Masters Degrees in Rural Estate Management

The REALM (Rural Environment and Land Management) courses provide a first step on the route to qualification as a chartered surveyor. All prospective chartered surveyors must complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) offered by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), and the programmes provide the academic foundation for candidates wishing to pursue the rural APC.

The postgraduate diploma (PgD) and MSc programmes are both validated by RICS under the RICS-Harper Adams University Partnership agreement, recognising the high regard in which the courses are held.

The course

The REALM (Rural Estate and Land Management) courses provide a first step on the route to qualification as a chartered surveyor. All prospective chartered surveyors must complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) offered by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), and the programmes provide the academic foundation for candidates wishing to pursue the rural APC.

The postgraduate diploma (PgD) and MSc programmes are both validated by RICS under the RICS-Harper Adams University Partnership agreement, recognising the high regard in which the courses are held. The PgD in particular, is one of a very small number of courses in the country to have this distinction with regard to the rural APC, which is why you are required to study 12 modules (180 credits) rather than eight (120 credits). The postgraduate certificate provides a route for students who may fall short of our exacting entry requirements to get up to speed before transferring to either the PgD or MSc programmes.

Modules cover the main areas required for professional practice, in particular providing the necessary legal foundations for practice, and covering the all-important areas of the UK planning system, land tenure, rural valuation, primary production in agriculture and forestry, countryside and environmental management. A wide choice of modules means that you can tailor the programme to your own requirements.

The PgD programme is particularly popular with part-time students, often graduates who are able to combine suitable employment with study and progression through the APC.

Employment prospects in rural practice are good, and successful graduates have gone on to a wide range of jobs in recent years on rural estates and with local and national firms of rural surveyors and agricultural valuers. Feedback from students shows that the intensive modular structure is well-received, along with the practical slant of many of the assignments. This is underpinned by the professional standing of many of the tutors, who are active with the profession at the highest levels nationally and act as Assessors for the APC.

How will it benefit me?

The MSc/PgD will enable you to analyse a range of stakeholder interests and their influence, generally and site specifically, in rural land management. You will become competent in a range of techniques for rural land management and appraisal, be able to appraise the value and worth of rural land, and review the role of property in organisations.

Students also become skilled at evaluating and exploiting the latest developments in technology, and developing performance indicators in rural estate management and strategy. You will learn to formulate land management strategies which meet objectives for sustainable management while taking into account legislature, regulations, ethics and morals, the environment, amenities and commercial needs.

You will also learn to evaluate how previously implemented land management strategies have achieved their objectives, and adapt them to new requirements within an evolving economic, social, legal and political framework, with due regard to developments in sustainable development and biodiversity. You will become competent in professional methodologies used by chartered surveyors to manage and appraise rural land and property.

MSc students carry out an independent research or development project to advance their understanding of a particular issue in rural land management, or to resolve a specific and novel technical problem facing rural land managers in practice.

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This is a highly-regarded course which equips graduates for a rewarding and challenging career in the management of land, property, and business in the countryside. It is a fast-track route to qualification as a Chartered Surveyor. The course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

The Royal Agricultural University is in partnership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which fully accredits this one-year Masters degree.

This course is a highly-regarded course which equips graduates for a rewarding and challenging career in the management of land, property, and business in the countryside. It is a fast-track route to qualification as a Chartered Surveyor.

This course is for graduates looking to acquire the specialist knowledge and skills necessary to work as a rural property manager. It also prepares graduates for qualification as a Chartered Surveyor and Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Structure

The course will be studied full-time over 12 months.

You will study eight modules in the autumn and spring terms, with final examinations taking place in May. The dissertation is typically undertaken between May and September.

You will attend lectures and group tutorials.There is also a range of practical sessions, and visits to local farms, commercial properties, and rural estates where owners, occupiers and their professional advisors provide additional insights into the management of rural property. Assessed coursework features strongly throughout the course.

Before starting the MSc, students receive reading lists and study material so that they can develop a basic grounding in study areas with which they are not familiar.

