In your first year, you will focus on gaining a sound theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable agricultural production through developing your knowledge and skills in the foundations of agricultural science and production, before specialising in Dairy Herd Management in your second year. On the Dairy Herd Management pathway, you will explore different management strategies in key areas such as genetics, nutrition and health which will enable you to effectively combine science and production to combat key global issues such as food security and climate change. In particular, you will explore the role of autonomous and biological technologies, such as our robotic milking facility, and concepts such as OneHealth to improve livestock health, efficiency and sustainability. Rural business management is integrated throughout your foundation degree, covering areas such as diversification, marketing and accounting, which are hugely important for the performance monitoring and management of successful agricultural businesses and are often looked for by employers in the food industry. Upon graduation you will be armed with the toolkit required to progress the dairy industry forward in a career in dairy herd management, as well as progress to the BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Agriculture Top-up degree.

* Training on our commercial farm - a regional centre for agricultural education * Developing research skills using new state-of-the-art technologies, including our Lely Astronaut A5 automated robotic milking systems and Data Hub* Projects run by the Institute of Sustainability & Food Innovation (IoSFI) and the Reaseheath Sustainability Committee * Industry work placement and visits from guest speakers* Field trips and study for additional industry-recognised qualifications

* Herd Management* Farm and Environmental Consultancy* Animal Health Advisory & Sales* Animal Genetics Advisory & Sales* Farm Business Analyst* Vet Technician* Research and Development