Royal

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The Royal Agricultural University

Programme Specification:

MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

2025-26

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION [ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/26]

This Programme Specification is designed for prospective students, current students, academic staff
and potential employers. It provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and
the intended learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More
detailed information on the teaching, learning and assessment methods, learning outcomes and content
of each module can be found in the Module descriptors.

MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security_(September start)_2025/26 Page 1 of 15

Section 1 – Material Programme Information

Validating body The Royal Agricultural University

Teaching Institution The Royal Agricultural University
Subject Area Agricultural Science and Practice
Entry Award(s) MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
Postgraduate Diploma Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Security
Postgraduate Certificate Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Security
Final Award and exit MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
route(s) Postgraduate Diploma Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Security
Postgraduate Certificate Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Security
Programme title MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
Location(s) of study Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester Campus with some
visits or case study demonstrations off site
Full time study 1 Year
Part-time study 2 Years
Language of study English
Programme start month September
Period of validation September 2021 – August 2028
Name of Professional, Not applicable
Statutory or Regulatory
Body
Type of Accreditation Not applicable
Accreditation due for Not applicable
renewal
Entry requirements An Undergraduate Honours Degree (2:2 or above) from a
(this should be the standard UK university or overseas equivalent, or a professional
University entry qualification and/or experience considered to be equivalent
requirements unless to the above. For information on international qualifications,
otherwise approved by the please, see our country specific pages. For countries not
Academic Board) listed please contact [email protected]
Non-standard application We welcome applications from applicants with non-standard
qualifications who are able to demonstrate knowledge,
experience and skills developed in the workplace or
elsewhere and which are relevant to the programme of
study. Applicants will need to use their personal statement
to provide further details supported by a CV. All non-
standard applications will be considered by the Programme
Manager on a case-by-case basis and applicants can expect
that an interview may be required as part of the admissions
process.
English language If English is not your first language, you will need to reach
the requirements outlined in our English language
requirements for the level of study. For postgraduate
taught programmes this is IELTS Academic min. overall 6.5
with no element below 5.5(or equivalent). English language
tests usually have a validity of 2 years from the date the
test is taken.

MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security_(September start)_2025/26 Page 2 of 15

 Interviews Interviews are usually required for non-standard
applications.
UCAS Code Not applicable
Quercus Code SAFS
SAFSD
SAFSC
HECoS Code 100998 - Sustainable Agriculture and Landscape
Development
QAA Subject Benchmark Agriculture, Rural Environmental Sciences, Animal Studies,
Statement(s) and other Consumer Science, Forestry, Food, Horticulture and Human
reference points Nutrition (April 2024).

Master's Degree Characteristics Statement (Feb 2020)

Academic level on Level 7
Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications
(FHEQ)
Approval at AQSC 30 July 2021 (v2)
Version V1 – July 2022: Removal of module 4415
V2 – January 2024: Replace 4278 with 4744

Section 2 - Programme Structure

The structure of all University awards complies with the University’s Academic Regulations
for Taught Programmes which includes information about the:
• Rules for progression between the stages of a programme;
• Consequences of failure for referrals, compensation and exist awards;
• Calculation and classification of awards.

MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (180 credits)_September Start

The accumulation of 180 credits to include a minimum of 60 credits from a dissertation /
project and research skills module at level 7, through the assessment of programme
elements as detailed below:

Module Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

code value Elective
Level 7
4038A Integrated Agricultural Systems 7 15 Core 1
4413 Research Skills 7 15 Core 1
4250 International Rural Development 7 15 Core 1
4201 Poverty and Food Security 7 15 Core 1
4263 Entrepreneurship and Business 7 15 Elective 1
Planning
4755 Environmental Science and 7 15 Elective 1
Technology in Agriculture
4262 Sustainable Business Strategy 7 15 Elective 1
4744 Organic and Regenerative Systems 7 15 Elective 1
4414 Dissertation 7 45 Core 2
4727 Managing Global Soils in A Changing 7 15 Core 2
Climate

MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security_(September start)_2025/26 Page 3 of 15

 4409B Facing the Global Challenges in Food 7 15 Core 2
and Agriculture
4726 Livestock Production Technology and 7 15 Elective 2
Innovation
4722 Climate Change and Sustainability 7 15 Elective 2
4203 Small Scale Farming and Local Food 7 15 Elective 2
Supply
4723 Crop Production Technology and 7 15 Elective 2
Innovation
Total credits: MSc Sustainable 180
Agriculture and Food Security

