Overview

The agricultural industry is undergoing an unprecedented period of change. Traditional reliance on production is being challenged through changes in government policy at local, national, European and global levels, as well as changes in consumer demand.

Agricultural production now requires an understanding of these demands and other concerns regarding food quality and safety and the environmental impact of production methods in the short, medium and long term.

The Agricultural Technology degree programmes enable graduates to gain an understanding of:
• Crop and animal production systems for the sustainability of the agricultural industry, including the underpinning scientific, economic and business principles and the applicability of recent developments
• The impact of global, EU and regional policy on the agricultural industry
• Assessing agri-environment interactions and devising environmental management strategies
• Managing agriculture as a business
• A professional approach to the work environment, study and life-long learning
• Devising, managing and evaluating project work

Additionally, the Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies Programme enables graduates to gain an understanding of the application of their degree to the workplace and career management planning.

Career Prospects

Introduction
Studying a degree in Agricultural Technology with Professional studies provides a wide range of graduate opportunities for students interested in the agricultural, agri-environmental and related industries.
The majority of our graduates will seek careers in the agricultural, agri-environment or agri-food sectors, in roles including; marketing/sales, production and management, technical advice, and research and development in commercial companies.

Employment after the Course
The degree has been developed in consultation with employers, industry and academics, to offer students a combined curriculum of formal education and practical experience, which is designed to enhance employability and graduate skills.

Employment Links
This programme was developed after extensive consultation with government bodies, major farming organisations, the food processing sector, farmers and conservation organisations, and the curriculum reflects these consultations. This close industry involvement has continued. The initial years of this programme were overviewed by an industry group representing LANTRA, AFBI, DARD and the UFU.
Industry representatives play a significant role in the operation of student learning projects where they use their expertise to guide students running major college enterprises.