Program Overview

Course Overview

The Farm Business Opportunities module enables students to evaluate business opportunities relating to environmentally sustainable farming and farm diversification in the uplands. Through farm visits, students will explore upland farm diversification and regenerative farming, developing financial enterprise analysis skills and gaining knowledge of relevant funding opportunities for public goods on upland farms.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
• Course Location: North Yorkshire
• Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
• Delivery Style: Blended (includes in-person and online sessions)
• Course Duration: Part-time: Short Course
• Course Start Point: June
• Award: Module

Minimum Entry Requirements

• English and Mathematics qualifications at Level 2 (e.g., GCSE Grade C/4)
• Educational qualifications at Level 3 (e.g., A Level, NVQ level 3); or equivalent competency through experience

Tuition Fees

• £550 (UK, 2025/26)
• £500 (UK, 2024/25)

Course Structure

What You Will Learn

• Introduction to farm accounts and business planning
• Benchmarking and modeling financial scenarios
• Farm planning for environmental sustainability and resilient farm businesses
• Economic opportunities through Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes
• Blending public and private finance opportunities
• Opportunities for on-farm diversification in upland areas

Teaching & Assessment

How You Will Learn

• Tutor-led sessions will be a mix of in-person at our Ambleside campus and nearby upland sites, plus online live sessions
• Teaching and learning activities will include tutor presentations, small group discussions, supported digital skills workshops, farm tours, and practical fieldwork activities

How You Will Be Assessed

• Your learning will be assessed through completion of a realistic portfolio task, which allows you to demonstrate the core skills and knowledge from the course
• The task involves using spreadsheets to compare different financial scenarios for an upland farm
• The course is graded pass/fail with a pass being awarded upon attendance of the course and completion of the set task to an acceptable standard

Career Outcomes

• To take your farm business forward, or advise others, this course provides the skills in financial enterprise analysis and knowledge of upland farm business opportunities relating to environmentally sustainable farming and farm diversification

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs: English and Mathematics at Level 2 (e.g., GCSE Grade C/4); or equivalent
• A-levels: Educational qualifications at Level 3 (e.g., A Level, NVQ level 3)

Fair Admissions

• When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application
• We are looking for your potential to succeed, so we will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references

Selection Criteria

• The following technology skills are necessary for successful module completion:
  • Use of word processing software for short written assignments
  • Use of spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for basic financial calculations

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• £550 (UK, 2025/26)
• £500 (UK, 2024/25)

Funding

• Foundation for Common Land and Our Upland Commons project are offering full sponsorship for 12 places on this course, subject to eligibility

Additional Costs

• There may be some additional costs associated with the course, including stationery, textbooks, field trips, and membership fees, although some of these features are optional
• Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change; course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year

Books and Journals

• The Agricultural Budgeting and Costing Book is a useful reference
• Other core reading materials are freely available online

Stationery

• Notetaking materials for outdoor use

Clothing and Equipment

• Clothing and footwear suitable for walking in an upland environment in Cumbria, whatever the weather

Other

• Personal computer equipment with spreadsheet and word processing software
• Internet access, suitable for use of live video and audio during online taught sessions, and for browsing to access learning materials
• University of Cumbria offers loan of laptops to students subject to availability