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.