PG Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (120 credits)

The accumulation of 120 credits (or more) at level 7 through the assessment of
programme elements as detailed below:

Module Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

code value Elective
Level 7
4038A Integrated Agricultural Systems 7 15 Core 1
4250 International Rural Development 7 15 Core 1
4201 Poverty and Food Security 7 15 Core 1
4263 Entrepreneurship and business 7 15 Elective 1
planning
4755 Environmental Science and Technology 7 15 Elective 1
in Agriculture
4262 Sustainable Business Strategy 7 15 Elective 1
4744 Organic and Regenerative Systems 7 15 Elective 1
4727 Managing global soils in a changing 7 15 Core 2
climate
4409B Facing the global challenges in food 7 15 Core 2
and agriculture
4726 Livestock Production Technology and 7 15 Elective 2
Innovation
4722 Climate Change and Sustainability 7 15 Elective 2
4203 Small Scale Farming and Local Food 7 15 Elective 2
Supply
4723 Crop Production Technology and 7 15 Elective 2
Innovation
Total Credits: PG Diploma in 120
Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Security

PG Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (60 credits)

The accumulation of 60 credits (or more) at level 7 through the assessment of programme
elements as detailed below:

Module Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

code I I I value I Elective I
Level 7
4250 I International Rural Development I7 I 15 I Core I1

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 4201 Poverty and Food Security 7 15 Core 1
4727 Managing global soils in a changing 7 15 Core 2
climate
4409B Facing the global challenges in food 7 15 Core 2
and agriculture
Total Credits: PG Certificate in 60
Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Security

Students studying the programme part-time will study modules in the following
order:
Year 1 – Semester 1 (September)

Module code Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

value Elective
4038A Integrated Agricultural Systems 7 15 Core 1
4413 Research Skills 7 15 Core 1
4201 Poverty and Food Security 7 15 Core 1
Year 1 – Semester 2 (January)

Module code Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

value Elective
4727 Managing Global Soils in A Changing 7 15 Core 2
Climate
4409B Facing the Global Challenges in 7 15 Core 2
Food and Agriculture
4203 Small Scale Farming and Local Food 7 15 Elective 2
Supply
4723 Crop Production Technology and 7 15 Elective 2
Innovation
Year 2 – Semester 3 (September)

Module code Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

value Elective
4250 International Rural Development 7 15 Core 1
4263 Entrepreneurship and Business 7 15 Elective 1
Planning
4755 Environmental Science and 7 15 Elective 1
Technology in Agriculture
4262 Sustainable Business Strategy 7 15 Elective 1
4744 Organic and Regenerative Systems 7 15 Elective 1
Year 2 – Semester 4 (January)

Module code Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

value Elective
4414 Dissertation 7 45 Core 2
4726 Livestock Production Technology 7 15 Elective 2
and Innovation
4722 Climate Change and Sustainability 7 15 Elective 2
Total credits: MSc Sustainable 180
Agriculture and Food Security

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 MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (180 credits)_January Start
The accumulation of 180 credits to include a minimum of 60 credits from a dissertation /
project and research skills module at level 7, through the assessment of programme
elements as detailed below:

Module Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

code value Elective
Level 7
4038A Integrated Agricultural Systems 7 15 Core Autumn
4201 Poverty and Food Security 7 15 Core Autumn
4203 Small-scale Farming and Local 7 15 Elective Spring
Food Supply
4250 International Rural Development 7 15 Core Autumn
4262 Sustainable Business Strategy 7 15 Elective Autumn
4263 Entrepreneurship and Business 7 15 Elective Autumn
Planning
4409B Facing the Global Challenges in 7 15 Core Spring
Food and Agriculture
4413B Research Skills 7 15 Core Spring
4414 Dissertation 7 45 Core Autumn
Winter
4722 Climate Change and Sustainability 7 15 Elective Spring
4723 Crop Production Technology and 7 15 Elective Spring
Innovation
4726 Livestock Production Technology 7 15 Elective Spring
and Innovation
4727 Managing Global Soils in a 7 15 Core Spring
Changing Climate
4744 Organic and Regenerative Systems 7 15 Elective Autumn
4755 Environmental Science and 7 15 Elective Autumn
Technology in Agriculture
Total credits: MSc Sustainable 180
Agriculture and Food Security

PG Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (120 credits)