Modules

• 4002 Agriculture
• 4007 Dissertation
• 4015 Farm Business and Enterprise Management
• 4016 Rural Planning and Buildings
• 4019 Rural Property Law
• 4029 Environmental and Woodland Management
• 4031 Rural Policy and Implementation
• 4033 Rural Valuation
• 4043 Rural Asset Management

Career prospects

Our Rural Estate Management graduates are directly involved with managing all types of property. The professional work of the Rural Property Manager may include:

• Valuation, and the sale and purchase of land and rural property
• Management and letting of land and property
• Farm business planning and diversification
• Development of land and buildings and rural planning
• Management of woodlands and the environment
• Compulsory purchase (roads, pipelines cables etc) and compensation claims
• Tax and financial strategy

Types of employer include:

• National, international, regional, and small firms of chartered surveyors
• Private estates
• Large landowners such as the National Trust, county councils and utility companies
• Planning and environmental consultancy
• Research and education
• Leisure management
• Rrural conservation
• Investment management.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.rau.ac.uk/STUDY/POSTGRADUATE/HOW-APPLY

Funding

For information on funding, please view the following page: https://www.rau.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/funding

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Our highly regarded postgraduate course provides students with a fast track to a fascinating, challenging career in rural land management, an area where employers acknowledge an enduring demand for qualified graduate trainees.

COURSE OVERVIEW

We aim to equip you with a detailed knowledge of business management, law, finance, tax and valuation, as well as the strategic decision-making ability you will need to build a successful career as a rural land or estate manager. Our course is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

We will help you to develop an analytical, strategic approach to managing and advising on rural land and estates. We underpin this by developing your understanding of the legal, social, ecological and economic aspects that affect and govern the rural environment and also offer a selection of optional modules to enable you to personalise your degree.

Management case studies on local farms and rural estates allow you to apply knowledge and skills to real life problems. The programme culminates with either a project or dissertation, which is designed to consolidate your learning.

HOW WE TEACH YOU

Our programmes are designed and delivered by internationally-renowned experts, with a wealth of academic and professional experience. All of our programmes are regularly updated to maintain their relevance in a rapidly changing industry.

Our teaching received an excellent score in the most recent independent Teaching Quality Assessment (TQA), highlighting our commitment to maintaining a world-class learning environment. You will enjoy access to our cutting-edge research, ensuring that you remain at the forefront of the field.

We believe that our students should have access to good quality resources and, in addition to the facilities offered by the University, we fund a professionally staffed Resource Centre.

We aim to create a stimulating academic environment; you will be encouraged to develop individual interests and general skills as a basis for a career in the property industry, a related field or for further study.

EMPLOYABILITY

Students taking this degree programme usually find employment as trainee chartered surveyors with firms having a rural specialism or undertaking substantive rural work. Real Estate and Planning has long-standing links with a number of larger firms that regularly recruit from the University.

Our graduates tell us the content of the course is highly relevant to the profession, training them to be analytical thinkers and leaders. They have frequently progressed to become directors of landed estates or surveying firms. Some have secured posts in environmental organisations, government agencies, planning consultancies, or in academia. Some find this higher degree pathway an ideal entry qualification into wider management careers.

Most graduates complete the two years’ professional training required to become members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and many also become members of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

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Specifically the course will:
■ Provide knowledge in a wide range of applied ecological areas.
■ Underpin this with a sound understanding of the quantitative aspects of this field including statistical analysis, expert system design and population modelling.
■ Provide taught elements linked to academic applied research groups.
■ Offer a rich research training through access to project supervisors with different expertise and disciplines.
■ Provide training in crucial transferable skills in writing, presenting, discussing scientific material.

The course

This MSc serves to reinforce the relevance of ecology to a broad range of applications and trains students to apply ecological tools and understanding in a wide variety of contexts. The course draws on and complements the established and highly regarded MSc programmes taught at Harper Adams. Along with core ecological training, students will be allowed to select modules from a number of the MSc courses running at Harper Adams, including Conservation and Forest Protection, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Rural Estate and Land Management and Sustainable Agriculture.

Specifically the course will:
■ Provide knowledge in a wide range of applied ecological areas.
■ Underpin this with a sound understanding of the quantitative aspects of this field including statistical analysis, expert system design and population modelling.
■ Provide taught elements linked to academic applied research groups.
■ Offer a rich research training through access to project supervisors with different expertise and disciplines.
■ Provide training in crucial transferable skills in writing, presenting, discussing scientific material.

How will it benefit me?

Having completed the course you will be able to recognize the major entomological groups worldwide, understand how to apply a logical framework to demonstrate management priorities in different environments and have an understanding of individual, population and community ecology. You will be able to assess the economic and environmental costs of ecological applications and evaluate their effectiveness.

