Get paid to do a Masters with the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation at Lancaster University, The Sunday Times University of the Year 2018, and Agronomy Research Group.
One year enterprise-led funded Masters by Research: Ref.No. 87
· Get paid £15,000 tax-free
· Have your tuition fees reduced. Your partner company pays £2,000 towards your fees, meaning UK/EU students pay £2,260, and International students pay £15,945.
· Be part of the multi award winning Centre for Global Eco-Innovation with a cohort of 50 talented graduates working on exciting business-led R&D.
· The Centre is based at Lancaster University, so you will gain your Masters from a Top Ten University, recognised as The Sunday Times University of the Year 2018.
· Finish in a strong position to enter a competitive job market in the UK and overseas.
The lack of available irrigation water for the maintenance of turf grass and ornamental areas is a major limiting factor in both temperate and arid world regions. This project aims to work out the principal modes of action of water conservation treatments for amenity situations. The successful applicant will work with the company to develop a formulation capable of generating positive effects on crop growth in water-limited environments.
The project will be of interest to a researcher interested in developing innovative water conservation treatments and applying solutions to the practical situation and will involve both laboratory and field based testing.
Applicants should have a degree in plant science or soil science or a related discipline. Driving licence is an advantage.
This Masters by Research is a collaborative research project between Lancaster University with supervision by Dr Carly Stevens and Dr Shane Rothwell and Agronomy Research Group.
Agronomy Research Group offers advisory and consultancy services to the agricultural, horticultural and amenity industries. Our key objective is to develop innovative methods of water conservation for the horticulture and amenity industries. We also aim to use smartphone technology to facilitate the effective use of water conservation treatments on site in remote locations where traditional agronomy services are unavailable.
Apply Here
To apply for this opportunity please email [email protected] with:
· A CV (2 pages maximum)
· Application Criteria Document
This project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is subject to confirmation of funding. For further information about the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation, please see our website.
Deadline: Sunday 17th June 2018
This Master's offers a broad, research-led syllabus that will benefit life and plant science undergraduates, and professionals in commercial horticulture and agriculture from the UK and overseas looking to develop their career.
Taught content will equip the graduate with the expertise needed to work independently in a range of areas of current commercial plant science, at supervisory or management level, or in applied research. As well as ensuring a thorough grounding in basic science and horticultural technology, the modern molecular biology content is particularly relevant, since new technologies are rapidly entering the commercial arena. The independent research project will be set in a research institution or appropriate local industry, and will be designed around the student's interests and expertise.
The MSc focuses on methods used in the evaluation and improvement of conventional crops that feed the growing world population, but also alternative protected crops and ornamentals along with postharvest management, business and environmental concerns, and plant stress and disease in a changing climate.
The programme team is a combination of scientists working within the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), a unique multidisciplinary centre of excellence focused on global food security, sustainable development and poverty reduction, and the Department of Life and Sports Sciences, both part of the university's Faculty of Engineering and Science. Both have reputations founded on excellence in teaching, training and research. You will also benefit from our links with businesses in the South East and other centres of expertise including Hadlow College and East Malling Research.
Experts in this increasingly important area are needed in businesses nationally and internationally, in research and innovation, and at government and agency level where the ability to understand and follow current developments is required to guide and direct global sustainable solutions to population change.
Courses can be studied individually as CPD and credits acquired this way can be accumulated towards the MSc over 24 or 36 months towards the full MSc if required. Please contact the programme leaders for information.
The aims of the programme are to:
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 45 credits from this list of options.
Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
Year 1
Students are required to choose 90 credits from this list of options.
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.
Assessment methods include:
Production managers - management of plant/crop production (protected and non-protected crops) and postharvest facilities.
Development specialists - selection, development and evaluation of existing and novel plants and crops.
Retailing produce - food and crop technologists, retailing food and non-food derived crops and products, including fresh produce and postharvest technologists.
Institutes, NGOs and governmental bodies - governance and policy linked to application of horticultural/agricultural technologies.
