Entering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
View the full module definitionIn this interdisciplinary module, you will bring together key concepts from climate, soil science, land use, and sustainability principles. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how environmental systems, such as climate, soils, water and biodiversity interact with human activities, and how this complex relationship is changing over time and with socio-economic development. The scientific evidence for human-induced climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation are comprehensive and compelling, and in this module, you will explore alternative emerging models and practices in sustainable development with a focus on land use practices. You will examine theories and explorative practices in regenerative and sustainable land use, including principles of nature-based solutions, in the context of the structures and processes found in natural systems that promote inherent growth, stability and resilience. As the speed and extent of change experienced in the modern world is affecting planetary systems and ultimately, human wellbeing is increasing, so is the need for radical transformational solutions to prevent further breaching of planetary boundaries to avoid irreversible tipping points. In this module, you will explore key sustainability concepts and frameworks, such as complex systems theory, ecosystem theory, and the circular economy, integrating these into a unified approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You will look at interdisciplinary strategies to tackle environmental, social, and economic challenges, and discuss the need for collaboration across disciplines to develop practical, systemic solutions for sustainable land use and urban development.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you will focus on the core principles of livestock and crop production systems in UK agriculture. You will learn how to describe various production methods and describe their roles in the agricultural landscape. You will delve into core scientific concepts related to animal and plant health, growth, and productivity, providing a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of agricultural systems. Sustainability is a key focus, you will be encouraged to identify and evaluate the resources and practices necessary for responsible and ethical production of livestock and crops. Through hands-on learning experiences on the farm, you will observe and assess livestock and crop systems. You will analyse relevant data to assess productivity, determining potential yields and associated risks and through practical skills development, you will gain the confidence to apply your knowledge in essential agricultural practices.
View the full module definitionThis module explores current agricultural principles and business practices within the context of climate shocks and change, a changing economic and political landscape and biodiversity loss, all while facing the need to feed 9 billion people globally by 2050. You’ll be introduced to conventional and sustainable farming principles, learn core business concepts and vocabulary enabling you to interpret and understand how farmers can tackle regional and global challenges today. This will include understanding alternative and emerging practices, including choice of crops, livestock and inputs with due attention to the natural capital that supports food production in a profitable farming business fit for the future. While the framework of the module will be the UN Sustainable Development Goals, you’ ll evaluate individual farm businesses at national and local level, learning from those advancing new techniques. This will include novel cropping trials and performance on our own farm alongside drivers from agri-food retailers and consumers.
View the full module definitionThe module introduces key biological concepts and principles providing the foundation for future study. Dealing with life processes and living organisms, it links biological structure with function. Discipline specific themes are developed via partner units of study delivered in Semester 2. Laboratory and/or simulated practicals will link with the learning activities to provide experience of lab skills and consolidate learning. This will link form to function from cells and tissues to living organisms. Experience of collating observations and generating data will be used to write a laboratory report.
View the full module definitionCircular economies have been explored for many years however vested interest has always got in the way. “Productivity isn’t everything, but, in the long run, it is almost everything. A country’s ability to improve its standard of living over time depends almost entirely on its ability to raise its output per worker.” Paul Krugman, economist. One of the greatest stories ever told is that of economic growth and how our lives have been transformed by it. The main activity of businesses is to transform inputs into outputs. How they do this is analysed. The role of business within society is also questioned. Should business have more than just profit as an aim? This course looks at how businesses and nations have organised, managed and used their scarce resources in the past. It will familiarise you with different schools of thought and introduce you to the work of key players in the history of business. It looks at how their ideas have changed the world and our lives. We will consider production capacity/borrowed acres, embedded water/import, productivity/at what environmental and social cost. How do you capture the true value/costs of production? The course will expose you to business terminology, concepts, and current business practices. It will help establish a viable business vocabulary, foster critical and analytical thinking, and refine your business decision-making skills. Delivery will introduce the concept of a circular economy with direct and coordinated connections with other level 4 modules to allow you to benefit from project work and the case study of the Writtle estate to consolidate learning.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you will explore many factors that threaten livestock, crop production and food security, such as population growth, ageing farming populations, meat consumption trends, climate-change effects on biotic/abiotic stress and increasing tolerance of pest, diseases and weeds. These issues all have the potential to impact profitability and long-term sustainability of farming businesses. You will be encouraged to think widely about the nature and scope of these challenges, while also investigating the solutions, which can ease the burden of these challenges and are applicable to individual farm businesses. These will contribute both to the economic and environmental sustainability of operations. You will apply current research and policy to your analysis and explore how real-world farms are adapting to these pressures. By studying both plant and animal production systems, you will consider issues such as nutrition, health and disease, genetics, breeding, and management decisions. An emphasis will be on biological and sustainable practices which was introduced in Year 1 as well as new technology and precision techniques increasingly available to the industry. You will engage with farms and industry stakeholders to identify real-world challenges, analyse the root causes, and be part of the solution-driven conversation.
