s
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Final
PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION
Course summary
Final award
FdSc Agriculture
Intermediate award
FCert Agriculture
Course status
Validated
Awarding body
University of Brighton
Faculty
Science & Engineering
School
Plumpton College
Location of study/ campus
Plumpton College
Partner institution(s)
Name of institution
Host department
Course status
1.
SELECT
2.
3.
Admissions
Admissions agency
UCAS
Entry requirements
Students will normally be at least 18 years of age and have a
minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points (including Key Skills). This will
usually be in the form of at least one of the following qualifications:
* One or more passes at GCSE ‘A’ level - with a minimum of a ‘C’
grade achieved for English Language and Maths at GCSE level.
* An appropriate Advanced GNVQ.
* An appropriate BTEC National Diploma as awarded by Edexcel
Include any progression opportunities
into the course.
However, students with relevant industrial experience and the
necessary skills to gain the award, but without the minimum
academic qualifications, will be eligible for entry. This will be
assessed at interview using portfolio evidence and employer
references.
Start date (mmm-yy)
Sep 14
Normally September
Mode of study
Mode of study
Duration of study (standard)
Maximum registration period
Full-time
2 years Standard
5 years
Part-time
4 years
6 years
Sandwich
Select
Not specified
Distance
Select
Not specified
Page 1 of 13
Course codes/categories
UCAS code
D400
Contacts
Course Leader (or Course
Development Leader)
Ross Unsworth
01273 890454 ext 2299
ross.unsworth@plumpton.ac.uk
Admissions Tutor
The Admissions Team , Plumpton College
01273 890454
admissions@plumpton.ac.uk
Examination and Assessment
Name
Place of work
Date tenure expires
Janatha Stout
Hartpury College
Sep 2018
External Examiner(s)
Examination Board(s)
(AEB/CEB)
Plumpton College Land-based Area Examination Board
Plumpton College Land-based Course Examination Board
Approval and review
Approval date
Review date
Validation
Sept
20051
Feb 20102
Programme Specification
July 20143
July 20154
5
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 1 (if
applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 2 (if
applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 3 (if
applicable):
1
Date of original validation.
Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years).
3
Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September).
4
Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is
applicable to a particular cohort, please state here.
5
Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body.
2
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PART 2: COURSE DETAILS
AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Aims
The aims of the course are:
Typically, holders of a foundation degree will be able to demonstrate:




Knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental principles of agriculture and the methods in
which those principles have developed.
Ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first
studied, and the application of those principles in an industry context;
Knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in agriculture, and ability to evaluate critically the
appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in their field of study and apply these in
an industry context;
Recognition of the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analysis and interpretations
based on that knowledge in agriculture and in an industry context;
Typically, holders of the foundation degree will be able to:
 Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and
propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis in agriculture and in an industry context;
 Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis, in a variety of forms, both to specialist
and non-specialist audiences, and deploy key agricultural techniques effectively in their field of study
and industry context;
 Undertake further training, develop existing skills, and acquire new competences that will enable
them to assume responsibility within organisations:
And will have:
 Qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment and/or progression to other qualifications
requiring the application of personal responsibility and decision-making.
Learning outcomes
The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by
students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate 6.
Knowledge and theory
By the end of the course the student should have gained knowledge and
understanding of principles of agricultural management, including –
1. Plant structure and function and basic biochemical and biophysical plant
processes
2. Analysis of soil samples as a basis for identifying soil type and making
recommendations for soil management
3. Basic husbandry principles both underpinning understanding of the
principles of crop and livestock management and as a background for
subsequent agricultural modules offered in BSc Honors programmes.
4. Principles of enterprise management for a range of farm enterprise types
and knowledge of how to write enterprise management plans
5. Recent changes to the common agricultural policy have changed the way
that farmers are compensated for restrictions on production, linking
payments to environmental benefits. And will investigate effects on UK
farming and countryside.
6. The importance of environmental considerations within farm
management planning.
7. The importance of environmental considerations within farm
management planning.
6
Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details.
Page 3 of 13
Students will have also have gained knowledge and understanding of other
aspects of farm enterprise management:
8. The importance of dairy cow management in Britain as part of commodity
production and as a contributor to the rural economy.
9. Accounting methods such as the Gross Margin Calculations used in the
industry and essential for some career paths.
10. The husbandry requirements of grazing livestock as essential
management for many nature conservation sites, and an understanding
of the selection of particular breeds for particular sites.
11. The range of systems used in business planning and development.
12. Basic concepts in plant biology as a basis for further crop production
studies.
Skills
Includes intellectual skills (i.e.
generic skills relating to
academic study, problem
solving, evaluation, research
etc.) and professional/
practical skills.
Skills development forms a fundamental part of this programme. On
successful completion of Level 4modules, students should have selected a
progression route, which may decide their module options for Level 5.
All students will have developed academic skills (i.e. those generic skills
relating to academic study, problem-solving, analysis, evaluation, research
and so forth), practical industry-related skills and in addition, personal study
skills.
These will include the following:
 Assessment of soil types to identify suitability for crops and other
agricultural activities.
 Machinery operation skills, particularly those required for tractor driving
and manoeuvring, and in the use of fork lift trucks and crop sprayers
(optional).
 Pest identification skills for a range of crops as underpinning skills for
management of these enterprises.
 Disease and welfare issue identification skills for a range livestock as
underpinning skills for management of these enterprises
 Field surveying skills including soil and plant survey skills as a basis for
the development of creating integrated crop protection management
plans.
 Research skills required to undertake scientific investigations using
recognised conventions.
 Development of team-working skills by requiring students to work with
others in practical group sessions and in seminar/workshops.
 Skills required in the development of career action plans and more
generally in the management of the individual’s own responsibilities.
 A range of communication skills, both verbal and oral, as required in
interaction both with individuals and groups, specialist and non-specialist.
 Skills of critical appraisal used in the synthesis of information from
different sources.
 Information technology skills required to use Microsoft Office or other
similar software in word-processing reports, preparing presentations and
manipulating data.
 Problem-solving skills used in identifying and solving routine and nonroutine problems presented to students through the range of assessment
methods proposed.
 Creative skills required for the development of academic posters and
presentations as well as industrially focused assignments such as the
design of an interpretive activity.
Work-Related Learning
It is recognised that work-related learning is a very important feature of this
course.
 Some part time students will be in employment or will be able to use this
experience for completion of the Work Placement module.
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



