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Sustainable Rural Development

D453 - BSc Honours Degree - 3 years

Introduction

Rural areas are utilised in many diverse ways. People live, work and play in the countryside, while mother nature requires an unpolluted environment to host its diversity of plants and animals. In order for rural areas to thrive, we need to encourage development that retains the economic viability of rural areas, whilst also being sympathetic to the natural environment. Effective rural development is challenging, and can only be achieved through a sound understanding of the economic, social and environmental aspects of rural areas. The Sustainable Rural Development degree is an interdisciplinary course that aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills that will allow you to tackle a broad range of rural issues in your future career. Within the scheme, you also have the option to undertake some of your study abroad in an European or American university and/or carrying out some work experience through our Year in Employment Scheme.

Key features

• Vocational 3-year full time course
• Focus on rural policy business, conservation and agriculture
• Study tours and visits
• Flexible, extensive range of choice within course
• Optional work experience
• European and American exchange
• Friendly, enthusiastic staff

Content and Structure

The Sustainable Rural Development course is structured to allow you to study a wide range of rural issues from an economic, social and natural science perspective. Teaching methods used include lectures, seminars, group work, visits, study tours and work related assignments.

In the first year you are introduced to a broad mix of natural and social sciences. Core subject areas include:

• Rural economics
• People and the countryside
• Rural tourism and recreation
• Agricultural systems
• Development and Environment

In the second year core modules build on key subject areas including:

• Environmental economics
• Landscape assessment
• Rural planning
• Sustaining rural communities
• Food farming and the environment

Detailed Course Structure

Research methods

Core modules in your third year allow you to develop specialist knowledge of the tools used by planners and policy makers to stimulate sustainable development in rural areas. You will also be able to tailor your final year to suit your interests and career aspirations through independent research undertaken as part of your dissertation and also through your choice of optional modules. Core subject areas in your third year include:

• Policy evaluation and appraisal
• Regional economics
• Integrated rural development
• Honours dissertation

Assessment

You will be assessed through a mixture of continuous assessment and formal examination. Continuous assessment is in the form of assignments, which are often based on real life problems and are designed to develop your personal skills as well as your knowledge. Examples of assessments include written reports, oral presentations and web page design.

Career Opportunities

The broad base of this degree scheme qualifies you for policy making careers in rural development, rural business, agriculture, environment, tourism and recreation provision, plus many related professions and services. Typical employment includes careers in local authorities, UK and EU rural development and environment agencies and non-government organisations.