of the main UK arable crops.
Read more about the Cereal, Oilseed and Root Crop Agronomy moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Introduction to BASIS
This module will provide you with the foundation training to progress to a full BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection. The certificate requires students to work for a year in industry before qualification is accredited, and this module will provide you with all the necessary academic training and experience. BASIS is an essential career qualification for agronomists, trials managers, consultants and employees of any company prescribing crop protection chemicals, including sales staff.
Read more about the Introduction to BASIS moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Plant Breeding and Trial Design for Registration
Crop production can be considered as two distinct components. The first is what is grown, i.e. the crop varieties. The second is how they are grown, which includes the use of chemicals to control pests and diseases and to modify plant growth behaviour. This module is divided into two sections that address these two aspects and also provides underpinning knowledge for other modules in the degree.
Read more about the Plant Breeding and Trial Design for Registration moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Biodiversity, Conservation and Ecosystem Services
- Biological Invasions in Changing Environments
- Challenges in Global Food Security
- Business Strategy
- Climate Change and Development (Law)
Our optional module lists are subject to change each year to keep the student learning experience current and up-to-date.
