Program Overview

Agroecology and Sustainable Management in Agriculture

Course Description

Agroecology and Sustainable Management is at the heart of a changing food system - reconnecting farming with nature, supporting thriving rural communities, and creating sustainable ways to feed a growing world.

On this course, you’ll study how ecological science, regenerative practices and social innovation can be brought together to shape the future of agriculture. You’ll explore how farming can work with natural systems — restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and building resilience to climate change — while also supporting farmers’ livelihoods and global food security.

You’ll also look beyond the farm gate — examining the wider economic, social and policy contexts that drive change in food and farming systems, and learning how agroecology can contribute to a fairer, more sustainable future.

Learning is practical and applied from day one. Working across our commercial farm, research projects and specialist agroecology sites, you’ll develop hands-on skills, apply ecological principles in real-world settings, and engage with the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

When you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to make a real impact — whether working on farms, in advisory roles, in research, or helping to shape policy and sustainable food systems around the world.

Why Study Agroecology?

• A systems-based approach to sustainable farming
• Hands-on learning across real-world settings
• Built for flexibility - designed for impact
• International opportunities with a global outlook

Duration

• 1 year (full-time)
• 2 to 3 years (part-time)

Start Date

• September 2025
• February 2026

Location

• Harper Adams University campus (and location of work placement)

Entry Requirements for 2025

• A UK honours degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent overseas qualification.
• Applicants with a good FdSc/HND pass in a relevant subject area plus at least two years' relevant industrial or professional experience may also be considered.

What Will I Study?

PgC (60 credits from)

• Fundamentals of Agroecology
• Optional modules:
  • Regenerative Approaches for Contemporary Farming Systems
  • Overseas Field Course*

PgD (120 credits from)

• Fundamentals of Agroecology
• Global Challenges for Sustainable Futures
• Soil and Water, Nutrient Cycling, Waste Management
• Food Security and Ethics
• Sustainable Farming Systems
• Precision Agriculture
• Experimental Design and Analysis
• Optional modules:
  • Regenerative Approaches for Contemporary Farming Systems
  • Overseas Field Course*

MSc (180 credits from)

• Fundamentals of Agroecology
• Global Challenges for Sustainable Futures
• Soil and Water, Nutrient Cycling, Waste Management
• Food Security and Ethics
• Sustainable Farming Systems
• Precision Agriculture
• Experimental Design and Analysis
• Masters Research Project
• Optional modules:
  • Regenerative Approaches for Contemporary Farming Systems
  • Overseas Field Course*

Careers

Graduates from this course have gone on to a wide range of careers — from advisory roles at organisations like LEAF and Promar, to positions in government agencies such as AHDB, Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Agency. Others have pursued research, PhDs and academic roles both in the UK and internationally, or joined professional societies like the British Ecological Society.

• Farm and Land Management
• Advisory and Consultancy Roles
• Research and Innovation
• Food Systems and Policy