View the full module definitionThis module provides you with a solid foundation in high-welfare animal production systems, focusing on the key principles that support both animal well-being and sustainable production. Within the UK livestock industry, systems vary widely, yet all must address critical issues including food security, ethical animal treatment, environmental stewardship, and resource efficiency. By exploring these diverse systems, you will develop the knowledge needed to support responsible livestock management in the context of current industry demands, regulatory standards, and consumer expectations for high welfare. You will therefore gain an understanding of husbandry practices, animal health, system differences and sustainable farm management through a range of practical activities including evaluation of commercial farms and analysis of farm datasets. This module is designed so you can gain the knowledge and understanding of the complexities of UK livestock systems and their management at the farm level. Through practical activities, you will develop data handling skills using ‘real life’ farm data sets e.g. assessing disease trends from farm health data and benchmarking farm production figures. Skills gained at our campus farm and visits to commercial units are key parts of this module, as you will learn how to spot risks to animal health and welfare and assess farm systems.
View the full module definitionThe module is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and thought processes necessary for effective original research. You will study the nature and fundamentals of the research process, such as literature reviewing skills, the design of a research project, techniques for collection of research data and statistical techniques for analysing research data and drawing valid evidence-based inferences.
View the full module definitionThis course delves into the key political and economic factors that shape the agricultural and horticultural value chains at both national and global levels. Students will explore how trade agreements, tariffs, subsidies, and international legislation impact food production, distribution, and market access. The course examines the role of governments and international bodies in regulating agricultural practices, with a focus on policies related to climate change, environmental sustainability, and resource management. Additionally, students will analyse consumer demands, packaging and labelling regulations, and assurance schemes that ensure food safety and quality. This course also addresses critical issues surrounding energy use, sustainability, and economic viability within the agricultural and horticultural supply chains. Key topics include the influence of policy drivers on biodiversity conservation, climate action, and human well-being, alongside the growing emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable resource management. Through case studies and real-world examples, students will critically assess the challenges and opportunities presented by political decisions and economic policies, preparing them to navigate the complexities of modern agricultural business in a rapidly changing global environment.
View the full module definitionFresh produce sales in UK supermarkets are worth approx. £10.8 billion. A supply of nutritious affordable foods for public health that meets the five a day campaign requires production and supply systems that assure high standards of quality and safety. The UK is currently reliant on imports and this a sector that is seeing fast paced change and innovation both in the UK and world agricultural systems. The module will give you the opportunity to assess developments and the potential of fresh plant produce production including root, salad and fruit crops which are of increasing importance in certain parts of the UK and overseas, where they contribute significantly to farm output. It will look at the role of this sector to the UK economy, EU imports and from a global perspective. This module will connect with other key modules to consider production systems and consumer behaviour in terms of dietary needs and food preferences in the UK. Its content will keep pace with rapid change through industry engagement and will be delivered in the context of food security, imports and exports, the resilience of supply changes, marketability, consumer demands, waste and sustainability. The content will look at products that can uphold standards of quality, plant health and sustainability. The opportunity to focus on the ornamental and flower production sector is also included part of the module. Specific crops will be evaluated and the agronomy discussed within the framework of Integrated Farm Management to promote the sustainable techniques and the production of high quality produce for multiple retailers and specific markets. Management issues will be evaluated to assess the factors necessary to produce high value field crops profitably while operating within the parameters of environmental sustainability and social values. The opportunity to apply concepts to novel crops and production systems and evaluate developments will also be included. Current developments in technology and those intended to operate within circular economic principles, to reduce ecological footprint and minimise waste output, will be evaluated along with the requirements of highly perishable crops as these are likely to make significant contributions to the efficient production of marketable produce in the future. The opportunity to work with the sector and visit local farmers, processors, packers and retailers will form part of the module.
