Overview

The Soil Scientist Apprenticeship with MSc in Soil Science is a part-time course primarily delivered online, with students attending week-long residentials at Cranfield University twice annually. This course meets the requirements of the Soil Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship Standard.

Course Details

• The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding, tools, and practices necessary for optimal soil management.
• It aims to deepen students' understanding of soils across diverse land-use contexts and provide them with cutting-edge technologies for effective decision-making.
• The course includes a reflective portfolio project, where students will design a new soil science field laboratory, applying the learning acquired throughout the course.

Who is it for?

The course is suitable for:

• Soil scientists and consultants seeking to upskill their knowledge and understanding of soil monitoring and analyzing soil conditions.
• Employees of organizations that offer guidance on earthworks, construction, and demolition projects, or urban green infrastructure, who want to advance their expertise in assessing and mitigating the effects of such works on urban soils.
• Soil mappers and surveyors who use digital technology and traditional tools to evaluate soil types for various stakeholders.
• Environmental consultants specializing in providing advice on sustainable materials, waste management, biodiversity, flood control, and ecosystem restoration.
• Government agencies and non-profit organizations that inform soil policy decisions and develop guidance documents.

Why this course?

The course will equip and upskill organizations with the knowledge, understanding, tools, practices, and resources to achieve optimal soil management across both rural and urban settings. It aims to:

• Help students critically evaluate soil properties and functions and understand how soils interact with the wider environment.
• Allow students to devise effective soil management plans that integrate the principles of sustainable and resilient land management with local and national policy priorities.
• Provide students with a wide-ranging toolkit for effective decision-making across different land-use and management contexts.

Informed by industry

This Apprenticeship has been co-designed with various UK industries, including Arcadis, Askew Land and Soil, Atkins Limited, British Society of Soil Science, Cornwall College Group, ERS, Land Research Associates, Natural England, RSK ADAS, Tim O'Hare Associates, Wardell Armstrong, WPS Compliance Consultants, Defra, and Society for the Environment.

Course Structure

The course comprises 12 taught modules and a reflective portfolio project, primarily delivered online with some residentials at Cranfield University.

Modules

The modules include:

• Project Management and Portfolio
• Introduction to Soils
• Soils and Policy
• Desk-based Soil Assessments and Basic Statistics
• Soil Surveying
• Field-based Methods for Rural Soils
• Fundamental Laboratory Methods in Soil Science
• Soils - a Nexus
• Soil Mapping, Modelling and GIS
• Advanced Data Analysis and Statistics
• Field-based Methods for Urban Soils
• Advanced Laboratory Methods in Soil Science
• Sustainable and Resilient Land Management

Teaching Team

Students will be taught by industry-active research academics at Cranfield University, supported by visiting lecturers from industry. The Course Director is Dr. Daniel Evans, and the Deputy Course Director is Dr. Christopher McCloskey.

Accreditation

This apprenticeship aligns with the British Society of Soil Science for technical membership. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to apply for Chartered Scientist status.

Fees and Funding

The course fee is £23,282, which includes tuition fees and endpoint assessment. Eligible organizations can use £21,000 of their Apprenticeship Levy towards the overall cost, with the remaining £2,282 payable by the company to Cranfield University.

Entry Requirements

Before applying, prospective students need to have approval from their employer. Students must be employed, and their employer must agree to provide support and supervision for the apprenticeship. A three-way agreement needs to be put in place between Cranfield University, the employer, and the student. As part of the apprenticeship, students must hold or achieve an approved level 2 qualification in Mathematics and English before successfully completing the apprenticeship.

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Overview:

Cranfield University is a postgraduate-focused institution specializing in science, technology, engineering, and management. It is renowned for its strong industry links and practical approach to education.

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Services Offered:

Cranfield University offers a wide range of services to students, including:

Careers and Employability Service:

Provides guidance and support for career planning and job searching.

IT Services:

Offers access to computer labs, software, and technical support.

Libraries:

Provides access to extensive collections of books, journals, and online resources.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Industry Links:

Cranfield University has close relationships with numerous organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Practical Approach to Education:

The university emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers.

World-Class Facilities:

Cranfield boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, workshops, and research centers.

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Academic Programs:

Cranfield University offers a variety of postgraduate programs, including:

Taught Degrees:

MSc programs in various fields, such as aerospace, energy, and management.

Research Degrees:

PhD and MPhil programs for students seeking to conduct advanced research.

Apprenticeships:

Level 7 apprenticeships for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Professional Development:

Short courses and executive development programs for individuals and organizations.

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Other:

• Cranfield University has two campuses: Cranfield Campus and Cranfield University at Shrivenham.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong track record in environmental research.
• Cranfield University is ranked highly in various international rankings, including those for sustainability and engineering.