Agriculture

Duration:

Five to seven years to complete. 14 weeks for one module by distance learning. Three intakes per year (January, May, September).

Contact Time:

Part I of the doctoral route comprises three taught modules (including Research Methods) followed by a 120 credit dissertation (20,000 words). This part will typically take 2-3 years. Part II is undertaken for a minimum of three years and comprises a longer thesis (up to 60,000 words). It will involve experimentation and must embody the methodology and results of original research. It should, ideally, build upon the Part I dissertation. 

We have designed our training to be as accessible as possible, particularly for those in full time employment. Each taught module comprises a 12 or 14 week distance learning module worth 20 credits which can be taken for your own continuing professional development or interest, or built towards a postgraduate qualification. The research elements of our qualifications are carried out in your workplace with regular academic supervision. The training is web-based which means that as long as you have access to a reasonable broadband connection (i.e. are able to stream videos such as on YouTube), you can study where and when best suits you. Learning material includes podcast lectures, e-group projects, guided reading, interactive workbooks and discussion forums, as well as assignments and e-tutorials. By signing a re-registration form each year you will have access to e-journals and library resources for the duration of your registration.

Assessment:

There are no exams within this programme. Taught modules are assessed via course work and forum discussion. Research is monitored and assessed. The viva is an integral part of the examination of the Part II thesis.

Course Fees:

See the Fees and Scholarships information page.

Fees are required to be paid in full before training commences.

The Professional Doctorate of Agriculture is delivered in two parts:

• Part I is undertaken for a minimum of two years and comprises two taught modules from the MSc Sustainable and Efficient Food Production and ‘Research Methods taught module, plus a portfolio of work or a research thesis (approximately 20,000 words in length). Each taught module is worth 20 credits and takes 12 or 14 weeks to complete. The short Part I thesis should involve analysing existing data from the candidate’s workplace. For example: 'Reviewing historical mineral deficiency data by species and region: analysing and interpreting the findings'. Students may exit here with an MRes.
• Part II is undertaken for a minimum of three years and comprises a longer portfolio of work or a research thesis (up to 60,000 words). It will involve experimentation and must embody the methodology and results of original research. It should, ideally, be built upon the Part 1 thesis. Thus, from the example above, could be something like: 'Changing practices and introducing innovation to combat mineral deficiencies'.

Modules

The menu of optional distance-learning modules available is:

Silage Science This module will develop the trainee’s knowledge of modern forage and grain ensilage systems; and their skill to integrate recent research into their work.

Improving Ruminant Production (AU) The focus of this module is ruminants: reproductive technology, genetic improvement, dairy cattle production systems, meat production systems, meat and milk quality, and disease prevention and management.

Ruminant Nutrition Trainees will develop understanding of: Digestion and metabolism of nutrients, ecology of the rumen and methods used to modify it; and methods used to modify characteristics of meat and milk.

Grassland Systems Trainees will develop in depth knowledge of pasture based systems and learn to develop management plans towards optimizing meat/milk quality and yields; and conservation requirements. The potential of new forage crops will be explored.

Ruminant Health and Welfare Focuses on diseases of most concern and looks adapting systems to reduce the disease risk. Students can specialise in: dairy, beef or sheep.

Genetics and Genomics in Agriculture This module focuses on the challenges facing land based production and the role of emerging technologies to meet these challenges sustainably.

Low Input Ruminant Production This module examines the concepts behind ruminant production in low input or organic systems and considers alternative production methods.

Ruminant Gut Microbiology The module investigates methods used to investigate rumen microbiology and reviews ways of manipulating rumen fermentation to improve productivity whilst decreasing the environmental footprint. 

Core Modules

Research Methods

The compulsory module- Research Methods - is available three times a year so that students can fit it around their optional modules. This module must be taken before you begin your research project.

BDM6060 and BDM6160 - Work-based Thesis (120 Credits): The compulsory module– Work-Based Thesis – can be started in any semester. This module should only be taken when Research Methodology and Advances in Biosciences has been completed and will involve a work-plan developed with your ATP tutor, academic supervisor and employer (if relevant). The thesis should involve analysing existing data from your workplace.

Research Thesis

The compulsory Research Thesis is undertaken for a minimum of three years and comprises a longer portfolio of work or a research thesis (up to 60,000 words). It will involve experimentation and must embody the methodology and results of original research. It should, ideally, be built upon the Work-Based Thesis. It will involve a work-plan developed with your ATP tutor, academic supervisor and employer (if relevant).