Masters Degrees (Msc Agroforestry)

In this one-year MSc programme, you have the opportunity to learn about how trees, people and agriculture can be combined in sustainably managed farms, forests and landscapes. There is a long tradition of agroforestry practice in many parts of the world, but recently it has become a major focus in international development and is now at the forefront of innovation in natural resource management. Bangor is a world leader in agroforestry with a fantastic reputation for its research activities and our graduates are either already employed when they start the course and/or have a strong track record in finding employment within the sector. Students and academic staff are active collaborators with international organisations such as the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center, Costa Rica (CATIE) and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). You can expect to develop the skills required for a research and professional career from the comprehensive programme we offer.

The overall aim of the programme is to provide an integrated education in natural resource management, combining ecological and social dimensions of agricultural and forest sciences, focussed on application to real world systems where trees interact with agriculture. The programme is designed to develop both subject-specific knowledge and cognitive and key skills. The course has a world focus and the University has strong links with agroforestry organisations which means that many of our students have undertaken fieldwork in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, as well as in Wales/UK. Besides fantastic overseas opportunities, we also have a university farm (Henfaes Research Centre) located a short distance outside of Bangor where many students carry out experiments for their final projects.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters and gives partial fulfilment of Professional Membership Entry.

We work in partnership with the World Agroforestry Centre.


Course Structure
The programme has two parts. Part Part 1: runs from September to May and consists of five taught modules and a study tour. The taught part of the course is based on lectures, seminars, practical sessions and directed study, allowing an opportunity to examine a broad range of topics in detail and develop personal skills and expertise. A range of different assessment methods are used including reports, presentations, practical write-ups and online and written exams. Part 1 must be completed successfully before proceeding to Part 2, the dissertation phase.

Part 2: June to September is set aside for production of a dissertation on a topic selected by the student in consultation with their academic supervisor. Dissertations can be in almost any aspect of agroforestry that interests you; they can have a temperate or tropical focus, and can include field work either locally in Wales, elsewhere in the UK, or overseas.

Part 1 Subjects:

Agroforestry Systems and Practice: This module explores agroforestry systems and practices worldwide and introduces the concepts behind them. Through a series of case studies, the module explores ecological and biophysical interactions in agroforestry systems, and considers the range of social, economic and ecosystem benefits they deliver, including ways in which we are trying to reduce the environmental impact of food production and overcome constraints to food security.

Silviculture: The purpose of the module is to develop students’ understanding of the silviculture of single trees and trees in complex systems. This module develops an understanding of the principles and practice of silviculture, the place of silviculture in the sustainable cultivation of trees, and the role it plays in delivering ecosystem services from trees, woodlands and forests. We explore the unique characteristics of forest soils and of soil physical, chemical and biological properties, how these influence site productivity and how these are influenced by land management.

Natural Resource Management: The purpose of this module is to give students a theoretical understanding of the systems approach to managing natural resources to provide various ecosystem services, as well as a practical grounding in the ways in which natural resource managers can draw on a variety of knowledge sources to inform themselves and others of the impacts of land management interventions.

Research Planning and Communication: This module seeks to develop students’ understanding of the role of science and the scientific process in formulating and addressing context relevant questions, and communicating scientific output to different audiences. During the course of the module, students will devise, conduct and write up a policy-relevant scientific study.

Natural Resource Development: The purpose of this module is to introduce the international development context to students and to give a practical grounding in project planning. During the module, students will develop a full project proposal in line with funding guidelines for an agroforestry based natural resource development intervention.

Study Tour: We round off the taught part of the course with a study tour which gives students the opportunity to see the practical application of natural resource management principles that are discussed in earlier parts of the programme. During visits to areas which are managed for a range of objectives, you will meet and discuss with different stakeholders and collect information relevant to a specific research topic.

Part 2:

Dissertation: Execution and written presentation of a suitable scientific project which is devised by the student and an individual academic supervisor and validated by the Programme Director. A suitable project entails a worthwhile scientific question, of direct relevance to the degree programme being undertaken, established within the context of current knowledge and concepts that allows the formulation and testing of one or more hypotheses. This normally involves up to 5 months full-time work, typically including: 2-3 months for data collection from the field, laboratory or computer; 1-2 months for data analysis; and 1-2 months for writing-up.