Other students will undertake formal or informal work placements during
the degree programmes, along with associated preparation, support,
assessment and contribution to subsequent studies.
Students will be given real life projects.
The College estate will be used to provide simulations of work-related
situations.
The course has a Career Planning Agreement, which demonstrates
where the University’s career development objectives are mapped out in
the course.
QAA subject benchmark
statement (where
applicable)7
PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable)
Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements,
and what students are required to undertake, are included.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
Learning and teaching methods
This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any
specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and
teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and
details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course.
In delivering this programme, Plumpton College will work towards the aims of the University’s Learning
and Teaching Strategy 2002-5, which are:
1. To support the University’s strategic aim of widening participation by building expertise in the
development of inclusive curricula and pedagogies.
2. To continue to develop approaches to learning and teaching that support the University’s vocationally
orientated mission.
3. To encourage and disseminate good and innovative practice in support of high quality learning and
teaching.
4. To obtain maximum benefit from the systematic linking of teaching and research.
5. To continue to build capacity for quality enhancement by developing the expertise of all categories of
staff contributing to the support of learning.
6. To provide an effective environment for learning and teaching, characterised by sufficient and highquality accommodation, staffing and information services.
Students will normally take 12 standard 10-credit modules per year, six in each semester. A module is
designed to comprise 100 hours total learning time and is typically studied over a 15-week semester.
A typical 10-credit module comprises a combination of tutor-led contact sessions (normally 1.5 - 3 hours
per week) and independent study time, which includes the time spent on completing assessment tasks.
Modules in categories 1, 4 and 5 below will normally have at least 22.5 contact hours (for each 10
credits), modules in category 2 will normally have at least 45 hours of contact time, and modules in
category 3 will have up to 100 hours of self-study time for each 10 credits.
Learning support is given through a series of group tutorials focusing on academic skills, for example,
Writing Assignments, Using the Harvard Referencing System, Avoiding Plagiarism.
7
Please refer to the QAA website for details.
Page 5 of 13
Primary learning & teaching methods
Primary learning methods will include lectures, fieldwork, laboratory-based practical sessions, group
workshops and site visits. The proportions delivered by each method vary in different modules so that
the proportions in the course as a whole depend on the programme of option modules selected by the
individual student.
In addition to the above, students have the opportunity to go on a study trip, either of their own planning
or the college-run trip to national events (Dairy, Crops, Grassland, Sheep modules).
Generally the modules vary as follows:
1. Academic Agriculture modules
Lectures (50%); field visits/fieldwork (30%), workshops / discussion groups (20%)
2. Skills-based agriculture modules
Lectures/demonstration (20%), fieldwork/practical skills training (80%+)
3. Self-supported study
Student research (95%), tutorial support (5%)
4. Common science modules
Lectures (50%), laboratory-based practicals (50%)
5. Business modules
Lectures (50%), workshops (50%)
Learning and Teaching Method
% of Student Effort
Lectures, tutorials etc
Normally 30%
Independent study
Normally 70%
Research informed teaching
This course is delivered by using a research based curriculum either by in class models and by tutor
guidance to students in regards to resources to be used. This is emphasised through case studies in a
range of modules as well as specific modules such as Scientific Developments in Agriculture in which
students are required to review the latest developments in research technology.
Teaching and learning strategies for the course are developed in consultation with the Curriculum
Advisory Panel, a panel of experts from industry to ensure the maximum employability of students.
Education for sustainable development
Plumpton College is committed to the principles of sustainable development.
Agriculture is central to identifying and providing sustainable food production enterprises through
conscientious farming and integrating agriculture with permanent environmental stewardship through
teaching on modules such as Beef and Sheep Production, Crop Production Systems, Agriculture and the
Environment, Principles of Organic Production and Conservation Grazing.
Students also have the opportunity to experience first-hand at the college innovative ways of
sustainability like ground source heating, solar panel energy, wood chip burning, sustainable woodland
management, biofuel production and reducing environmental impact through sedum plant roofing,
rammed earth building with rain water recycling and reed bed water purification.
Graduates in agriculture are thus equipped to make a significant contribution to ensuring that future
generations not only have an equivalent quality of life, but are likely to have an improved one.
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ASSESSMENT
Assessment methods
This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where
to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment
matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course.
The assessment procedures will comply with the University's General Examination & Assessment
Regulations (GEAR).
Learning Outcome
Assessment method
Module
Number of
credits
1. Plant structure and function
and basic biochemical and
biophysical plant processes

PL110
PQ110
10
10
2. Analysis of soil samples as
a basis for identifying soil
type and making
recommendations for soil
management

PL109
PQ124
10
10
3. Basic husbandry principles
both underpinning
understanding of the
principles of crop and
livestock management and
as a background for
subsequent agricultural
modules offered in BSc
Honours programmes.

PQ110
PQ114
PQ115
PQ125
PQ228
PQ229
10
10
10
10
10
10
4. Principles of enterprise
management for a range of
farm enterprise types and
knowledge of how to write
enterprise management
plans
5. Recent changes to the
common agricultural policy
have changed the way that
farmers are compensated
for restrictions on
production, linking
payments to environmental
benefits. And will
investigate effects on UK
farming and countryside.
6. The importance of
environmental
considerations within farm
management planning.


Plant growth and
reproduction essay
Written exam
Written crop husbandry and
management plan
Portfolio of evidence of soil
analysis, results and
interpretation
Soil management essay
Machinery management
case study
Written crop husbandry and
management plan
Practical assessment
Annotated posters of
production cycles, digestive
systems and nutritional
requirements
Livestock management
plans
Business management plan
Farm planner competition
PL126
PQ212
10
10



Business management plan
Case study report
Environmental plan
PQ214
PL125
10
10


Environmental plan
Farm case study with focus
on environment
Written report on support
organisations
Research based report on
organic production
Breeding plan
Practical dairy management
skills
PQ214
PQ216
PQ217
10
10
10
PQ222
PQ125
10
10









7. The importance of dairy
cow management in Britain
as part of commodity


Page 7 of 13
production and as a
contributor to the rural
economy.


