Program Overview

Agricultural Law

Course Description

The course provides a firm basis for specialism for rural professionals such as chartered surveyors, solicitors, accountants, and rural business consultants. The PgC can be studied as an introduction to agricultural law, or as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for those with experience. The modules earn CPD points for solicitors and other professionals.

How Will It Benefit Me?

Completion of a PgC in Agricultural Law will give students a valuable specialism allowing them to more closely understand and address clients' needs in the rural environment. The specialist options in Planning, Taxation, and Land Law are underpinned by the development of post-graduate level study skills and a more general introduction to law in the Machinery of Government module. The course will aid students' effectiveness in the workplace, or in further studies, in developing their skills in accessing and preparing legal materials and in solving legal problems.

Block-Based Study

Modules are delivered in one week (and in a select few modules two week) blocks on campus. You will know in advance which weeks require physical attendance as they'll be scheduled on the timetable. In addition to this, you will be required to allocate time for self-study to complete the assignments associated with each of the modules. Some modules may also include research and/or exam elements, these are also highlighted on the timetable.

Duration

1 to 2 years (part-time) (maximum 4 years)

Start Date

September 2025

Award

Final award: PgC
Intermediate awards: Individual module credits

Location

Harper Adams University campus

Entry Requirements for 2025

An honours degree in a subject related to the course, or a good FdSc/HND pass in a relevant subject area together with related industrial or professional experience of at least two years. In addition, the suitability of candidates for particular programmes may be assessed by interview, considering reports from referees and by evaluating previous experience.

What Will I Study?

PgC

• Research and Information Skills (REALM and Business)
  • Code: F7034
  • Credits: 15
  • Students will develop their understanding of the key academic skills required to study at the postgraduate level within their discipline and professional domain. The module is designed to enhance the ability of students to assess, evaluate, and reflect reflexively on information and theory. The key value of the module is that it provides some key underpinning skills required in other modules.
  • Intended Learning Outcomes:
    • Analyse the implications of divergent research philosophies on the interpretation of information.
    • Critically assess the dominant research philosophy in their specific discipline or professional area and consider the implications for their future development.
    • Evaluate the trustworthiness, validity, and reliability of published works associated with their discipline.
    • Synthesise a coherent argument on a topic of significance to their discipline.
    • Critically examine and assess personal development and peer feedback for the benefit of self-discovery, learning, and self-improvement.

Optional Modules

• Agricultural Tenancies
• Rural Estate Taxation and Planning
• Planning Law and Policy
• Land Tenure Systems
• Agriculture for the Land and Business Professional
• Estate Management Law

Careers

Most students who join the course will have qualifications and/or experience in related fields and will be seeking to gain formal qualifications in the specific area of agricultural law, whether to develop study skills and gain a deeper and updated knowledge of these technical areas or, for those new to the subjects, to develop a very marketable enhancement to professional capabilities.

Many Harper Adams students study part-time while employed in relevant work. This means that for some of their modules, they are able to use projects at work as part of their assessment.