You will also have a clear understanding of the remit and function of ecosystems and a detailed knowledge and understanding of the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relevant to your chosen area of specialization. You will receive training in how to communicate your ideas and findings related to applied ecology to a range of audiences. Although there are some compulsory modules there is considerable flexibility enabling each student to focus on specialist subjects consistent with their interests and future career intentions

For the MSc, you will also be able to test hypotheses relevant to applied ecological research by designing, carrying out, analysing and interpreting experiments or surveys. Finally, you will learn to evaluate and interpret data and draw relevant conclusions from existing case studies.

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Humans are dependent on and live in close proximity with their livestock and the interfaces of livestock with wildlife are permeable and complex. This programme addresses a clear need to integrate ecological disciplines with studies of disease in wildlife, livestock and human populations, with concepts of land management, livestock production and wildlife management

Why this programme

◾You can carry out a research project in an internationally recognized centre of excellence, working with world-leading researchers in animal science and ecology.
◾Being an online programme, we are equally able to access true experts, regardless of their national base. Recognised authorities will contribute to the programme from their home countries, including South Africa, Botswana, USA, Brazil, India and Australia.
◾This programme closely examines the often conflicting needs of land users and strives to obtain balanced input from individual land users, from special interest lobby groups, NGOs, government organisations, corporations and service providers to provide a rigorous theoretical background to understanding the practical causes of land-use conflicts involving livestock, wildlife and other drivers.
◾After completing this programme you will have gained a valuable understanding of the complex drivers of animal management, have developed a range of analytical and practical skills and will be able to construct well-founded, practical solutions to animal management problems.
◾This programme is unique in its approach to the "One Health" concept. Whereas most programmes in this domain examine animal and human health, this programme broadens the concept to include environment and land management, both of which are major drivers of the health of wildlife, livestock and the humans that depend on them.

Programme structure

The aims of the programme are to:
◾Integrate ecological disciplines with studies of disease in wildlife, livestock and human populations with basic concepts of land management, livestock production and wildlife management
◾Comprehensively examine the factors that influence the managment of wildlife and livestock species, including human culture and the physical environment
◾Provide training in the use of analytical tools for wildlife, livestock and land management
◾Develop the ability to critically analyse wildlife and livestock management processes and critically analyse and evaluate solutions to the important challenges of sustainable wildlife and livestock management.

Career prospects

This programme will suit students who need to broaden their knowledge and skills to improve their employability in organisations that have a mandate to provide services to diverse stakeholders in complex systems. Veterinarians in government agencies with wide ranging responsibilities, in conservation organisations and NGOs would find this particularly useful. Similarly, conservation biologists who have little or no familiarity with livestock production or animal health will benefit.

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Sustainable food production is increasingly important as the human population grows: we need to produce more food, more sustainably. This MSc, taught by world-class researchers, provides a unique opportunity for you to gain a rigorous scientific background if you are aiming for a career in habitat management, crop production, plant physiology, ecological research, scientific communication or agricultural policy.

Cutting-edge programme topics include sustainable agricultural intensification and food production; agri-environment schemes; organic farming; land sparing; genetically modified crops; emerging crops; effects of climate change and mitigation measures; interactions between managed species and the environment; ecosystem services including pollination; pest/disease control; and maximising production while minimising environmental impacts.

The programme covers a broad but highly applied subject area; the focus ranges from the molecular to the global level. You will also develop transferable skills including statistics, data handling, scientific writing, and research methods. This programme may provide a springboard to PhD research or lead to a career in industry, including management and technical career paths, policy, conservation, charities or NGOs, or ecological consultancy.

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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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The Master of International Forestry (MIF) is a full-time, 10 month course-based master’s degree that provides a foundation in forest and natural resource management, conservation and policy. The MIF is designed for early/mid-career professionals who wish to expedite their careers and advance to leadership positions.

Advance your career

- Complete a professional master’s degree in 10 months
- Benefit from a curriculum targeted at major international employers
- Apply your knowledge and skills to international forest issues
- Obtain a world-recognized degree from The University of British Columbia
- Grow your professional network and your career
- Connect with our Faculty’s other outstanding graduate students from 40 countries
- Explore Vancouver – consistently ranked as one of the world’s best cities

Why choose the MIF program?