8. Accounting methods such
as the Gross Margin
Calculations used in the
industry and essential for
some career paths.



9. The husbandry
requirements of grazing
livestock as essential
management for many
nature conservation sites,
and an understanding of
the selection of particular
breeds for particular sites.
10. The range of systems used
in business planning and
development.
11. Basic concepts in plant
biology as a basis for
further crop production
studies.

Written case study
Annotate production cycle
poster
Business management plan
Farm planner competition
Written project and
calculations
PL126
PQ212
PZ102
10
10
10
PQ216
PQ123
PQ111
10
10
10


Report reviewing grazing
systems
Evaluation of forage
conservation methods
Feeding plan
Livestock health booklet


Business management plan
Farm planner competition
PL126
PQ212
10
10

Written crop husbandry and
management plan
Report reviewing grazing
systems
Evaluation of forage
conservation methods
PQ110
PQ216
10
10



The assessment scheme is seen as an integral part of the teaching and learning strategy for the course.
Assessment strategies vary between modules and will be mapped against module outcomes.
The primary assessment methods include written and scientific reports, written examinations, oral
examinations, presentations, practical skills assessment, laboratory and work placement portfolios;
interpretive activities.
These link broadly to types of learning outcomes as follows:
1. Knowledge and understanding of the principles of animal and crop management – written reports;
case study reports; written examinations; oral examinations, laboratory portfolios
2. Work-related skills - practical skills assessment; work placement/laboratory portfolios; reports on
fieldwork
3. Academic skills of research and critical analysis – written reports; scientific investigation
4. Skills of problem-solving and decision-making in a work-related context – work placement portfolio,
case study reports, interpretive activity; practical skills assessment
5. Communication skills – presentations; oral examinations; interpretive activities
SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
Institutional/ University
Central support: all students benefit from:
 Plumpton College induction week including induction to the library and
Plumpton Online (VLE)
 Plumpton College HE Student Handbook
 Plumpton College HE Study Skills area on the VLE
 Course Handbook
 Library facilities at Plumpton College
 Computer poolrooms at Plumpton College
 Plumpton Online (VLE)
 E-mail address
 Personal tutor for advice and guidance
 Careers guidance
Page 8 of 13
Course-specific
Additional support, specifically
where courses have nontraditional patterns of delivery
(e.g. distance learning and
work-based learning) include:
In addition, students on this course benefit from:
Please refer to information held on Plumpton Online
Course specific: in addition, students on this course benefit from:
 Use of Wales Farm, a commercial mixed farm with a range of enterprises
including organic beef and lamb, pigs, dairy, winter wheat, winter barley,
organic spring barley, winter oilseed rape and maize.
 Plumpton College estate of approximately 800 hectares with additional
land leased from the National Trust. The Estate has a range of soil types
from alkaline chalk downland to Wealden clays and green sand. There
are also valuable wildlife habitats including semi-natural ancient
woodland, chalk streams, hedgerows and arable habitats.
 Strong network of contacts in the Sussex farming and agriculture
industry, many of these provide work placement opportunities and offer
site visits. Representatives of a number of organizations sit on the
Curriculum and Advisory Panel for Agriculture, for example, farmers,
agricultural contractors, co-operative administrators, crop production
specialist, and private estate managers.
PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
COURSE STRUCTURE
This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and
progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.
1
PQ125
Introduction
to
PQ114
PQ115
PQ110
PL109
PL110
Beef
Sheep
Crop
Soil Science
Botany
Agriculture
Production
and
Management
Production
Production
Systems
PQ123
PQ124
PL102
1
2
Farm Animal
Farm
Feeding & Mechanisation
& Machinery
Nutrition
maintenance
PQ222
1
2
2
PQ228
and
Management
PQ111
PZ102
PL126
Farm Animal
Health &
Welfare
Ecological
Methods
Entrepren-
Work
eurship 1
Placement 1
Option –
Option –
PZ208
Option – PQ225
Dairy Cow
Scientific
PQ217
Conservation
Management Developments
Organic
in Agriculture Production &
Grazing
Management
PQ229
PQ212
Pig
Production
and
Management
Agricultural
Business
Planning
PQ214
PQ216
Agriculture &
Grassland
the
Management
Environment
& Forage
Prodn
