Graduate Diploma in Agriculture

You will complete four compulsory modules, followed by four modules selected from a wide range of undergraduate modules allowing you to tailor the course to meet your career aspirations.

As well as lectures, farm walks and visits, you will work on case studies, assignments, and management projects.

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to complete pre-course reading in order to secure a minimum basic knowledge of agriculture and to highlight possible areas of weakness.

The in-person teaching sessions and study tour visit for core modules, for both full time and part time students, are timetabled on a Tuesday each week for the full year (both semesters).  This allows you to fulfil other commitments you may have, such as work, family and interests. 

The modules available for this course are shown below. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Modules

• 1125 Agriscience: Explore the basic principles of animal and crop anatomy, physiology and nutrition required for product yield and quality
• 2372 Animal Health and Welfare: Learn how animal health and welfare can be scientifically assessed using frameworks and assessment tools to compare different UK animal agriculture systems 
• 2373 Agronomy: Discuss the agronomic factors which are involved in the production of crops in regenerative, integrated, conventional and sustainable farming systems
• 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Create a farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach

Students must then select four further level 6 modules from the selection below:

• 3090 Forestry and Woodland Management: Explore the significance of forestry in climate mitigation, timber production and farm diversification
• 3098 Countryside & Environmental Management: Review and evaluate the scale and rates of change in the countryside/land management sector
• 3239 Crop Health and Protection: Understand the impact that climate change has on natural resources like water, soil and biodiversity internationally
• 3323 Food Ethics and Governance: Explore different ethics frameworks and how they inform decision making about food
• 3329 Climate Change and Natural Resource Challenges: Understand the impact that climate change has on natural resources like water, soil and biodiversity internationally
• 3330 Technology and Agroecology Innovation: Explore the role of technology, innovation and agroecology in addressing sustainability challenges on farms and throughout the supply chain
• 3331 Food Supply Systems and Policy: Look at the influence of consumers on food systems and the role of policy
• 3333 Wildlife Behaviour & Evolution: Understand the basic principles of animal evolution
• 3338 Agronomy Challenges and Solutions: Discuss opportunities and challenges in the cropping sector through study visits and talks from industry leaders
• 3339 Livestock System Challenges and Solutions: Review livestock farming systems and their impact on the economy, society and the environment
• 4744 Organic and Regenerative Systems: Understand the agroecological principles and practices of organic and regenerative systems
• 4727 Managing Global Soils in a Changing Environment

The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.

Disclaimer information

The University has established various rules and regulations that you must agree to and follow if you accept an offer to study with us. View our full disclaimer notice.

• Farm managers
• Agricultural commodity sales/trading
• Agricultural consultants
• Agricultural research/trials officer
• Farm assurance scheme officers
• Livestock feed analysis
• Crop agronomy

"We need to change our food and farming systems in the face of climate change. The GDA programme at the RAU is a perfect opportunity to embark on a career in this space. It is a fascinating, intense and immersive experience."

Brad Currin, Student

The Graduate Diploma in Agriculture comprises a programme of study that requires graduate (Honours Degree) level entry or its equivalent, and has learning outcomes that match qualifications at Honours degree level. As a result, the programme is affected by the UK Governments’ policy on Equivalent and Lower Qualifications [ELQ] whereby such students are not eligible for funding support through the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Candidates will normally have a first degree from a discipline other than agriculture, awarded at 2:2 or above. Equivalent overseas and other UK qualifications may be accepted at the discretion of the University.

Applicants of 25 years and over may seek admission on the basis of a curriculum vitae, but evidence of ability to study at degree level, such as proven managerial level experience, is essential.

A period of relevant practical work experience within the agricultural industry is recommended as a means of enhancing understanding of the industry and the relevance of specific modules towards future career goals, but is not a prerequisite of joining the programme.

International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.

Students may enter practical farming after completing the programme, although it should be noted that proven practical farming abilities may be required by some employers prior to engaging in direct production agriculture. This can be supported by accessing rural skills training at our John Oldacre Rural Innovation Centre.

2025-26 Applicants

For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for this course are: 

** Please note: International students can study on a part-time basis only if they are in the UK with a different type of visa (other than Student Visa/Tier 4 General) that allows them to undertake part-time study and their visa does not expire prior to the end date of the proposed course of study.

Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk before you apply to confirm your eligibility.

Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan 2019/20.

For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.

Scholarships

The University offers a range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the scholarships, awards and bursaries available, please visit the scholarships webpage.