The accumulation of 120 credits (or more) at level 7 through the assessment of
programme elements as detailed below:

Module Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

code value Elective
Level 7
4409B Facing the Global Challenges in Food 7 15 Core Spring
and Agriculture
4727 Managing Global Soils in a Changing 7 15 Core Spring
Climate
4722 Climate Change and Sustainability 7 15 Elective Spring
4203 Small-scale Farming and Local Food 7 15 Elective Spring
Supply
4726 Livestock Production Technology and 7 15 Elective Spring
Innovation

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 4723 Crop Production Technology and 7 15 Elective Spring
Innovation
4038A Integrated Agricultural Systems 7 15 Core Autumn
4250 International Rural Development 7 15 Core Autumn
4201 Poverty and Food Security 7 15 Core Autumn
4755 Environmental Science and 7 15 Elective Autumn
Technology in Agriculture
4744 Organic and Regenerative Systems 7 15 Elective Autumn
4263 Entrepreneurship and Business 7 15 Elective Autumn
Planning
4262 Sustainable Business Strategy 7 15 Elective Autumn
Total Credits: PG Diploma in 120
Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Security

PG Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (60 credits)

The accumulation of 60 credits (or more) at level 7 through the assessment of programme
elements as detailed below:

Module Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

code value Elective
Level 7
4409B Facing the Global Challenges in Food 7 15 Core Spring
and Agriculture
4727 Managing global soils in a changing 7 15 Core Spring
climate
4250 International Rural Development 7 15 Core Autumn
4201 Poverty and Food Security 7 15 Core Autumn
Total Credits: PG Certificate in 60
Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Security

Students studying the programme part-time will study modules in the following
order:
Year 1 – Semester 1 (January)

Module Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

code value Elective
4727 Managing Global Soils in a 7 15 Core Spring
Changing Climate
4413B Research Skills 7 15 Core Spring
4723 Crop Production Technology and 7 15 Elective Spring
Innovation
4722 Climate Change and Sustainability 7 15 Elective Spring
Year 1 – Semester 2 (September)

Module Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

code value Elective
4038A Integrated Agricultural Systems 7 15 Core Autumn
4250 International Rural Development 7 15 Core Autumn

MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security_(September start)_2025/26 Page 7 of 15

 4201 Poverty and Food Security 7 15 Core Autumn
Year 2 – Semester 3 (January)

Module Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

code value Elective
4409B Facing the Global Challenges in 7 15 Core Spring
Food and Agriculture
4726 Livestock Production Technology 7 15 Elective Spring
and Innovation
4203 Small-scale Farming and Local 7 15 Elective Spring
Food Supply

Year 2 – Semester 4 (September)

Module Module title Level Credit Core/ Semester

code value Elective
4414 Dissertation 7 45 Core Autumn
4755 Environmental Science and 7 15 Elective Autumn
Technology in Agriculture
4744 Organic and Regenerative Systems 7 15 Elective Autumn
4263 Entrepreneurship and Business 7 15 Elective Autumn
Planning
4262 Sustainable Business Strategy 7 15 Elective Autumn

Total credits: MSc Sustainable 180

Agriculture and Food Security

Section 3 – Programme overview and Programme Aims

Over the past year, the impact of climate change and concerns about food security have
risen up the global agenda as many people continue to experience the fragility of food
value chains and the devastating impact of environmental, social and economic crisis. The
M.Sc. programme in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (SAFS) is specifically
designed to address sustainable agriculture and food security globally. The programme is
relevant to local and international graduates, and engages with theory, concepts and
approaches to food production, while looking for viable solutions to sustainable agriculture
and food security in various contexts and scenarios.

The programme attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and
age. The diversity of the participants is an important dynamic in this programme and plays
a key role in discussing and addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This
diversity encourages new and alternative ways of rethinking agriculture and food systems,
improvement in livelihoods and protection of the environment. Students within the
programme learn key competencies that are relevant for public administration,
international development/funding agencies, academia, research and business sectors.

The MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (SAFS) programme benefits from
research-led teaching from key members of the following RAU’s research groups:
Sustainable and regenerative agriculture, Livestock health and welfare, Food safety,
quality and security, Environment and soil health. The programme modules and the style
of delivery encourages students to reflect upon the discipline’s content and to apply the
concepts learnt to real, and practical situations. The use of examples, opportunities to

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 discuss and debate theory and current issues with peers and the use of industry experts
provide students with a multitude of opportunities and challenges in today’s changing
world.