Previous MSc dissertation projects and training courses held in collaboration with the World Agroforestry Centre can be viewed here.

Professional Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) and qualifies students for associate membership.

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The School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography offers a postgraduate distance-learning course in Tropical Forestry, which is aimed specifically at international students who have been awarded a scholarship by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). We have secured CSC scholarships for 2017 entry. Up to 10 scholarships are available for applicants from the following developing commonwealth countries to study for our MSc Tropical Forestry by distance learning:

Bangladesh, Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

The scholarships are worth over £12,000 to cover tuition fees plus a generous bursary to enable scholars to attend a study tour which will be held overseas in July/August 2019. A small study grant is also available to help scholars with internet, computing and other distance learning study costs.These scholarships are will only available for entrants who are able to start the course in September 2017.

Overview
The Tropical Forestry MSc represents a natural addition to our highly successful and well-respected MSc Forestry, MSc Environmental Forestry and MSc Agroforestry degree courses.

The course provides part-time students from across the world with training in the management of forest resources, understanding of the scientific, academic and practical principles which underpin forest management, forest measurement and forest ecosystem function and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use.

The Tropical Forestry MSc is part-time and is completed in three years. It builds on the existing links and strengths of the highly successful forestry masters programmes in SENRGY: MSc Sustainable Forest Management (SUFONAMA), MSc Sustainable Tropical Forestry (SUTROFOR) and Forest and Nature for Society (FONASO). These programmes were developed by European Masters consortiums and funded by the EU Erasmus Mundus programme.

Our distance-learning course is designed to provide students with training in the subject of tropical forestry, understanding of the scientific, academic and practical principles which underpin forest conservation, protection and management and forest ecosystem function and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use. Suitable applicants include individuals working in forestry/forest-related industries/natural resource management, particularly in the fields of planning, regulation, policy, monitoring and environmental protection. The course is also suited to individuals working in forestry education who wish to further their knowledge and expertise in order to improve their teaching.

The course, which is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters, is designed to provide students with detailed knowledge of direct relevance to professionals working in the field of Tropical Forestry. Key course modules cover the increasing importance of social issues in forest management, the complex challenges and multiple benefits of well-managed agroforestry systems and the sustainable use of non-timber forest products. Modules in inventory, assessment and monitoring look at other significant issues surrounding the sustainable management of global forest resources. The course also includes a compulsory 14-day study tour to a country with notable tropical forest resources in July/August 2019.

In line with our internal quality assurance procedures, some small revisions have been made to the MSc Tropical Forestry course structure for September 2017 entrants.

What Will I Study?
DDL-4202 Silviculture (20)
DDL-4004 Agroforestry Systems & Practice (20)
DDL-4205 Forest Inventory, Assessment & Monitoring (20)
DDL-4206 Sustainable use of NTFPs (20)
DDL-4201 Social Issues in Forest Management (20)
DDL-4545 Tropical Forestry Study Tour (20)*
DDL-4999 Distance learning Dissertation (60)

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The Tropical Forestry MSc represents a natural addition to our highly successful and well-respected MSc Forestry, MSc Environmental Forestry and MSc Agroforestry degree courses.

The course provides part-time students from across the world with training in the management of forest resources, understanding of the scientific, academic and practical principles which underpin forest management, forest measurement and forest ecosystem function and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use.

The Tropical Forestry MSc is part-time and the full MSc is completed in three years. It builds on the existing links and strengths of the highly successful forestry masters programmes in SENRGY: MSc Sustainable Forest Management (SUFONAMA), MSc Sustainable Tropical Forestry (SUTROFOR) and Forest and Nature for Society (FONASO). These programmes were developed by European Masters consortiums and funded by the EU Erasmus Mundus programme.

