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Agriculture HND

104D - HND - 3 years including 9 months of work experience

HND in Agriculture

Aberyswyth has specialised in Agriculture and land-based studies for more than 120 years and now hosts the prestigious Institute for Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences a centre of excellence central to the agricultural policy and practice of Wales, created with major funding from the Welsh Assembly Governement.

Drawing on that expertise and excellence, this vocational HND in Ariculture gives you a thorough knowledge of agriculture, agricultural production and farm management, with the emphasis on ‘learning by doing’ and worked-based learning. The course reflects the changing role of agriculture in the countryside. Your second year is spent in a work placement to gain practical experience in the agricultural industry. (Exemption from this may be granted and credit awarded on the basis of appropriate prior experience or training.)

Your performance is continuously assessed through class and field-based assignments, and by end-of-semester examinations. Problem-solving exercises and decision-making assignments develop your ability to apply theory to practice. Study tours extend your understanding through the observation of good practice on farms and other enterprises.

Core skills in communication, self-management and project work are developed since these attributes significantly improve your employability and success in your chosen career.

Key features

• Vocational course
• 9 months work experience
• Skills development
• Progression route to BSc course
• Visits and Study tours
• Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and supportive staff

Content and Structure of the HND in Agriculture

Year 1

The first year of your HND in Agriculture gives you an in-depth knowledge of dairy, beef, sheep and crop production systems and their underlying science and technology. You will also study agri-environment issues relevant to current farming practice. Business management, computing and presentational skills also form a key  omponent of the initial year.

Year 2 - Work Experience

Work experience provides you with the opportunity to develop a range of practical skills and to apply knowledge in a practical context. The experience may be tailored to meet your particular requirements, in the UK or overseas.

The Institute will maintain contact with you during your work experience.

Year 3

In your final year the emphasis is on agricultural enterprise and business management, the interaction of agriculture with the environment and a major project on a subject of your own choice.

Detailed Course Structure

Progression to BSc (Hons)

If you achieve 75% of your modules at merit or above and have successfully completed a bridging module, you may enter the final year of the BSc (Hons) Agriculture. With this route you will complete a degree and HND in the same time scale as mainstream BSc (Hons) candidates.

If you have passed an appropriate HND, you are eligible to enter the second year of the BSc (Hons) Agriculture degree scheme.

This option is also open to students studying at other institutions who wish to transfer to Aberystwyth.

Career Opportunities related to your HND in Agriculture

The scheme aims to prepare you for:

• employment as a farm or enterprise manager
• technical employment in marketing andcommerce, development and research
• progression to a BSc (Hons) degree scheme in agriculture or related disciplines.