Practical
Agricultural
PL204
Skills
Project 2
PL206
PL203
Work
Placement
2
Statistics
Option -
Option – PL228
PQ224
Intro to GIS
Agricultural
Field Trip
Modules
Status:
C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)
O = Optional (optional modules)
Page 9 of 13
Option -
Level8
Module
code
Status
Module title
Sem
4
PL109
C
Soil Science
1
10
4
PL110
C
Botany
1
10
4
PQ114
C
Beef Production and Management
1
10
4
PQ115
C
Sheep Production and Management
1
10
4
PQ125
C
Introduction to Agriculture
1
10
4
PQ110
C
Crop Production Systems
1
10
4
PL102
C
Work Placement 1
Year
10
4
PL126
C
Entrepreneurship 1
2
10
4
PQ111
C
Farm Animal Health & Welfare
2
10
4
PQ123
C
Farm Animal Feeding and Nutrition
2
10
4
PQ124
C
Farm Mechanisation & Machinery Maintenance
2
10
4
PZ102
C
Ecological Methods
2
10
5
PQ228
C
Scientific Developments in Agriculture
1
10
5
PL204
C
Project 2
Year
20
5
PL206
C
Work Placement 2
Year
10
5
PQ222
C
Dairy Cow Management
1
10
5
PQ212
C
Agricultural Business Planning & Development
2
10
5
PQ214
C
Agriculture & the Environment
2
10
5
PQ216
C
Grassland Management and Forage Production
2
10
5
PQ229
C
Pig Production & Management
2
10
5
PQ217
O
Principles of Organic Production and Management
1
10
5
PQ225
O
Practical Agricultural Skills
1
10
5
PL203
O
Statistics
1
10
5
PQ224
O
Agriculture Field Trip
1 or 2
10
5
PZ208
O
Conservation Grazing
1 or 2
10
5
PL205
O
Career Development
Year
10
5
PL228
O
Introduction to GIS
2
10
8
All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which
corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module.
Page 10 of 13
Credit
Required Modules for the Award of Foundation Certificate in Agriculture
To achieve the Foundation Certificate in Agriculture as an exit award, students must achieve a minimum
of 120 credits. These must include the course-specific modules below. Students who achieve 120
credits but who have not passed these modules will be awarded a generic Foundation Certificate rather
than the course-specific award.
Level9
Module
code
Status
Module title
Credit
4
PQ110
C
Crop Production Systems
10
4
PQ111
C
Farm Animal Health & Welfare
10
4
PQ114
C
Beef Production & Management
10
4
PQ115
C
Sheep Production & Management
10
4
PQ123
C
Farm Animal Feeding and Nutrition
10
4
PQ124
C
Farm Mechanisation & Machinery Maintenance
10
Status:
C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)
O = Optional (optional modules)
9
All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which
corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module.
Page 11 of 13
AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION
Award type
Award* Title
Level
Eligibility for award
Classification of award
Total credits10
Minimum credits11
Ratio of marks12:
Class of award
Select
FCert
Agriculture
4
Total credit 120
Minimum credit at level
of award 90
Select
Not applicable
Select
FdSc
Agriculture
5
Total credit 240
Minimum credit at level
of award 90
Select
Foundation degree
Select
Select
Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level
of award Select
Select
Select
Select
Select
Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level
of award Select
Select
Select
Select
Select
Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level
of award Select
Select
Select
*Foundation degrees only
Progression routes from award:
Award classifications
It is envisaged that students completing this foundation degree programme may be able to progress on to Level 6 of the BSc (Hons)
programmes in Agriculture such as offered at other Universities and Colleges.
Mark/ band %
Foundation degree
Honours degree
Postgraduate13 degree (excludes
PGCE and BM BS)
70% - 100%
Distinction
First (1)
Distinction
60% - 69.99%
Merit
Upper second (2:1)
Merit
Lower second (2:2)
Pass
50% - 59.99%
40% - 49.99%
Pass
Third (3)
10
Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award.
Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award.
12
Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding
class of award.
13
Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.
11
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EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.
The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the
University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available
from staffcentral or studentcentral).
Specific regulations
which materially affect
assessment,
progression and award
on the course
e.g. Where referrals or repeat
of modules are not permitted
in line with the University’s
General Examination and
Assessment Regulations for
Taught Courses.
Exceptions required by
PSRB
These require the approval of
the Chair of the Academic
Board
Document template revised: 2010
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