Our distance-learning course is designed to provide students with training in the subject of tropical forestry, understanding of the scientific, academic and practical principles which underpin forest conservation, protection and management and forest ecosystem function and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use. Suitable applicants include individuals working in forestry/forest-related industries/natural resource management, particularly in the fields of planning, regulation, policy, monitoring and environmental protection. The course is also suited to individuals working in forestry education who wish to further their knowledge and expertise in order to improve their teaching.

The course, which is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters, is designed to provide students with detailed knowledge of direct relevance to the modern forest manager. Key course modules cover the increasing importance of social issues in forest management, the complex challenges and multiple benefits of well-managed agroforestry systems and the sustainable use of non-timber forest products. Modules in inventory, assessment and monitoring look at other significant issues surrounding the sustainable management of global forest resources. The course also includes a compulsory 14-day study tour to a country with notable tropical forest resources.

What Will I Study?
DDL-4202 Silviculture (20)
DDL-4004 Agroforestry Systems & Practice (20)
DDL-4205 Forest Inventory, Assessment &; Monitoring (20)
DDL-4206 Sustainable use of NTFPs (20)
DDL-4201 Social Issues in Forest Management (20)
DDL-4545 Tropical Forestry Study Tour (20)
DDL-4999 Distance learning Dissertation (60)

Work-Placements/Links with Industry
The course is closely linked with all aspects of the forest industry, both in the UK and beyond. Students are encouraged to seek opportunities and make their own links that relate to their own area of interest and expertise and are supported in this process. Students on the course receive regular updates regarding the latest news, jobs, placements and other opportunities in the forestry sector.

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The Master of Forestry (MF) is a course-based degree program offered as part of a dual-degree partnership with other European and Canadian Universities: TRANSFOR-M (Transatlantic Forestry Master). This partnership is a unique course-based educational experience, which provides MF students with the opportunity to explore Forestry both in Europe and Canada.

Admitted students register in the MF program at UBC for a two-year period. Within that timeframe, one year is spent in Europe completing degree requirements at the chosen partner institution, and the second year is completed at UBC-Vancouver completing the MF degree requirements, resulting in conferral of two separate Master’s credentials.

Each UBC TRANSFOR-M student will receive upon completion of the program:
- the UBC Master of Forestry (MF) degree;

and one of the degrees offered by our European Host Universities:
- Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg (Germany): Master of Forest Sciences
- Bangor University (Wales, UK): MSc Agroforestry or MSc Conservation and Land Management or MSc Environmental Forestry
- University of Eastern Finland (Finland): MSc Agriculture and Forestry

Students will work with TRANSFOR-M UBC and European Host University Liaison Officers to develop a learning plan that will outline courses to be taken during the 2-year program. Each student will pay the UBC MF tuition fees for two years, but will receive a tuition fee waiver at the Host University in Europe.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Forestry
- Specialization: Forestry
- Subject: Agriculture and Forestry
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Options
- Faculty: Faculty of Forestry

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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.

Teaching

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.

Professional development

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.

Outcomes

The aims of the programme are to:

• Provide knowledge of the science of plant biology and its application in the commercial and research arena
• Introduce the practicalities of horticulture and agriculture technologies including consideration of sustainability
• Examine the commercial aspects of this business area, including the planning, execution and evaluation of trials to exploit and develop novel approaches, practices, and crops
• Allow the student to synthesise, evaluate and critically judge which technologies and research findings are of value and appropriate to their current or future employment environment in a UK or international setting.

Full time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• Molecular and plant biology principles for crop improvement (30 credits)
• Plant growth and cropping technology (30 credits)
• Independent Research Project (60 credits)

Students are required to choose 45 credits from this list of options.

• Agronomy and Crop Physiology (15 credits)
• Applications and aspects of commercial crop science (30 credits)
• Plant Disease Management (15 credits)
• Planning for Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)
• Postharvest Technology of Fruit and Vegetables (15 credits)
• Agroforestry (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Research Methods for Postgraduates (15 credits)

Part time

Year 1

Students are required to choose 90 credits from this list of options.

