Crop Production
Learn how to tackle food insecurity and climate change through real-world research and transformative learning. Become an innovator at ARU in Writtle.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026
With rising global population, climate change and increasing pressure on land use, the need for sustainable crop production has never been more critical. This MSc equips you with advanced knowledge and practical skills across field, protected and controlled environment crop production systems.
Through access to our research glasshouse, working farm, commercial grower visits and industry speakers, you’ll gain practical insight into modern crop production and the challenges of future food security.
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Study on a specialist land-based campus with research glasshouses and a working farm
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Learn from experts in sustainable agriculture, horticulture and controlled environment agriculture
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Develop practical skills through fieldwork, commercial visits and applied research
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Explore the supply chain from production and postharvest to market
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Engage with industry partners and guest speakers driving innovation
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Build advanced research and analytical skills to solve real-world challenges
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Prepare to lead innovation in agriculture and horticulture.
You'll graduate with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address the challenges facing modern crop production.
Career opportunities exist across commercial agriculture, horticulture, controlled environment agriculture, agritech businesses, and organisations involved in wholesale, retail and import/export. The course also provides a strong foundation for research careers and future study in crop production and related disciplines.
Teaching and modules
Gain an understanding of crop production today and in the future.
By studying sustainable crop production, postharvest management, controlled environment agriculture, strategic management and the global forces shaping food systems, you'll develop a broad and integrated understanding of crop production across field, protected and controlled environment systems.
Through practical sessions, case studies, commercial site visits and applied research, you'll develop the skills to analyse complex challenges and design evidence-based solutions.
You'll complete your Master's with a substantial research project on a topic relevant to your interests and career aspirations.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Sustainable Crop Production (15 credits)
- Applied Research (Methods) for Managers (15 credits)
- Cropping Systems and Innovations (15 credits)
- Strategic Management (15 credits)
- Into ARU
- Postharvest Systems Management (15 credits)
- Sustainable Global Business Management and Circular Economics (15 credits)
- Controlled Environment Agriculture (15 credits)
- Food Security and Sustainable Farm Management (15 credits)
- Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Kami BaghalianSenior Lecturer in Crop Production
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Dr Robin GowersSenior Lecturer
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Dr Anya PereraDeputy Head of School
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Dr Anne MumbiSenior Lecturer in Agribusiness for Sustainable Production
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Dr Christos GerofotisLecturer
Facilities
Here at ARU Writtle, you'll benefit from specialist teaching, research and practical facilities.
These include research glasshouses, a working farm, regenerative agriculture demonstration areas, modern laboratories and dedicated teaching spaces. Together, these facilities provide opportunities to explore crop production across field, protected and controlled environment systems.
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The Postharvest Unit, which undertakes research and trials with commercial companies
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New state-of-the-art Superlab facilities on our Lordship campus
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Commercial trials such as innovative vertical, horizontal and hydroponic growing systems
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Get hands-on with the latest horticultural technology
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Get hands-on with industry-standard equipment
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Get hands-on with industry-standard equipment
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Explore our extensive, 150-hectare campus in the heart of Essex countryside
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![The Postharvest Unit, which undertakes research and trials with commercial companies]()
The Postharvest Unit, which undertakes research and trials with commercial companies -
![New state-of-the-art Superlab facilities on our Lordship campus]()
New state-of-the-art Superlab facilities on our Lordship campus -
![Two students and lecturer inspecting a plant being grown from a wall in a greenhouse]()
Commercial trials such as innovative vertical, horizontal and hydroponic growing systems -
![A student picking a plant from a tray that is being grown under UV light]()
Get hands-on with the latest horticultural technology -
![A large tractor being driven through grassland towards the camera]()
Get hands-on with industry-standard equipment -
![Mechanical orange metal farming equipment with wheels and a driver's seat]()
Get hands-on with industry-standard equipment -
![An aerial view of two large greenhouses]()
Explore our extensive, 150-hectare campus in the heart of Essex countryside