Skip to main content
Harper Adams University logo
    Taught postgraduate

    PgC / PgD / MSc / MRes Ruminant Nutrition

    Key information

    Year of entry

    Duration

    1 year full-time
    2 to 3 years part-time

    Start date

    September 2024

    Loading event details...

    Course description

    The course

    The course is designed to equip practitioners with the higher level skills and knowledge to apply recent developments in nutritional science, technology and legislation to support sustainable expansion and intensification of ruminant production systems and meet consumer demands for ruminant products both within the UK and globally. It is primarily aimed at UK graduates, veterinary surgeons and specialists within the animal feeds industry, but may also be of interest to overseas applicants.

    How will it benefit me?

    Globally the demand for animal products is expected to increase by 85% by 2050 and this increase in demand can only be satisfied by increases in production efficiency and sustainable intensification of ruminant production systems. Within the UK, ruminant production systems are under increasing pressure to maintain profitability and improve product quality, whilst maintaining animal welfare and reducing any detrimental effects on the environment. As animal feed represents over 80% of the variable costs associated with production, an understanding of the science and technology associated with digestion, metabolism, growth and lactation will be essential in order to increase the efficiency and maintain the profitability of ruminant production systems in the future. These awards will provide a recognised higher education qualification for graduates intending to work in the ruminant sector and contribute towards the continued professional development of veterinary surgeons and specialists already in full-time employment.

    Block-based study

    Modules are delivered in one-week (and in a select few modules two weeks) 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.

    Entry requirements for 2024

    Candidates will be expected to have obtained a 2:1 honours degree in an appropriate agricultural, veterinary or scientific subject. Alternatively, candidates with a good UK-based HND or foundation degree in an appropriate agricultural or scientific subject, together with related industrial or professional experience of at least two years will be considered. For all candidates, evidence of qualifications and experience will be required.

    What will I study?

    Optional modules are indicative and may be subject to change.

    Contacts

    For course related enquiries please contact:

    postgraduate@harper-adams.ac.uk

    Teaching and learning

    The programme is offered on a part-time basis and is designed to be flexible and allow students to study for either a PgC (60 credits), PgD (120 credits) or an MSc (180 credits) over a period of one, two or three years depending on their requirements. Most modules have a value of 15 credits, which equates to five days of direct teaching, with independent study being supported through our virtual learning environment.

    Progression from the PgD to the MSc will require students to undertake and complete a Research Project supervised by an appropriate subject specialist at Harper Adams.

    The learning and teaching methods used will vary depending on the subject matter but will include formal lectures, tutorials, laboratory practical classes and farm/industry visits. Extensive use will be made of the resources available at Harper Adams, including our farm and laboratory complex to illustrate ruminant production systems, feed evaluation techniques and the principles of nutrition and feeding. Modules will be assessed by a combination of assignments and examinations.

    Careers

    There are many career opportunities for those with a post-graduate qualification in ruminant nutrition including teaching and research positions at academic institutions and advisory work as subject specialists in the animal production or animal feed industries.

    98% Employability

    Harper Adams University has the best and most consistent long-term graduate employment performance in specialist agri-food higher education

    (HESA 2017)

    No. 1

    In the UK for graduate employment
    (Graduate Outcomes 2020)

    700

    We work with more than 700 businesses to deliver, develop and drive forward higher skills

    Cookies on the Harper Adams University website

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the website. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time.