• Agronomy and Crop Physiology (15 credits)
• Applications and aspects of commercial crop science (30 credits)
• Plant Disease Management (15 credits)
• Molecular and plant biology principles for crop improvement (30 credits)
• Plant growth and cropping technology (30 credits)
• Planning for Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)
• Research Methods for Postgraduates (15 credits)
• Postharvest Technology of Fruit and Vegetables (15 credits)
• Agroforestry (15 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• Independent Research Project (60 credits)

Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.

• Agronomy and Crop Physiology (15 credits)
• Applications and aspects of commercial crop science (30 credits)
• Plant Disease Management (15 credits)
• Molecular and plant biology principles for crop improvement (30 credits)
• Plant growth and cropping technology (30 credits)
• Planning for Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)
• Research Methods for Postgraduates (15 credits)
• Postharvest Technology of Fruit and Vegetables (15 credits)
• Agroforestry (15 credits)

Assessment

Assessment methods include:

• Examinations
• Coursework
• Research project dissertation
• Practical work
• Laboratory/Glasshouse

Careers

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.

Specialised equipment

Molecular biology laboratories, horticultural and agricultural facilities

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Bangor University has been teaching forestry for over 110 years and since 2000, it has offered a range of exciting and innovative part-time distance learning forestry courses. The MSc forestry (distance learning) course has an excellent reputation for producing high quality, adaptable and professional graduates. Many of our alumni have successfully used the course to help them change careers, gain promotion, develop their business and/or simply satisfy their curiosity for trees and forests. The course is designed to provide students with training in the management of forest resources, understanding of the scientific, academic and practical principles which underpin forest management and forest ecosystem function and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use.

The course, fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters, provides students with detailed knowledge and expertise of direct relevance to the modern forest manager and those working in associated disciplines. The course is designed to be of specific interest to:

Individuals seeking academically-based education in forestry;
Individuals seeking a career in the management of trees and forests;
Individuals wishing to undertake further study while employed in the forestry, or a related, profession.

Once accepted onto the course, students choose to specialise in one of two distinct degree ‘streams’; Ecology and Management, or Trees, Forests and People. The Ecology and Management stream is designed for those with a stronger interest in ecology and science (including maths) whereas the Trees, Forests and People stream will appeal to those applicants with a thirst to learn more about the interrelationships between forests and society.

Teaching and learning for each module is supported by a guided reading handbook plus various learning materials hosted on our ‘virtual learning environment’, such as online lectures and seminars, e-books, journal articles, scientific reports, podcasts, and discussion forums.


What Will I Study?
Ecology and Management stream:
DDL-4202 Silviculture (20)
DDL-4204 Forest Ecosystems (20)
DDL-4205 Forest Inventory, Assessment &; Monitoring (20)
DXX-4532 Forestry Study Tour (20)
DXX-4505 Natural Resource Management (20)
DXX-4530 Forest Management Planning (20)
DDL-4999 Distance learning Dissertation (60)

Forest, Trees and People:
DDL-4202 Silviculture (20)
DDL-4206 Sustainable use of NTFPs (20)
DDL-4201 Social Issues in Forest Management (20)
DXX-4532 Forestry Study Tour (20)
DDL-4003 Forest History, Policy and Management (20)
DDL-4004 Agroforestry Systems & Practice (20) OR DXX-4505 Natural Resource Management (20)
DDL-4999 Distance learning Dissertation (60)

Work-Placements/Links with Industry
The course is closely linked with all aspects of the forest industry, both in the UK and beyond. Students are encouraged to seek opportunities and make their own links that relate to their own area of interest and expertise and are supported in this process. Students on the course receive regular updates regarding the latest news, jobs, placements and other opportunities in the forestry sector.

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This programme is for individuals already working in environmental conservation who seek to broaden or update their knowledge, and for graduates who wish to become professionally involved in conservation and environmental management.

Professional and conservation organisations have advised on the content of this degree, ensuring strong links between the programme and the needs of the conservation industry.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by and maintains strong links with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). the programme has received two awards for 'Best Practice' from the CIEEM.