View the full module definitionRuskin Modules are a great opportunity to explore challenges and ideas outside your area of study. Working with students from a range of courses, you'll be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines, and apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, realise your potential and help you prepare for the world of work.
The dissertation is designed to enable students gain experience in research by undertaking a substantive project, in a subject of their choice. It allows students to gain specialist knowledge, demonstrate scholarship and academic maturity to explore specific issues in greater depth than is possible elsewhere in the programme. It is a major opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have met the level 6 descriptors for Bachelor Degrees with Honours as detailed in the QAA’s FHEQ. Students will also be expected to critically analyse and evaluate information and data from a wide range of sources, justify their choice of topic whether through a process of primary or secondary investigation, effectively interpret and synthesise findings in a structured and logical narrative. Dissertation topics can be laboratory and/or field based investigative studies, business projects or literature reviews, with tutor help and guidance supporting the final project approval. The dissertation is also designed to develop independent learning, self-reliance, work planning skills and a professional approach to study. Students are expected to take responsibility for the direction and management of their work through to submission. It is also intended to encourage interdisciplinary and systems-thinking approaches to researching situations and problems encountered in industry and sector to allow students to focus on a specialist subject of their choosing that is often linked to their experience in the sector and their future career aspirations. The following opportunities for academic and professional skills development exist: Presentation: To deliver a relevant presentation making full use of visual aids. Dissertation: To set-up and follow a personal action plan which involves time management. Apply research, investigative and analytical skills to a specific issue. Make full use of information technology in researching and formulating relevant data.
View the full module definitionThis module provides an opportunity to consolidate the business knowledge and concepts acquired through years one and two of the course to integrate and apply this to a current business situation / case study or commissioned study. The module will develop an understanding of the complexity of the decision-making process and the factors that contribute to opportunities and constraints in a business environment. It draws on principles of systems theory and interdisciplinary assessment of situations and problems. It critically examines contemporary models in sustainable development and circular economics including the use of renewable energy and natural resources. A systems perspective is adopted, which draws on cross-modular content to gain a deeper insight into working within a business environment and socio-political, economic, environmental and technological factors that shape developments; its design provides wide ranging synthesis. Students will be exposed to the realities of business life and the need for creative solutions derived from advanced problem-solving skills. It will require defence of proposed policies and strategies and show pragmatism in the planning process. On completion of this module the students will be able to present a real world business plan which meets commercial objectives. Consultation collaboration, and the skills needed to establish and maintain a commercial relationship with an organisation/customer will be required. Students will need to take a multi- disciplinary approach to ensure work provides value to the organisation /customer.
View the full module definitionIn the last 50 years global gross domestic product has doubled, enabling immense progress in parts of the world, and providing a quality lifestyle for millions of people. However, this economic growth has been fuelled by grossly unsustainable demands on the planet’s natural resources. Overexploitation together with the production of non-recyclable waste and pollution has driven many of the natural ecosystems into a state of collapse or irreversible change. Estimated boundaries of tolerance for ecosystem structures and function, including biodiversity, climate and nitrates have been exceeded. The United Nations 2019 Global Resources Outlook report reveals that 90 per cent of biodiversity loss and water stress are caused by resource extraction and processing. These same activities contribute to about half of global greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the benefits of this type of resource use disproportionately limited to a relatively small section of global society in developed parts of the world. High-income countries maintain levels of per capita material footprint consumption that are 60 per cent higher than upper-middle income countries and more than thirteen times the level of the low-income countries. Economic growth which comes at the expense of our planet is simply not sustainable. Through the theory and principles of systems science this module critically examines cause-effect dynamics and drivers of change in land use management, and the implications of unsustainable global food systems and natural resource management on climate, biodiversity and human well-being. The complexity of the problem is a central tenet, and so the need to adopt a multidisciplinary approach is emphasised throughout: one that interrogates current problems in land use practice through the lenses of contemporary scientific theory, specifically, complex systems theory, ecosystem theory and principles of adaptive management. Using case studies, you are tasked with analysing models of sustainable development and nature based solutions, and to work with concepts of cooperative, multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder based approaches.