You’ll gain valuable skills relevant to a career in rural development, forest conservation planning, sustainable resource management, and conservation policy development, diplomacy and negotiation. The MIF is for individuals who want to engage productively – and to become leaders – in an international forestry context with international agencies and secretariats (e.g., UN FAO, UNEP), finance institutions (e.g., The World Bank, Asian Development Bank), transnational forest products enterprises, government ministries,consulting firms, environmental NGOs, and advocacy groups. The MIF program provides training on those skills identified in over 200 forestry and environmental job postings, and our curriculum is targeted at major international employers.

What will I learn?

The UBC Faculty of Forestry aims to educate global citizens who promote the values of a civil and sustainable society and with ambitions to become ‘agents of change and innovation’. Students will be prepared for work in forestry in both tropical and non-tropical regions, in conservation and production forestry, and with subsistence and industrial forestry. MIF students will focus on the identification of major opportunities common in forestry and the management of other natural resources in many countries, and their political, economic, social and environmental settings. Students will also gain intercultural understanding through working with international colleagues and professors.

Program components include:
- Natural resources economics
- International forest governance and policy
- Forest business enterprise
- Forests and society
- Natural resources planning
- International forestry institutions, diplomacy and negotiations
- Social, community and indigenous forestry

Grow your career with UBC Faculty of Forestry

Upon completion, MIF graduates will have a solid foundation in forestry and rural land use, in combination with knowledge of international institutional arrangements and policies concerning environmental protection, human rights, natural resources management, and leadership. Graduates will be able to:
- examine the interdependent relationships among societies and forested environments;
- assess current trends in the production, valuation and marketing of forest-based goods and services, including ecological services;
- understand the need for and principles of sound forest governance;
- negotiate and evaluate multilateral environmental agreements;
- demonstrate the elements of forest management and conservation decision-making, including economic analysis and financing and how to apply these in the formulation of policies and plans; and
- design and plan work programs and provide effective leadership.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of International Forestry
- Specialization: Forestry
- Subject: Agriculture and Forestry
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework only
- Registration options: Full-time
- Faculty: Faculty of Forestry

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A collaboration between the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and Faculty of Forestry, the inter-faculty Soil Science Graduate Program offers opportunities for advanced study and research leading to MSc and PhD degrees. Students are registered in the Faculty of Graduate Studies through either the Faculty of Land and Food Systems or Faculty of Forestry, depending upon their research interests.

Areas of study include biometeorology, forest nutrition and nutrient cycling, mycorrhizal ecology, soil biology, soil quality and fertility, soil-plant interactions, ecosystem services, land an water systems.

Program Overview

Soil Science offers opportunities for advanced study and research leading to Ph.D. and M.Sc. degrees in the areas of soil microbial ecology, organic matter, soil physics, irrigation and drainage, biometeorology, soil pollution, soil and water conservation, soil management, and land use, with application to forest, agricultural, urban, and range soils, as well as a professional Master of Land and Water Systems (M.L.W.S.) degree. The Ph.D. and M.Sc. degrees include a combination of courses in both basic and applied sciences, with research leading to the completion of a thesis/dissertation. The M.L.W.S. degree is intended for students seeking a post-baccalaureate degree for professional practice in the land and water resources management realm. The program is designed to be completed in one calendar year.

Soil Sciences programs are enriched through collaboration with: colleagues in other graduate programs, such as Forestry, Geography, Plant Science, Institute for Resources and Environment, Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems, and Landscape Architecture; and agencies such as Environment Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, BC Ministry of Forests and Range, and other provincial, municipal, and regional government agencies.

Research facilities are housed both within the MacMillan and Forest Sciences Buildings and, on a shared basis, in other buildings on campus. Research facilities within the MacMillan Building include modern analytical laboratories and other equipment for conducting chemical and biometeorological research, while excellent facilities for soil biological research are located in the Forest Sciences Centre.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Science
- Specialization: Soil Science
- Subject: Agriculture and Forestry
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Thesis required
- Faculty: Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Career Prospects

Graduates of the soil science degree program often obtain positions with government or the private sector. Some graduates decide to continue in the area of research and academia with various universities and colleges. Examples of where some graduates are employed:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- BC Ministry of Forests
- Canadian Forest Service
- Consultant
- Associate Professor, University of Guelph
- Associate Professor, Yale University
- Associate Professor, University of Northern BC
- Environment Canada
- Assistant Professor, University of Bengukulu, Indonesia
- Assistant Professor, University of Venda for Science and Technology, South Africa

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Do you want to develop your technical pig production practice to postgraduate level?