Degree structure

The programme is structured around six compulsory courses that integrate theoretical and practical aspects of contemporary conservation and environmental management. You will develop an interdisciplinary understanding of modern-day conservation and environmental management, and gain a practical understanding of ecological techniques and strategies.

Acquire the skills to critically apply environmental management techniques and methods to practical situations and to understand decision making processes and the underlying criteria and values. In addition, you will gain specific knowledge and skills through their chosen optional courses.

Research project

During June to September students undertake a research project in a specialist area of their choice, often in collaboration with an external organisation. There is a high component of practical work including field trips.

Outcomes

The aims of the programme are:

• Provide a broad-based understanding of the current issues facing practitioners
• Equip graduates to develop a career in the environmental sector
• Enable students to develop a portfolio of skills and specialist knowledge of a particular area during the research project.

Full time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• Principles and Practice of Environmental Conservation (15 credits)
• English Language Support (for Postgraduate students in the School of Science)
• Environmental Conservation Project (60 credits)
• Environmental Law and Policy (15 credits)
• Restoration Ecology (15 credits)
• Research Methods for Postgraduates (15 credits)
• Introduction to GIS for Natural Resource Management (15 credits)
• Techniques in Applied Ecology (30 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Livestock in Sustainable Agriculture (15) (15 credits)
• Risk Analysis for Agriculture and the Environment (15 credits)
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Natural Resources Management (15 credits)
• Environmental Impact Assessment (15 credits)
• Ecology and Conservation of Estuaries and Coastal Zones (15 credits)
• Managing Tourism in Protected Areas (15 credits)
• Tools for Sustainability (15 credits)
• Open Course (15 credits)
• Agroforestry (15 credits)
• Soils and Environments (15 credits)

Part time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• Principles and Practice of Environmental Conservation (15 credits)
• English Language Support (for Postgraduate students in the School of Science)
• Restoration Ecology (15 credits)
• Techniques in Applied Ecology (30 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• Environmental Conservation Project (60 credits)
• Environmental Law and Policy (15 credits)
• Research Methods for Postgraduates (15 credits)
• Introduction to GIS for Natural Resource Management (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 1 course from this list of options.

• Livestock in Sustainable Agriculture (15) (15 credits)
• Risk Analysis for Agriculture and the Environment (15 credits)
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Natural Resources Management (15 credits)
• Environmental Impact Assessment (15 credits)
• Ecology and Conservation of Estuaries and Coastal Zones (15 credits)
• Managing Tourism in Protected Areas (15 credits)
• Tools for Sustainability (15 credits)
• Open Course (15 credits)
• Agroforestry (15 credits)
• Soils and Environments (15 credits)

Assessment

Students are assessed through assessments, coursework and examinations that are practically focused using real-world examples and case studies. Portfolios demonstrating competencies are an important component and provide a tangible record to show potential employers.

Professional recognition

This programme is accredited by and maintains strong links with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Careers

Graduates from this programme can pursue careers with conservation organisations in the UK and overseas, including central and local government, environmental consultancies, non-governmental organisations, business, the media and environmental education.

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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:

• To understand modern agricultural systems and the associated technologies of production together with their potential impacts on agriculture and livelihoods
• To understand the social, institutional and economic context within which agriculture operates
• To understand modern agriculture and its role in sustainable development.

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.

What you'll study

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses

• Integrated Pest Management (30 credits)
• Tools for Sustainable Agriculture (15 credits)
• Research Methods for Postgraduates (15 credits)
• Independent Research Project (60 credits)

Students are required to choose 60 credits from this list of options

• Agricultural Innovation for Development (15 credits)
• Agronomy and Crop Physiology (15 credits)
• Livestock in Sustainable Agriculture (15 credits)
• Plant Disease Management (15 credits)
• Economics, Agriculture and Marketing (15 credits)
• Agroforestry (15 credits)
• Soils and Environments (15 credits)

All courses are subject to student numbers

Assessment

Assessment consists of a combination of: 

• Assignments 
• Essays 
• Presentations
• Reports 
• Portfolios 
• Formal examinations

Careers

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.

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