IBERS Postgraduate Distance Learning Programmes

Our programmes have been designed to be as accessible and flexible as possible, particularly for those in full time employment or living outside the UK. Each 14 week module includes recorded lectures (see sample) from academics and industry experts, along with guided readings, discussion forums and two assignments. We work very closely with Bangor University, which means that you can also take relevant Bangor modules as part of your studies. Flexibility is a key benefit of studying with us, not only in terms of the wide module choice and the number you can choose to study, but also of the structure of the modules, which are divided into 3-4 week study blocks rather than strict weekly deadlines. This uniquely structured-yet-flexible format allows you to:

•Study where (provided you have internet access) and when is convenient for you.
•Stay focussed and motivated as you work through each module with a cohort of fellow students.
•‘Pick-n-Mix’ the modules which are most relevant to you.
•Start in January, May or September.
•Take as many or as few modules as you wish over your 5-year registration period.
•Supplement your choices with optional modules from Bangor University.
•Update your knowledge and develop your critical skills.
•Embed your research project into your work.

‌In most cases the research elements of our qualifications are carried out in your work place with regular academic supervision. However, there are also opportunities for research projects to be based at IBERS; ask us if that option would be of interest to you.

While you are very welcome to take only one or two modules for your own interest, if you would like a qualification you will need at least three (for a postgraduate certificate). If you are intending to undertake an MSc, an MRes or a Doctorate the Research Methods module is compulsory.

 

 

How much work will I need to do?

‌A typical master’s student is expected to study for 200 hours when taking a 20 credit module. Our students report spending 10 to 15 hours a week per module studying; obviously the more time and effort you can put in, the more you'll benefit from studying the module and the better your grades are likely to be.

Part-time

From the initial start date you have a maximum of five years to fit in as many or as few modules as you wish. A part-time MSc cannot be completed in less than two years. If you are undertaking a part-time doctorate you are permitted an additional two years; seven years in total.

Full-time

You should choose your start time to ensure that you will cover the modules that interest you. You will be expected to take two or three modules at a time and complete within two years.

Modules Available	Agriculture	Common to both Strands	Industrial Biotechnology
Aberystwyth	•Global Ruminant Production •Silage Science •Sustainable Home-Grown Feeds •Farm Business Management •Organic & Low Input Ruminants •Ruminant Gut Microbiology •Sustainable Grassland Systems •Ruminant Health & Welfare •Ruminant Nutrition	•Genetics & Genomics	•Biorenewable Feedstocks •Biorefining Technologies •Biobased Products •Waste stream Valorisation •Drivers of the Bio-economy
Bangor	•Resource Efficient Farming •Water & Agriculture •Agro-Ecosystems Services •Soil Management •Upland Farming Systems •Global Food Security •Agriculture and Society	•Climate Change •Carbon Footprint & LCA •Anaerobic Digestion (AD)

To be accepted as a postgraduate student, candidates must hold:

• at least a second class honours degree in an appropriate science subject OR
• have at least two years relevant experience. Applications from mature candidates with relevant experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements

International and EU applicants will need to show evidence of a sufficient knowledge of English. This must be proved before you begin your course. If you have not achieved the required level before sending us your application, your formal offer for postgraduate study will include a condition stating that you need to achieve this level before the start of your course. The level required is IELTS 6.5.  If you do not reach the required level of proficiency, it will not be possible to admit you onto the course. Please see our webpage on English language requirements.

Payments are normally made per module. If you would like to be invoiced for a number of items at once, please let us know.

	UK/EU Fee	International Fee (with Bursary)	International Fee (commercial)
Distance Learning Modules	£750	£800	£1,363
60 Credit Dissertation	£1,800	£1,800	£3,271
120 Credit Dissertation (annual fee)	£1,950	£1,950	£3,413
Professional Doctorate Research (annual fee)	£1,950	£1,950	£3,413
Full Course Costs
MSc	£6,300	£6,600	£11,449
MRes - if taken over three years	£6,150	£6,300	£10,915
DAg* - if taken over five years	£10,050	£10,200	£17,741

Eligibility for International Bursaries

Bursaries are available for this academic year to those working for non-profit making organisations in developing countries (as defined by the UN) e.g. agricultural NGOs, universities, research institutes, government. Please contact IBERSDL@aber.ac.uk for more details.

Postgraduate Study Loans

NEW: Postgraduate Study Loans are available to prospective students living in England.

Comments on Specific Modules

"I feel more informed and confident in my abilities. I am enjoying my job more having completed this module [Ruminant Health and Welfare module]." Gemma Hancock, Orion Farming Group

"I feel I now have a better understanding of the subject [Genetics and Genomics] and this gives me a lot more confidence when talking to clients etc." Dewi Hughes, Farming Connect

General Course Comments

"The modules are fantastically well organised, the support given by all the tutors and admin staff is excellent and I am really enjoying learning alongside my job - it is a fantastic way to learn and further career development, I would recommend it to anyone."

"I found the course very useful and have learnt a lot more than I expected. Thank you for the excellent standard of material and tools you made available to me"

'…will lead the design of several of the agricultural modules I oversee within our FdA Agricultural Business Management programme'

See a sample of an IBERS Distance Learning programme.