Harper Adams University has developed a Masters degree in Pig Production.
The course

Recognise the global context within which food production now operates.
Explore the sciences underpinning food animal husbandry and animal production systems
Support students to identify, analyse and solve biological, technological and economic problems encountered in pig production systems,
Support students to evaluate the wider global, environmental, economic, social, ethical and political issues associated with pig production systems.

How will it benefit me?
The course will:
Prepare students for a career in Pig Production.
Offer vocational training in the area of applied Pig Production.
Prepare students for PhD studies.

Example modules:
Pig Production Systems
Mono-gastric Nutrition and Ration Formulation
Pig Breeding
Genetics and Product Quality
Pig and Poultry Environment, Health and Welfare
Emerging Issues in Mono-gastric Production Systems
Major Research Project (MSc)

Elective Modules:
Elective modules from the list below can be studied in addition to the core modules identified above.

Food chain related
Food Product Development
Meat Science and Public Health
Animal Production, Meat Processing & Quality
Food Policy and Ethics

Farm Business Management
Farm Business Management
Farm Business Analysis
Farm Business Strategy

Agri-Business Management
Leadership & People Management
Principles of Finance
Strategic Management & International Agribusiness
Food Business Operations Management
Agri-Food Marketing

Systems Related
Precision Farming Technology
Animal Welfare and Bioethics

Modules are usually delivered as an intensive short course, taught over a one week block, with a maximum of 5 days per 15 credit module providing in the region of 35 hours of contact time.

Teaching may consist of formal lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical exercises, laboratory sessions, study visits or the use of guest speakers.

The PgC, PgD and MSc are offered full-time and part-time to allow those in work to study towards an award at a pace that suits their needs and time available.

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The real estate markets have become global. That urges for real estate professionals who are trained in integrating financial and economic-geographic skills with knowledge of local institutions.

The real estate markets have become global, making the real estate profession an international enterprise. At the same time global, commercial brokers report huge differences among local real estate markets. That urges for real estate professionals who are trained in integrating financial and economic-geographic skills with knowledge of local institutions.

The Department of Economic Geography at the University of Groningen is one of the leading centres in Continental Europe in real estate. It offers a Master of Real Estate Studies that integrates financial engineering, location theory and planning.

Why in Groningen?

The master in Real Estate Studies is based on economic geography and planning, rather than financial or business studies and technical sciences. This gives the course in Groningen a unique profile compared to other master programs in real estate. The program has a multidisciplinary character.

Job perspectives

Many graduates find jobs as market researchers or real estate consultants in a company, consultancy or government agency, or become a concept or property developer at a real estate investor. Graduate students find work as a research manager or portfolio manager at a real estate investor. Several people opt for an academic career at the university. In practice, graduates mostly do policy work, both in the private sector as well as at the local, regional and national government.

Research

The program of the master in Real Estate Studies is related to the major research sub-disciplines in spatial sciences. Interim results of the research projects are integrated in to the course.

Research in geography & planning focuses on the interrelationship between property and spatial environment. Geographical and planning literature provides insight into how location decisions are made and the role of institutions. These aspects are reflected in courses like 'property and land markets' or 'real estate development'. The research in economic geography focuses on a deeper understanding of choice of locations. This choice is based on economic and financial motives. In the research in real estate development, the interests of various economic actors are important; the landowner, the developer, the builder, the investor and owner / user. The spatial economic and financial-economic research provides insight into the considerations. The business and management-oriented studies contribute to understanding the value chain and processes in real estate development. These aspects are reflected in subjects like 'finance', 'property investment' and 'property development'.

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Significant increases in the global human population, increasing climatic instability and a concurrent reduction in fossil fuel availability, impacting upon agricultural production and policy. Food production must increase without a simultaneous increase in resource use.

Improvements in crop yield and production efficiency often come through the utilisation of individual elements of new research. Integrated Crop Management (ICM) however utilises multiple facets of research simultaneously to bring about larger, more sustainable results. This course focuses on incorporating the latest research to develop students’ critical and analytical thinking in subjects such as pest dynamics, genetic improvement, crop technology, sustainable practice and soil management.

This MSc, delivered at Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire will integrate these topics alongside a broader critical evaluation of crop sciences enabling you to design bespoke ICM programmes for given situations.
It is aimed at graduates in biological sciences who are looking to find employment as agronomists, farm advisors, agro-technical specialists particularly in allied agricultural industries. Successful completion of this MSc degree will also facilitate progression to PhD level research in food production science.