Each module will address the Assessment criteria

following pillars:
Inspire peer-to-peer Awareness of existing best knowledge systems and
learning practice, and identification of opportunities to
improve sustainable agriculture and food security at
various scales i.e., locally, nationally and
internationally.
Reflect Apply to your Critically and logically review and apply knowledge to
situation specific contexts.
Innovate Use evidence- Review existing knowledge systems, evaluate
based innovations, and propose alternative solutions to
approaches challenges at various scales i.e., locally, nationally
and internationally.
Lead team work and Take account of team motivation, skills, experience
group activities and mind-set in the potential adoption of sustainable
innovation plans.

Section 4 – Programme Sustainability

The programme design including its content has been framed around the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Modules within the programme critically engage
with the SDGs, including a critical view of sustainability as a concept within food
production systems. This holistic approach to sustainability within the programme allows
students and lecturers to engage in theories, ideas and practices which empowers them to
make informed decisions and take individual and collective action to change society and
care for the planet.

Through constructive discussions, debates and field visits, modules within the programme
critically engage with crosscutting goals such as: No poverty, Zero Hunger, Good health
and Well-being, Gender Equality, Ensure sustainable consumption and production
patterns, Reduced inequalities, Climate action, Life on land, Peace, justice and strong
institutions and Partnerships for the goals. Such an approach aligns with UNESCO’s
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), which gives learners ‘the knowledge, skills,
values and agency to address today’s emerging and overlapping challenges, including
climate change, geopolitical crises, natural resource depletion and inequality.

At the institutional level, the design of the SAFS programme feeds into the RAU’s Food
and Farming Strategy which supports the UN’s Envision 2030 agenda of no poverty, zero
hunger, quality education and climate action.

Section 5 – Programme intended learning outcomes and learning, teaching and

assessment methods

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 The aims and objectives of the programme align with the RAU’s vision to support a world
where all communities thrive in harmony with nature; and a mission to equip a new
generation of scholars to thrive through change. In all, our purpose is to cultivate care for
the land and all who depend on it. The programme is made up of the modules listed in
section 2 and these have been mapped against the following programme learning
outcomes.

Knowledge and Understanding

LO On successful completion of the named award, students will be Module

no. able to: Code/s

1. The ability to critically evaluate the principles of agricultural 4038, 4203,

production for both large- and small-scale systems 4250, 4278
2. Critically evaluate issues of sustainable development considering 4250, 4723,
people, place and planet. 4409, 4727
3. Appraising the complex issues of sustainable management of 4262, 4723,
natural resources. 4278,4722
4. Decipher and evaluate the impacts of climate science and change 4755, 4409,
on agricultural systems and food supply. 4723, 4201
5. Determine factors influencing the provision of food quality, supply 4234, 4038,
and security. 4203, 4250
6. Ascertain and evaluate the processes of policy formulation in 4409, 4250,
agriculture and food production. 4722, 4203
Intellectual, Professional, Key skills

LO On successful completion of the named award, students will be Module

no. able to: Code/s

1. Demonstrate leadership, time and resource management 4263, 4250,

appropriately in both individual and team situations to enable 4262, 4413
successful project delivery.
2. Develop lifelong skills which enable the synthesise and analyse of 4413, 4414,
data and information from a wide range of sources to support and 4409, 4250,
evaluate solutions to complex practical problems and policy 4722, 4203
challenges.
3. Evaluating, citing and referencing sources of data and information 4413, 4409,
with academic integrity in an appropriate manner whilst ensuring 4250, 4722,
the avoidance of plagiarism. 4203
4. Critically and creatively think, design and analyse an investigation 4413, 4414
to test a hypothesis. Collect appropriate results, analyse data and
present conclusions using a variety of methods.
5. Demonstrate skills to critically analyse situations for addressing 4262, 4263
diverse organisational, business and social issues.
Programme specific skills

LO On successful completion of the named award, students will be Module

no. able to: Code/s

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 1. Appreciate the role of self-reflection and critical analysis in one's 4413,4414,
own and others personal attributes for a range of situations 4278, 4723,
including resilience, open-mindedness, reflection, ethical 4250, 4201
consideration, motivation, professional behaviours, and
employability.
2. To understand and evaluate complex information analysis to 4409, 4250,
influence decisions and policy within a range of political, 4722, 4203,
economic, and social systems and institutions for strategic 4262, 4263
decision making.
3. To appraise and develop project management solutions for 4250, 4413,
sustainable agricultural and food assessments by effectively and 4409, 4250,
creatively analysing and reporting of results and findings. 4722, 4203
4. To effectively communicate through a variety of mediums on food 4038, 4203,
and agricultural topics to a wide range of audiences. 4755, 4409,
4723

