First students complete agronomy diploma

Posted 12 April 2011

Watch the video on our YouTube channel.

The success of two students who have completed a special agronomy award was celebrated at Harper Adams University College recently.

Andrew Havergal and Richard Butler are the first two agronomists in the UK to have achieved the Harper Adams University College Graduate Diploma in Agronomy with Environmental Management.

This qualification is equivalent to the final year of an honours degree and is a progression from the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy.

During a special lunch and presentation, they received their certificates from Harper Adams Principal, Dr David Llewellyn, who said: “It’s tremendous to see our first graduates from this programme.  It just goes to show what industry and higher education can achieve by working together.”

To obtain the qualification, delegates study modules such as conservation management, plant protection, nutrient management planning and soil and water management. They must also pass oral and written examinations.

Andrew Havergal, Agronomist at Frontier, said: “It’s great to be recognised for this qualification today. I believe it’s important for all of us as we progress through our career to develop and keep up to date.

“Working daily as an agronomist, there isn’t a lot of opportunity to do research, but, this course has allowed me to go back to the basics of research and writing essays.”

Richard Butler, Agronomist at Masstock Arable, was the other student to be awarded the diploma. He said: “As an undertaking, it was back to school because I had to learn how to write essays again.

“I think it will give me a bit more confidence in my day-to-day job. Having trainees within the company, I can now spread my knowledge to them and they will hopefully aspire to achieving something similar.”

Both men are experienced agronomists. Andrew completed his first BASIS qualification, the Certificate in Crop Protection, in 1985 and Richard took his five years later in 1990.

For more information about short courses at Harper Adams, including BASIS, visit http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/shortcourses/