COURSE CONTENT:

Year 1

Integrated approaches in high-input cropping systems

High-input crop production systems typically focus on achieving both high yields and profitability. This module explores the science and agronomic principles of a range of crops under such management regimes as well as their associated problems and limitations. Consideration will be given to integrated management approaches currently being adopted by industry as well as the major drivers of these changing practices. These include legislation, resistance to agrochemicals and public acceptance.

Invertebrate Dynamics in Crop Production

Approximately 10-15% of global crop production is lost to invertebrate pests. Conversely, invertebrates constitute a significant ecosystem service through pest predation and pollination. In any integrated production system, the management of invertebrates is therefore fundamental to effective crop production. This module will focus on critical evaluation of current research on invertebrate ecology and dynamics and applying this to their potential impacts on conventional cropping systems. Concepts of pest population dynamics, herbivory and species life histories will be considered in relation to their effects on the crop. Alongside this, their ‘value’ as pollinators, predators, vectors and the effects of lethal and sub-lethal pesticide doses will be evaluated.

Contemporary agronomic research and development

Research into agronomy, technology and management is of critical importance if the industry is to continue to adapt to modern pressures and challenges worldwide. This module will explore the research path including laboratory to field trials and, ultimately, application into practice. Case studies will be explored where research and development has made or could make a significant impact to management practice.

Year 2

Integrated approaches in low-input cropping systems

Low-input cropping systems seek to optimise crop yields whilst using fewer inputs when compared to conventional crop production systems. In parts of the world this is due to a lack of financial and physical resources whilst in others this is due to perceived environmental benefits. This module explores the science of the integrated management of crops under such systems, including enhanced soil management and factors influencing nutrition and disease control. Limitations will also be considered as will approaches that conventional crop production could learn from low-input management systems.

Global Drivers for Agricultural Change

This module examines the global drivers behind the need to refocus agricultural production to meet the needs of the increasing world population and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It will focus on concepts such as the effects of globalisation; the economic issues with pesticide development; the globalisation and privatisation of agricultural technology and the use of targeted pest control techniques. Furthermore, the module will assess the impacts of corporate responsibility and the necessity of having sustainable global supply chains.

Research Methodology and Design

This module provides students with the essential personal, organisational, management, theoretical and statistical skills needed to work at Postgraduate Level. It will explore research philosophies, research process and design and the process of questionnaire development and design. The module will develop skills in advanced data organisation, presentation, dissemination and problem solving.

Year 3

Masters Dissertation

The dissertation is a triple module and allows students to design and conduct a substantial piece of independent, supervised research related to the field of study. The dissertation is an independent piece of academic work which allows the student to identify and work in an area of interest to them and manage the research process to agreed deadlines.

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The 'Viticulture & Enology: innovation meets tradition' program aims at addressing how vineyard and winery innovation is quickly becoming part of the Italian viticulture tradition. Italy is now the largest wine producer in the world and boasts the greatest variety in terms of cultivars. The pecularities of Italian viticulture and chances to maintain a leading role are today bound to the ability to introduce sustainable innovation without losing its well-known appeal.

Learning objectives

The main goals of the program are:
● To acquire solid methodology and knowledge suitable to address innovation issues in vineyard and winery
● To achieve specific skills for new canopy management technique suitable to mitigate undesired climate-related effects, new sustain- able approaches for pest and disease control, precision viticulture and enology
● Develop the ability to diagnose limiting factors occurring in vine- yard and winery and to produce suitable solutions
● Learn to pro-actively take part in discussions dealing with viticulture and enology topics.

Career opportunities & professional recognition

The Master’s qualification in ‘Viticulture & Enology: innovation meets tradition’ will open up professional opportunities in the fields of Viticulture and enology chain; wine marketing and distribution; restaurants; large scale retail trade and freelancing.

A class that makes a difference

The Master in Viticulture & Enology will be comprised of international students and Cattolica’s domestic students.

Faculty & teaching staff

● Dr. Matteo Gatti - Research Assistant
● Prof. Gabriele Canali - Associate Professor
● Dr. Fabrizio Torchio - Research Assistant
● Prof. Stefano Poni - Full Professor
● Dr. Milena Lambri - Research Assistant
● Prof. Vittorio Rossi - Full Professor
● Dr. Emanuele Mazzoni - Research Assistant

Partner companies

Here are just a few names of prestigious wine estates that gave their preliminary acceptance in hosting internships: Mossi, Tenute Ruf- fino, Barone Ricasoli, Santa Margherita, Sella e Mosca, Mezzaco- rona, Contratto, Ca’ Del Bosco, Zonin, Res Uvae, Marchesi Mazzei, Cavalieri di Malta, Pico Maccario, and Marramiero.

