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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 550
Start Date
Medium of studying
Blended
Duration
6 weeks
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Courses
Major
Agricultural Science | Agronomy
Area of study
Architecture and Construction
Education type
Blended
Timing
Part time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 550
About Program

Program Overview


Course Overview

This course introduces climate science with a practical focus on the upland agricultural context and use of online calculators from Farm Carbon Toolkit. You will explore the climate impacts of various farming and land management practices and link these to productivity and profitability. The course will benefit upland farmers, land managers and advisors.


On this course you will...

  • Complete a realistic carbon audit for an upland farm.
  • Understand the role of carbon and ‘carbon equivalent’ gases in climate change and the concept of net zero.
  • Know where carbon is emitted and sequestered on an upland farm.
  • Compare the carbon-equivalent emissions from livestock under different management systems.
  • Know practical steps to take towards net zero.

Key Details

  • Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
  • Course Location: Ambleside
  • Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
  • Delivery Style: Blended (includes in-person and online sessions)
  • Course Duration: Part-time: 6 weeks
  • Course Start Point: undefined
  • Award: Module
  • More information: Programme Specification, Provisional Timetable, Prospectus

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)

Tuition fees

  • £550 (UK, 2025/6)
  • £500 (UK, 2024/5)

Course Structure

What you will learn

  • The climate role of carbon dioxide and ‘carbon equivalent’ gases
  • Enhancing soil quality; carbon storage on peatlands and grasslands
  • Grazing regimes in practice
  • Delivering on net zero ambitions in the upland livestock sector
  • Blended finance and carbon credits
  • Exploration of Farm Carbon Toolkit and/or similar resources
  • Linking carbon with productivity and profitability

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

  • Tutor-led sessions will be a mix of in-person at our Ambleside campus / local training venue (for courses outside of Cumbria) 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 includes completing a farm carbon audit and presenting your recommendation of practical steps towards net zero carbon emissions that could be taken on your case study 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

  • The skill of carbon auditing and knowledge of climate science in an upland agricultural context can help take your farm business forward, or expand your advisory role

Overview

  • This module is suitable for people working in, or seeking to work in, upland farming, land management or advisory services
  • Suitable prior learning includes educational qualifications at Level 3 (e.g. A Level, NVQ level 3) and English and Mathematics at Level 2 (e.g. GCSE Grade C/4); or equivalent competency through experience
  • Holding higher qualifications does not preclude applicants from studying these courses

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

  • GCSEs: English and Mathematics at Level 2 (e.g. GCSE Grade C/4)
  • A-levels: Educational qualifications at Level 3 (e.g. A Level, NVQ level 3)
  • Alternative routes: Equivalent competency through experience

Fair Admissions

  • When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application
  • We are looking for your potential to succeed so 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 (e.g. Microsoft Word) and presentation software (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint)

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

  • £550 (UK, 2025/6)
  • £500 (UK, 2024/5)

Funding

  • Sponsored places are likely to be available, subject to eligibility
  • Information will be added here when bursary and course applications open

Additional Costs

  • Books and Journals: All 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 word processing and presentation software, Internet access suitable for use of live video and audio during online taught sessions, and for browsing to access learning materials. A laptop computer may be available for loan from University of Cumbria, please enquire.
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