Section 6 – Approach to Learning and Teaching delivery

mixture of residential learning and blended learning approaches supported by a range of

learning materials and activities presented on the RAU International VLE. The programme
is available over 1-year full time or 2 years part-time. There are two entry point, the start
of Autumn (September) and the Spring (February).

A Postgraduate Certificate can be obtained by accumulating 60 credits through successful

completion of any4 taught core modules.

A Postgraduate Diploma can be obtained by accumulating 120 credits through successful

completion of 8 taught modules without the Dissertation and Research skills modules.

The delivery is through a combination of lectures, seminars, speakers, case studies,

workshops and with activities presented through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
which is also used to host other supporting material including videos, webinars, quizzes,
podcasts and other relevant presentations.

Teaching will include group discussions, tutorials, facilitated discussions, workshops,

guided independent study and a research project. Assessment will be a balance between
individual and group work and will consist of a range of critical reports, written
examinations, poster presentations, sustainability plans, policy summaries, oral
presentations, critical reflections and dissertation / applied project.

Each module is supported by a comprehensive resource list that is maintained through the
RAU Library Talis system.

Here at the RAU, we are always looking for ways to better support our students. We
recognise that a number of our students may be working or have caring responsibilities
alongside studying which can sometimes make it difficult to attend every teaching session
in person. As such we have the ability for you to join lectures and seminars through an
alternative digital format in prior discussion with your programme leader. Please note that
for international students on a student visa, you are expected to attend your classes in
person. Remote delivery is not a UKVI-authorised mode of attendance for the taught
element of your course and therefore non-attendance would affect your student visa.

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Section 7 – Approach to Assessment

Assessments are designed to appraise individual capabilities fairly and consistently. We

use clear, descriptive assessment guidelines (made available to students) to grade
coursework and examinations and to aid classification. Lecturers communicate their
expectations clearly to students and use explicit schema to facilitate consistency of
marking within and between modules and to ensure good feedback on individual
performance. All examinations and coursework assessments that contribute to degree
classifications are subject to scrutiny by the External Examiners.

Assessments are designed to test analytical and other cognitive capabilities in relation to
particular module aims and content. Coursework assignments such as individual essays,
reports, case study analyses, individual and group-based reports, presentations, and various
technique- oriented assessments are used to test these skills.

The Dissertation is the capstone demonstration of postgraduate skills, requiring students to

conceive, justify, design in detail and execute a substantial piece of academic research. For
the most able postgraduate students, the Dissertation can generate work of a standard
appropriate for submission to practitioner and academic journals in business and
management.

In every module, we place high value on students being able to demonstrate effective
communication in its various forms. This priority is reflected not only in how assignments
are specified, but also in how they are marked - good command of written and spoken
English is vital for work-based projects and for graduate employment.

Some modules have a teamwork requirement and in some, there are group assignments,
assessed via presentations and reports. All group assignments allow for an element of
individual assessment, in order to recognise differences in individual performance where
appropriate. Peer feedback can also play a significant part in team activities and is
encouraged.

Overall, the programme is taught and assessed through*:

Learning and Teaching Assessment

Directed Independent Placement Exam Practical Coursework
Year 1 19.00% 81.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2.50% 97.50%

*based on the following elective modules; 4744, 4203 and 4755.

Section 8 – Course work grading and feedback

Assessment is an integral part of the learning experience of students. All

University programmes are assessed by a range of assessment activities, each
developed to provide the most appropriate means of demonstrating the student’s
achievement of a specified learning outcome. An assessment may assess more
than one learning outcome.

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 The University operates standard pass criteria which can be found in the RAU Academic
Regulations; (paragraphs 137 – 153).

The normal basis for awards will be the overall average score in the final assessment, graded
as follows:

Distinction weighted average of 70% and above

Merit weighted average of 60% - 69%
Pass weighted average of 40% - 59%
Fail average 0% - 39%

In addition to assigning a percentage mark to the work, tutors provide written feedback for
all assessments which normally includes the strengths and weaknesses of the piece as well
as advice about improving the work. Individual feedback is provided within 20-working days
of the deadline for submission. All assessment decisions are subject to internal moderation
and external scrutiny by the programme’s External Examiners. Students must ensure they
retain all coursework in case the External Examiner(s) wishes to see it.

