Agrifood Innovation

Program Overview

Agrifood Innovation

Key Facts

• Qualification: MRes
• Course duration: 3 years
• Available for: September start 2025, January start 2026, May start 2026

Typical Entry Requirements

• Entry Requirements: 2:2 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area or equivalent. Subject to agreement with project supervisor. Non-graduates must have at least 24 months of relevant full-time work experience in an agri-food industry.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application.

Course Overview

Individual taught modules run for 14 weeks by distance learning. There are three intakes per year so you can start in January, May or September.

The research elements are carried out in your workplace with regular academic supervision. The training is web-based which means that as long as you have access to a reasonable broadband connection (i.e. are able to stream videos such as on YouTube), you can study wherever and whenever best suits you.

Modules September start - 2025

Core

• Research Methods: BDM0120, 20 credits
• MRes Dissertation DL (A): BDM0060, 60 credits
• MRes Dissertation DL (B): BDM0260, 60 credits

Options

• Behaviour Change: BDM8820, 20 credits
• Controlled Environment Agriculture: BDM6220, 20 credits
• Horticultural Science: BDM6920, 20 credits
• Livestock Health and Welfare: BDM5920, 20 credits
• Meat Processing: BDM8720, 20 credits
• Programming for Agritechnology - an Introduction: BDM2420, 20 credits
• Soil Science: BDM2320, 20 credits
• Sustainable Supply Systems: BDM1120, 20 credits
• Waste Resource Management: BDM1220, 20 credits

Careers

Most people undertaking this course are already employed in the agri-food sector and see it as a way to update and improve their technical knowledge while working towards a qualification. It also acts as an ideal stepping stone for those wanting to move into this sector.

Teaching & Learning

On this degree you will study Research Methods and complete a Work-Based Research Project, which is the main component of your degree.

You will also choose 2 from a range of optional modules, which currently include:

• Sustainable Supply Systems
• Precision Livestock
• Future of Packaging
• Waste Resource Management
• Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond
• Public Goods
• Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
• Behaviour Change
• Horticultural Science
• Meat Processing.

Learning material includes podcast lectures, e-group projects, guided reading, interactive workbooks and discussion forums, as well as assignments and e-tutorials.

Assessment

There are no exams within this programme. Taught modules are assessed via course work and forum discussion. Research is monitored and assessed.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

MRes Agrifood Innovation at Aberystwyth University is a postgraduate program designed for individuals interested in integrating the Circular Economy ethos into agrifood practice or policy. It is particularly relevant for those working within the Welsh agrifood supply chains. The program emphasizes research over taught elements, making it an ideal stepping stone for those seeking to develop their research careers.

Outline:

The program is structured as a blended learning experience, combining distance learning modules with work-based research.

Course Structure:

• Distance Learning Modules: Individual modules run for 14 weeks and are delivered online.
There are three intakes per year, allowing students to start in January, May, or September.
• Work-Based Research: The research elements are conducted in the student's workplace with regular academic supervision.

Course Schedule:

• May Start - 2024:
• Core Modules:
• MRes Research Project (A) - BDM6060 - 60 credits
• MRes Research Project (B) - BDM6160 - 60 credits
• Research Methods - BDM0120 - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Behaviour Change - BDM8820 - 20 credits
• Biorefining Technologies - BDM7720 - 20 credits
• Controlled Environment Agriculture - BDM6220 - 20 credits
• Future of Packaging - BDM1320 - 20 credits
• Horticultural Science - BDM6920 - 20 credits
• Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond - BDM6320 - 20 credits
• Livestock Health and Welfare - BDM5920 - 20 credits
• Meat Processing - BDM8720 - 20 credits
• Precision Livestock - BDM6420 - 20 credits
• Public Goods - BDM1920 - 20 credits
• Sustainable Supply Systems - BDM1120 - 20 credits
• Waste Resource Management - BDM1220 - 20 credits
• September Start - 2024:
• Core Modules:
• MRes Research Project (A) - BDM6060 - 60 credits
• MRes Research Project (B) - BDM6160 - 60 credits
• Research Methods - BDM0120 - 20 credits
• MRes Dissertation DL (A) - BDM0060 - 60 credits
• MRes Dissertation DL (B) - BDM0260 - 60 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Behaviour Change - BDM8820 - 20 credits
• Biorefining Technologies - BDM7720 - 20 credits
• Controlled Environment Agriculture - BDM6220 - 20 credits
• Future of Packaging - BDM1320 - 20 credits
• Horticultural Science - BDM6920 - 20 credits
• Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond - BDM6320 - 20 credits
• Livestock Health and Welfare - BDM5920 - 20 credits
• Meat Processing - BDM8720 - 20 credits
• Precision Livestock - BDM6420 - 20 credits
• Public Goods - BDM1920 - 20 credits
• Sustainable Supply Systems - BDM1120 - 20 credits
• Waste Resource Management - BDM1220 - 20 credits
• January Start - 2025:
• Core Modules:
• MRes Research Project (A) - BDM6060 - 60 credits
• MRes Research Project (B) - BDM6160 - 60 credits
• Research Methods - BDM0120 - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Behaviour Change - BDM8820 - 20 credits
• Biorefining Technologies - BDM7720 - 20 credits
• Controlled Environment Agriculture - BDM6220 - 20 credits
• Future of Packaging - BDM1320 - 20 credits
• Horticultural Science - BDM6920 - 20 credits
• Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond - BDM6320 - 20 credits
• Livestock Health and Welfare - BDM5920 - 20 credits
• Meat Processing - BDM8720 - 20 credits
• Precision Livestock - BDM6420 - 20 credits
• Public Goods - BDM1920 - 20 credits
• Sustainable Supply Systems - BDM1120 - 20 credits
• Waste Resource Management - BDM1220 - 20 credits
• May Start - 2025:
• Core Modules:
• MRes Research Project (A) - BDM6060 - 60 credits
• MRes Research Project (B) - BDM6160 - 60 credits
• Research Methods - BDM0120 - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Behaviour Change - BDM8820 - 20 credits
• Biorefining Technologies - BDM7720 - 20 credits
• Controlled Environment Agriculture - BDM6220 - 20 credits
• Future of Packaging - BDM1320 - 20 credits
• Horticultural Science - BDM6920 - 20 credits
• Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond - BDM6320 - 20 credits
• Livestock Health and Welfare - BDM5920 - 20 credits
• Meat Processing - BDM8720 - 20 credits
• Precision Livestock - BDM6420 - 20 credits
• Public Goods - BDM1920 - 20 credits
• Sustainable Supply Systems - BDM1120 - 20 credits
• Waste Resource Management - BDM1220 - 20 credits

Assessment:

• Taught Modules: Assessed through coursework and forum discussions.
• Research: Monitored and assessed throughout the program.

Teaching:

• Learning Materials: Include podcast lectures, e-group projects, guided reading, interactive workbooks, discussion forums, assignments, and e-tutorials.
• Faculty: The program is supervised by academic staff within the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University.

Careers:

• Target Audience: The program is designed for individuals already employed in the agri-food sector who seek to update their technical knowledge and gain a qualification.
• Career Advancement: It serves as a stepping stone for those aiming to move into research roles within the agri-food sector.

Other:

• Language: The program is available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh.
• Online Learning: The program is web-based, allowing students to study from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.