Applied research scientist - application of plant science into practice.
Molecular biology laboratories, horticultural and agricultural facilities
There has never been a more urgent need to train food security researchers who are equipped with skills in agronomy, plant pathology, plant disease and plant genetics, and knowledge of modern agricultural systems and agricultural policy. As outlined in The Royal Society’s 2009 report Reaping the Benefits: science and the sustainable intensification of global agriculture, it is of vital importance that we increase crop yields significantly over the next 50 years, while also decreasing our dependency on chemical intervention and fertilizers.
This interdisciplinary programme was developed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, including: the agricultural industry, government agencies (including Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (defra) and The Food and Environment Research Agency (fera)), and farmers and food manufacturers. Research-led teaching in molecular plant pathology, plant sciences, and microbiology is strongly supplemented by Rothamsted Research, North Wyke expertise in grassland management, soil science, and sustainable farming systems. The combination of expertise in both arable and pastureland systems ensures a truly rounded learning experience. Leading social scientists also provide valuable input on land use and economic practices in rural areas.
The curriculum is designed to address critical shortages of experts capable of working in government agencies, agriculture, and the food industry as researchers, advisers, policy developers, and managers. The programme provides opportunities to gain industrial and practical experience and observe food security issues first-hand during field trips.
Teaching is enriched by expert contributions from a broad cross-section of the industry. Scientific staff from Fera provide specialist lectures as part of the Crop Security module, members of the Plant Health Inspectorate cover field aspects of plant pathology, and a LEAF1 farmer addresses agricultural systems and the realities of food production using integrated farm management. In addition, teaching staff from the University and BBSRC Rothamsted-North Wyke will draw on material and experiences from their academic research and scientific links with industry.
All students will have opportunities to gain industrial and practical experiences. Teaching visits will be made to the Plant Health Inspectorate in Cornwall to see quarantine management of Phytophthora, and to a local LEAF farm to review the challenges and approaches to food production in integrated farm management systems. You will gain specialised experience in practical science or policy making through a dissertation or project placement with external agencies. Defra and Fera, for example, are offering five dissertation and/or project placements annually.
The programme is made up of modules. The list of modules may include the following;
The modules listed here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Please see the website for an up to date list (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/foodsecurity/#Programme-structure)
The MSc Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture curriculum has been designed in collaboration with the agricultural industry to tackle the skills shortage that exists in this vital interdisciplinary area. This programme will provide the highly skilled individuals required in government agencies, agriculture and food industries for critical roles in scientific research, advice, evaluation, policy development and implementation tackling the challenges of food security.
With food security and sustainable agriculture a global concern, opportunities for specialists in the areas of agronomy, plant pathology, plant disease and plant improvement will be worldwide. By combining expertise across the natural, social and political sciences, this programme provides valuable interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in both arable and pastureland systems. Graduates will be prepared to take on the global challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture, being able to adapt to farming systems across the world and identify cross-disciplinary solutions to local agricultural problems.
The programme is enriched by expert contributions from a broad cross-section of the industry, with specialist lectures, teaching visits to observe the practical application of techniques, and industrial placement opportunities for project work or dissertations in practical science or policy making.
Oats are very well suited to Ireland’s climate and there is currently a renewed interest in oats as a result of a growing appreciation of the nutritional and health benefits of oat grains. This project will aim to (a) quantify potassium cycling through the oat crop growing season, (b) understand the mechanics of potassium cycling, and (c) optimise the nutritional agronomy of the oat crop. It is expected that this research will
These projects are funded under the President’s Research Fellowship Programme of the Institute, with the college fees and research materials and consumables covered. A small student stipend will also be provided. The successful candidates will work in the enviroCORE, which is the Institute’s environmental research centre, in a team of research supervisors and postgraduate students.
Applicants should have a primary honours degree (Level 8) in an appropriate discipline (Biosciences, Microbiology, Genetics, Biology, Bioinformatics, Zoology, Environmental Science etc.). They must also hold a minimum of a Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2.1) undergraduate degree. The successful candidates are expected start in the postgraduate positions no later than September 2018.