Can I learn Italian while studying?

An intensive Italian course will be available to international students for the duration of the Master in Viticulture & Enology: innovation meets tradition.

Are there internships opportunities?

Students will need to carry out a mandatory internship for the duration of at least 450 hours (i.e. 18 ECTS) in a farm/wine estate/ institution.

A final exam is scheduled including a case study discussion and/or experimental activity carried out during the internship.

Can I work while studying?

Non-EU students entering Italy on a VISA are permitted to work part-time (20 hours per week).

Curriculum

● Vineyard variability: traditional and precision approaches
● Topics in wine-marketing
● Enhancing the wine quality: innovation in monitoring and controls
● Applied grapevine eco-physiology
● Advances in enology
● Disease and pest management toward a sustainable viticulture
● Seminars on sustainable pesticides use and genetic traceability will also be provided

ECTS of each course include also practical activities, wine tasting and field visits.

Tuition fees & scholarships

Tuition fee: €7.000

Scholarships will be available and assigned on a merit basis.

Application Deadlines?

● Priority consideration deadline 1: March 15, 2016
● Priority consideration deadline 2: April 15, 2016. Students wanting to be considered for the programme as well as for available scholarships are advised to apply by these deadlines as a majority of students will be selected within these first two deadlines.
● Priority consideration deadline 3: May 15, 2016. Some scholarships may still be available but very limited.
● Final deadline: June 30, 2016. No scholarships will be available.

How do I apply?

Applying is an easy five step process. The online application form, application instructions, and full admission guidelines are available at > http://www.ucscinternational.it

Cattolica will evaluate your academic and personal background and decide if you meet the specific conditions for admission to the graduate degree of your choice. If you are still studying, you must obtain your undergraduate degree by the end of July 2016 (September for EU students).

English language proficiency

For applicants whose first language is not English they will need to either have a TOEFL iBT overall score of at least 80 or an Academic IELTS overall score of at least 6.0, or have successfully completed a degree program taught in the English language. Cattolica’s TOEFL institution code is 2605.

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Sustainable agriculture

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.

Programme Summary

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.

Dual degree with USA

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).

Who is the MSc candidate?

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.

What career opportunities does the MSc provide?

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.

How is the programme organised?

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.

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In the future, agricultural and horticultural production will demand new intellectual and technological understanding and skills. The new technologies of sensors, computing, data analysis, remote sensing, robotics, drones and systems of data analysis and interpretation will allow new and sophisticated ways of managing both productive and natural environments.

The course will explore and study the high level of technical innovation currently being applied to agricultural and horticultural production, as will business management and the entrepreneurial skills that will be of fundamental importance to those entering this dynamic, technical based sector. Students will gain skills in data capture, processing, infographics, and the application of such technologies to all aspects of production and for the management of natural environments.

This course will be of relevance to those wishing to start a career in this emerging industry, join an established company, or looking to develop the skills needed to start their own enterprise.

Structure

The course may be studied full-time over 12 months. You will study six modules over the autumn and spring terms, followed by a Research Project, which is carried out over the summer to be submitted the following September. This may include a viva voce examination.

You will have the opportunity to engage with real-world problems, to find solutions to current issues and experience the working world of new technologies in animal and crop production, and the natural environment.

Modules are assessed primarily by coursework. Some modules have an examination as part of the assessment.

Modules

• 4230 Production Resource Management
• 4231 Research Project in Agricultural Technology and Innovation
• 4232 Business Development
• 4233 Computing and Information Technology in Precision Agriculture
• 4234 Livestock Production Technology
• 4235 Environmental Technology
• 4236 Crop Production Technology

Career prospects

Graduates are highly likely to go on to pursue a career within:

• The high-tech agricultural and environmental sectors
• Industries allied to crop and animal production
• Technical consultancy
• Government and international agencies
• The development of new companies through entrepreneurial initiatives

Potential job opportunities

• Agricultural and horticultural engineering
• Information technology
• Resource appraisal
• Agronomy
• Farm management

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.rau.ac.uk/STUDY/POSTGRADUATE/HOW-APPLY

Funding

For information on funding, please view the following page: https://www.rau.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/funding

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