BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Organic Farming)
UCAS code D700
UCAS score of 240 points or more
Programme Manager: Stephen Chadd
01285 652531 Ext: 2249
stephen.chadd@rac.ac.uk
Lecturer Contact Time: 15-20 hours a week (approx)
The rising interest in organic farming, embraced by the DEFRA Action Plan to increase the supply of home-produced organic food, has been widely reported. In recent years, organic production has been one of the most dynamic and fastest growing sectors within the industry. With our organic farming credentials including pigs, sheep and arable enterprises and close liaison with HRH Prince Charles' organic farm at nearby Tetbury, the College is well placed to deliver such a programme. We are pleased to have the support of Duchy Farm Manager, David Wilson, who sits on the School Advisory Council and advises us on all things organic. Furthermore, our students are regular visitors to the farm and to some of the other excellent organic units in the area as well.
All students receive an introduction to organic farming in year one. This programme also includes specialist tutorials in organic production in year two and modules in organic soil management and organic production and marketing. To date, students have taken practical work placements and also been associated with organic food marketing operations in wholesale and retailing companies. The programme is audited regularly by Soil Association Certification Ltd, who also oversee our organic farming activities. We are proud to display their symbol in association with this programme as an indication of its quality.
What you need to join the programme
UCAS score of 240 points or more, normally from subjects passed at A2 level, one of which should be classed as a science subject (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, etc). The College will also accept AS points
from subjects additional to those studied to A2 level in order for candidates to meet the tariff for entry. Candidates should also have achieved GCSE passes at Grade C or above in English and Mathematics. Alternative entry routes for candidates with a range of other qualifications, including Diploma, AVCE, GNVQ, overseas qualifications and prior experience, are also available subject to approval by the programme tutors and admissions staff, and following individual interview. A period of practical experience is recommended but is not required as a prerequisite to joining any of the programmes.
Career prospects
This degree provides an excellent education for those wishing to farm organically or to manage an organic unit. There are also opportunities within the organisations which support the organic food industry, in organic food marketing and in research into organic production systems.
The Royal Agricultural College does its best to ensure that the content listed on these pages is accurate and up to date; however course content is subject to change. The College reserves the right to change the content, modules and titles of any courses and research opportunities listed here without prior warning.
Programme Manager
Dr. Stephen Chadd
Dr Stephen Chadd joined the academic staff at the RAC in 1990 and is currently the Deputy Dean of the School of Agriculture, Course Director for the suite of Agriculture Degrees and Principal Lecturer in Animal Science and Production.
He has also served as a staff governor at the RAC and various academic committees and is currently involved as Academic Champion in implementing and embedding the Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) across college. He has extensive experience of animal science and production, both at the commercial as well as academic levels and acts as supervisor for a number of PhD students.
Having completed a PhD in animal nutrition, Dr Chadd's research and consultancy interests cover a wide range of animal production and animal nutrition topics, particularly in the pig and poultry industry sectors. He is currently involved in the development of a new degree in Food production and Supply Management at RAC . He has lectured on pig science and nutrition topics in Brazil, USA, Canada, Thailand, Slovenia and Turkey. Previous consultancy included a report on restructuring the Barbados pig industry, and co-director of a training course for executives in the Iraqi animal feed industry and was, in conjunction with colleagues at the University of Bristol, a joint researcher for a Defra project on pig welfare.
External responsibilities include the post of Vice- President of the European Association of Animal Production (Pig Commission) and RAC coordinator of International Socrates programmes in Intensive Livestock education.
Read more...Case Study
Alex DobbsThe support and confidence I received from all staff was brilliant."
My time at the RAC was fantastic! Going there was probably the best decision I ever made. The support and confidence I received from all staff was brilliant.
It prepared me well for my professional life. Socially, my time at the College was a great success; I got stuck in right from the start.
I felt that doing the Organic Agriculture programme gave me a different outlook on agriculture, and I focused most of my attention on marketing foods. The work placement in the second year was an important part of the programme as it opened all doors for a job after College. I went on to become "the organic girl" at Irish Supermarket chain Superquinn, changing their marketing of organic fruit and vegetables.
After finishing my degree, I started my current job, which is Marketing Executive of a fast growing company who supply health stores and pharmacies across Ireland. The RAC also gave me an appetite for my own business, which I plan to start working on in 2008.
The RAC provides the most important aspects of modern college education and personal contact with teaching staff with a brilliant social atmosphere. I continually meet old Ciren boys and girls, both socially and in business, which is always enjoyable.
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