To apply for a President’s Research Fellowship Scholarship, please email [email protected] with the title(s) of the project being applied for, a CV and a statement (c.500 words) as to why this project is of interest to you. If applying for more than one research project, please list them in your order of preference.
Closing Date: Monday 5th June 2018
This programme is aimed at students who wish to pursue a career in agriculture and sustainable development in the private sector, research, NGO or government communities. It provides a firm grounding in research methods applicable to the study of sustainable agriculture and the intellectual tools for understanding sustainable agriculture systems. The courses combine theoretical approaches and empirically based learning from case studies of real projects and agricultural scenarios.
Many of NRI's academics are research active. Teaching will focus on case studies from NRI's corporate experience. You will look at how research into agricultural issues, both in the natural and social sciences, can be translated into knowledge and products that have real impact on increasing the effectiveness of agriculture in enhancing livelihoods for all stakeholders. The potential role of agricultural innovations, both in technology, including biotechnology, knowledge systems, extension services and institutional partnerships in promoting development are also a strong theme in courses.
The aims of the programme are:
As of the 2018/2019 session the courses offered on this programme will be revised and the programme title may change, but the content will still focus on sustainable agriculture.
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses
Students are required to choose 60 credits from this list of options
All courses are subject to student numbers
Assessment consists of a combination of:
This programme provides specialist expertise for those working or seeking to work in agricultural development or research, or pursuing an advanced agricultural or development qualification in the UK and overseas. Students graduate with a broad general knowledge of agricultural applications in sustainable development and also more focused in-depth knowledge.
Details available on http://www.iupware.be/ ;
The MSc in Water Resources Engineering addresses water-related issues in developed and developing countries. It is jointly organized by KU Leuven and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). The general programme objective is to educate professionals and scientists through multidisciplinary and high-quality university education to contribute effectively to the development and management of local and global water resources. The programme trains students with cutting-edge technical and managerial knowledge and skills to
(i) successfully plan, design, operate and manage water resources projects; and (ii) advise and support authorities in decision-making and policy-making that enhance the safe exploitation and re-use of wastewater and the equitable distribution and conservation of local, regional, and global water resources.
A strong focus is put on the use of state-of-the-art numerical simulation tools for integrated water management.
The programme deals with the methods and techniques applied in the study of
- water needs for agriculture, industry, households, recreation, navigation, hydroelectric power generation - problems related to storm water drainage and flood damage mitigation - problems related to water quality in streams and aquifers, erosion, sedimentation, protection of ecosystems and other natural resources - integrated water management - institutional, socio-economic, and policy issues related to water resources development and management
A combination of theory and practice ensures that students are equipped with excellent knowledge for further research and exciting job opportunities across the world. Graduates of the programme are primarily employed as
(i) academics or scientists at universities and research institutions. Their major task is to strengthen the training and research capacity of those institutions in the field of water resources
(ii) engineers or managers in public administrations, water user associations or private companies.
Water resources engineers and scientists play a decisive role in the development and management of aquifers and river basins, and in deciding who does what, how much services cost, and who pays. They are the decision-makers and water managers of the future, who are capable of taking into account increased user demand and environmental needs, i.e. managing limited water resources in a sustainable and responsive way.
The master programme takes place in an intercultural and international environment. Students have the possibility to join excursions and field trips abroad and to carry out master thesis research in cooperation with our partner universities.
The full programme comprises 120 ECTS. Students with a relevant Master degree can apply for the 1-year abridged programme (60 ECTS) and will mainly follow second year courses.
The first year curriculum builds a common foundation and is the same for all students. In the second year students design a personal programme through the selection of three elective courses, an integrated project and their master thesis research. Courses are held both at KU Leuven and the VUB campus.
