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PgC / PgD / MSc Plant Health and Biosecurity

PgC / PgD / MSc Plant Health and Biosecurity

Different course options

Study mode

Part time

Duration

2 years

Start date

SEP-25

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Life Sciences

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

The effective control of pests and diseases is fundamental to the use of plants by man for economic, environmental and general well-being. The threats to plant biosecurity have increased with the globalisation in trade and travel, which has resulted in increased volume and diversity of plants and plant products entering the UK and other Member States of the European Union.

The course is intended to provide students with a detailed understanding of basic plant pathology and the application of this science to control current plant pests and pathogens, to reduce the introduction on invasive pests and pathogens and to minimise their impact when introduced.

The course is underpinned by an extensive programme of agri-environment research at Harper Adams University. This course is primarily aimed at new Plant Health and Seed Inspectors within Defra but will also be of benefit for staff working within plant businesses (e.g. plant importers, growers and distributors) responsible for biosecurity.

This is a blended learning course where each module is delivered as 60% online over a six week period followed by two days of face to face delivery on campus. All module assessments are by coursework assignments. There is a two-day induction to the course at the start of the academic year in September.

Students in full-time employment would normally complete the course over two years. Students may enrol for a single module with or without the assignment for CPD purposes.

The course is strongly aligned to the competencies of the Royal Society of Biology Plant Health Professional Register.

Modules

The Masters Research Project (MRP) module will allow postgraduate students to develop high level problem solving and research skills. Students are initially required to identify research concepts and evaluate their significance in the context of the wider literature. Based on this assessment, students are then required to design studies in order to further investigate the problem and contribute to the knowledge base. The student, under direction from the supervisor, will take responsibility for the planning, execution and writing up of the project. In addition to supervisory input, the student will also be supported by formal workshops that address aspects of project design, including data analysis and presentation.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

The part-time study fee for Taught Postgraduate programmes is calculated on a pro-rata basis of the full-time equivalent cost (based on the number of credits). Part-time students will be billed on a module-by-module basis and will be invoiced prior to the start of each module. Full time fee £11,520 and it is a guide for part time students.

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

The part-time study fee for Taught Postgraduate programmes is calculated on a pro-rata basis of the full-time equivalent cost (based on the number of credits). Part-time students will be billed on a module-by-module basis and will be invoiced prior to the start of each module. Full time fee £19,750 and it is a guide for part time students.

Entry requirements

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. Previous experience, referees' reports and interviews will be used to determine the suitability of candidates for particular programmes.

University information

Harper Adams University has been providing world-leading, specialist education in the fields of agriculture, sustainability, and animal science for 120 years. It is now the UK’s market leader, by share of volume of students, for postgraduate degrees in agricultural and veterinary subjects (HESA, 2018). The university offers master’s programmes developed in conjunction with industry, across a range of topics related to agricultural production,...more