MSc/PgD/Pgc Agroecology and Sustainable Management in Agriculture

Harper Adams University has an established history in teaching Agroecology at postgraduate level, with past students going on to work in advisory, land management, policy and research roles. Students are supported by our extensive research facilities and our on-site ‘future farm’, a 400+ ha commercial farm that is designed to be ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable.

Course overview:
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 types:
Learning is practical and applied, underpinned by science. Supported by our commercial farm, research projects and specialist agroecology sites and experts, you’ll develop hands-on skills, apply ecological principles in real-world settings, and engage with the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Specific topics include principles of agroecology, sustainable farming systems and regenerative approaches, global challenges, precision agriculture to support agroecology, food security and ethics.

Graduate roles:
You’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to make a real impact — past students studying agroecology at Harper Adams have gone into advisory roles, research, practical land management, or helping to shape policy and sustainable food systems around the world.

Who it is for:
A wide variety of backgrounds including those that have studied agriculture or environment/geography and want to specialise further, those who are looking for a career change, or those who want an academic underpinning to support work they are already doing.

How are the courses taught:
Blocks of 1-5 days face to face, supported by student assignments, spread over 12 months (full time) or up to three years (part-time). You can study either a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) 60 credits, Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) 120 credits, or Masters of Science (MSc) 180 credits.