Year 1 (compulsory)
- Advanced Mathematics for Water Engineering - Statistics for Water Engineering - Hydraulics - Groundwater Hydrology - Surface Water Hydrology - Irrigation Agronomy - Aquatic Ecology - Waste Water Treatment and Resource Recovery - Water Quality - Integrated Water Management - GIS & Data Processing for Water Resources Engineering - Remote Sensing and Measuring Techniques for Water Resources Engineering
Year 2
Compulsory
- Systems Approach to Water Management - Social, Political, Institutional, Economic and Environmental Aspects of Water Resources
Electives (three courses to be chosen)
- Surface Water Modelling - Groundwater Modelling - River Modelling - Soil Water Modelling - Irrigation Design and Crop Water Productivity Management - Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics - Environmental Programming - Freshwater and Marine Ecology
Integrated Project: Students work in groups on a particular watershed and travel to the case study area. They define problems and tackle them from different angles using modelling as well as nonmodelling tools
The M.S. degree in Sustainable Agriculture aims to provide advanced knowledge in the field of agricultural systems as well as skills to develop and manage sustainable production systems.
The context of the topics is international, having as its main area of investigation warm-temperate environments at a global level. The graduate in Sustainable agriculture must work to achieve food security objectives associated with improving the quality and wholesomeness of food products. The graduate must know the issues related to biodiversity, global change and ecosystem services, which are analyzed according to a systemic and adaptive approach, considering also the traceability of processes.
To address the global challenges, students are equipped with a wide learning platform, and are able to make comparisons between different production systems at the international level in terms of environmental, socio-economics, and regulatory environments.
With the aim of strengthening this global approach to sustainability and food security, the degree program has been included in an internationalization project in collaboration with the University of Georgia, USA, which enables students to achieve a dual degree in "Sustainable Agriculture" (Italy) and "Crop and Soil Science" (USA).
The course is intended for highly-motivated national and international students and is conceived for Bachelor graduates with a main interest in agricultural and environmental sciences.
The graduate in Sustainable Agriculture is able to perform a wide range of activities in a professional and efficient manner:
1) Operate internationally by conducting activities of planning, management, monitoring, coordination and training in agricultural production processes to meet the needs of the international market;
2) Be involved in activities of experimentation and research in both the public and private sectors (eg. Biotechnology companies);
3) Fill a position or interact with international organizations such as FAO, EU and World Bank;
4) Be involved in the transfer of technologies (innovation broker);
5) Manage technical and international business related to agricultural products and processing, and related to agricultural mechanization;
6) Play an active role in private and public structures aimed at land management and the management of water resources, including historical, cultural and landscape values of agricultural land;
7) Collaborate in the establishment and operation of projects in basic and applied research in the field of agricultural production in the international arena.
The training course in Sustainable Agriculture, lasting two years, includes two main areas of study:
1) Production: training in the areas of agronomy, crop and animal productions, soil science, plant breeding, and integrated management of pests and diseases, all aimed at the sustainability of the production process and its social implications;
2) Technology: training in the areas of management and protection of air-soil-water, use of biomass of agricultural plants and animals, land management, and management of the production process (at different geographic scales) considering both innovative technologies and socio-economic aspects.
Learning is based on active studies covering activities in the classroom, in the laboratory and in the field as well as the possibility of using the contribution of Italian and foreign teachers, and industry experts that can provide specific case studies. The program offers intensive individual tutoring of students, as well as the opportunity to intern for six months, in companies in the public and private sectors, possibly abroad, for the study of cases of excellence in preparation of the thesis
Visit the MSc “Sustainable agriculture” page on the Università di Padova web-site http://www.unipd.it/en/educational-offer/second-cycle-degrees/school-of-agricultural-sciences-and-veterinary-medicine?ordinamento=2016&key=AV2293 for more details.
The University of Padova, the Veneto Region and other organisations offer various scholarship schemes to support students. Below is a list of the funding opportunities that are most often used by international students in Padova.
You can find more information below and on our website here: http://www.unipd.it/en/studying-padova/funding-and-fees/scholarships
You can find more information on fee waivers here: http://www.unipd.it/en/fee-waivers