View the full module definitionThis module will give you an opportunity to discuss the current challenges of crop production both in the UK and on a global scale. You will apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course to critically evaluate current crop production systems under themes such as: climate change, sustainability and water, food security, fluctuating markets, small scale versus large scale production, genetic modification and food versus fuel. Current case studies in the media will be discussed and debated.
View the full module definitionThis module brings together elements of previous modules and applies interdisciplinary principles and practices learnt, in a holistic and integrated way, employing the latest scientific research across a variety of farm systems. You’ll acknowledge the need to specialise in particular crops or livestock and the value of diversity and symbiosis that integration offers will be explicit, as will the implications of this for farm management. The importance of soil management, biodiversity and other environmental factors will be paramount in the delivery of the module recognising the importance of a biological and sustainable approaches to agricultural production in keeping with the ethos of Regenerative/Sustainable Agriculture and the requirements of the post Brexit UK Agriculture Act. You’ll develop and produce detailed and justified crop and livestock plans, taking into account the requirements of a system and its broader context (e.g. crop husbandry, advances in technology, societal ethics and values, energy and waste management, circular economics), while understanding the implications for business profitability and the natural environment. This module will take a systems-based approach to the assessment and evaluation of crop/animal production, and explores sustainable and adaptive management practices deployed in modern industry to ensure resilience against uncertainties in the environment and market place. Modern and innovative scientific solutions to ongoing global and national problems are examined. This module places an emphasis on the increasing role of data-driven decision-making and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into farm management practices. You’ll explore how real-time data from precision agriculture and AI can enhance predictive analytics, improve efficiency in resource use, and offer innovative solutions to challenges in crop and livestock management. The use of AI to optimise yield, monitor animal welfare, and enhance sustainability through informed, data-backed strategies will be key elements, reflecting the evolving landscape of modern agriculture. This will ensure you will be able to make adaptive, informed decisions that balance profitability, environmental stewardship, and resilience in the face of uncertainties in both environmental and market conditions, while your assessment will equip you with excellent communication skills, including the use of modern visual tools.
View the full module definitionLivestock production is increasingly affected by both national policies, global socio-economic trends and environmental changes. In this module, you’ll explore how the industry must adapt to these changing situations and how they influence decision making at the farm level. You’ll apply your knowledge of livestock production systems to new and developing issues within the livestock industry, such as bovine tuberculosis and antimicrobial resistance, as well as emerging concerns that may arise during the semester, including disease outbreaks or policy changes. Through critical discussion, you’ll consider how local and national policies can adapt to global changes, such as population increase and food security. The module is designed to develop your ability to think analytically and approach industry challenges from a broader perspective. By the end of the module, you’ll be equipped to critically assess current and emerging issues in livestock production, propose ways to address them and be able to suggest appropriate strategies and technologies to overcome industry-relevant problems. You’ll also develop the complex skills of synthesis and judgement, as well as debating and presenting argument skills and you’ll be able to evaluate and link scientific principles, such as peer reviewed research, to livestock production at global, national and farm levels.
View the full module definitionThis module explores the future of arable farming through the lens of crop diversification, sustainability, and global agricultural trends. Building on your existing knowledge, you’ll investigate a wide range of crop types beyond traditional food crops— including those grown for fuel, fibre, fodder, and industrial use. Emphasising both global and UK-specific perspectives, you will be introduced to crops that play key roles in international agricultural economies, as well as novel or underutilised species with potential for domestic production. You'll critically evaluate their suitability for UK farming systems in terms of climate, soil, market demand, and sustainability. A core focus of this module is on building resilience in farm systems, particularly in response to climate change and evolving market pressures. You’ll examine how integrating novel and world crops into farm rotations can enhance ecological and economic resilience. The module also highlights emerging career opportunities in global agriculture, agritech, consultancy, and sustainable farming innovation—both in the UK and internationally.
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