Section 9 – RAU Graduate Framework

At the RAU we have chosen five values to underpin our learning community. These are
the values which we will all work by and for which we want the RAU to be known for. We
aim for our graduates to be:

Collaborative
We believe in the power of working together. We are stronger as a community of practice
- inspiring each other, identifying shared goals, and providing reciprocal support leads to
greater success.

Open-minded
We are receptive to new ideas and we value the diversity of experiences and skills. We are
committed to listening to everyone across the RAU community.

Resourceful
We adopt creative approaches to achieve our goals while setting higher standards,
promoting professionalism and sustainability.

Responsible
Individually and collectively we take accountability for our actions working with integrity to
achieve the highest ethical standards.

Inclusive
We acknowledge the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals and are committed to
maintaining an environment that seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination and
respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences.

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 oyal
_.~ RY{ Agricultural
University
~ The RAU Graduate We inspire our Graduates ...

INNOVATIVE •(rr)•
TECHNICALLY
SKILL ED ®
THINKER
SUSTAINAB LE %) To enter the workplace
PROFES SIO NAL
·cS· MINDSET
To have commercial as technically and
RAU VA LU ES ~ APPROACH
To commit to acumen and curiosity, digitally skilled
environmental seeking innovative practitioners who
To be reflective,
Collaborative, solutions to the value practical
self-aware team sustainability
Open-minded, real-world. knowledge and
members with excell ent and regeneration,
Resourceful, scientific evidence.
communication skills demonstrating an
Responsible
approaching new understanding of
& Inclusive.
challenges with flexibil~y global complexity and
and confidence. systems thinking.

Section 10 - Progression

The skills gained throughout the programme will equip graduates to work in the following
sectors:
• International organizations
• Government departments
• Local NGOs and charities
• Research institutes
• Universities, including further studies at PhD level.
• Commercial companies worldwide

The University has links with a wide range of businesses, through our local Growth Hub,
Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise partnership and 177 years of successful Alumni who
are local, national or international successful entrepreneurs.

Students may also choose to further their academic studies with an MSc by Research
and/or PhD.

Section 11 – Student support, wellbeing and counselling

The University is offering a wide range of support to all RAU students including practical
advice & guidance as well as emotional support.

Disability & neurodiversity support

We support students with a range of disabilities, learning difficulties, and other health and
mental health conditions, helping them to access funding via the Disabled Students
Allowance .

When you tell us about a disability, you will be offered support based on your specific
needs which can include:

MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security_(September start)_2025/26 Page 14 of

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 • Alternative exam arrangements such as extra time, rest breaks, or a smaller
room.
• Access to support workers such as study skills tutors, specialist mentors,
readers and scribes.

Mental health Support

We are also here to support students with the ups and downs of university life, offering
drop-in sessions, providing expert advice and support for students in crisis or with more
complex needs, and together the team runs events and campaigns throughout the year to
encourage positive wellbeing.

We also can help students to access external counselling sessions and these are generally
delivered in collaboration with our long-term partners at Cotswold Counselling.

Academic Support Tutor Programme

Students have access to the Academic Support Tutor (AST) programme which provides
high quality academic support for students. ATS provide timetabled group tutorials, and
individual support for students most at risk. Group tutorials focus on providing high quality
academic support at the appropriate academic level; advice and guidance in relation to
the course; and advice about making study choices on the course (commensurate with the
supporting AST Handbook). Individual support focus on student continuation
(commensurate with The Team around the RAU Student spheres of integration student
retention model) and may be in person or online.

Section 12 – Enhancing the Quality of Learning and Teaching

The programme is subject to the University’s rigorous quality assurance procedures which
involve subject specialist and internal peer review of the course at periodic intervals,
normally of 6 years. This process ensures that the programme engages with the
applicable national Subject Benchmarks and references the Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications.

All programmes are monitored on an annual basis where consideration is given to:
• External Examiner Reports
• Key statistics including data on retention and achievement
• Results of the Student Satisfaction Surveys
• Feedback from Student Delegates from programme committees
• Feedback from Student-Staff Liaison committees
• Annual Programme Monitoring

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