When examining environmental and social sustainability, food systems are key. Sustainable farming practices can regenerate natural resources and rural economies, but they are only feasible if supported by retailers and consumers.
Consumer choices are governed by culture: education, cost, marketing and convenience. In order to create a more sustainable food system, we must first understand the system as a whole. Where are the barriers and opportunities? Where are the entry points for effective change? How can we build a thriving and resilient food and farming sector? What roles will food production and food enterprise play in shaping future food systems?
The BSc in Regenerative Food and Farming gives you the opportunity to explore leading-edge alternatives to mainstream agricultural practices and food systems. Students will do this through a programme of integrated experiential learning, study alongside expert faculty and practitioners, meaningful work placement, and guided independent projects.
During your time in Schumacher College’s BSc in Regenerative Food and Farming, you will live and learn in a residential community environment on the stunning 1,200-acre Dartington Estate, which has been devoted to exploring sustainable agricultural practices since its establishment in 1925. In 2012, we renewed this focus with a manifesto to develop the estate land as an exemplar of agroecological practice. Most recently, in 2020, Dartington Trust focused its mission on being a centre for regenerative living and learning which fully integrates ecology, social justice, and the arts in an educational context.
Dartington, Totnes and South Devon have a vibrant ethical, local food culture supported by the world-renowned Transition Town Totnes. This setting offers a unique and exciting place from which to explore the future of sustainable and regenerative food and farming.
- Explore leading-edge alternatives to mainstream agricultural practices and food systems
- Draw from Dartington’s pioneering work in the field of agroforestry
- Grapple with the challenge of how we can build a thriving and resilient food and farming sector
Course Details - Modules
The programme will build upon a strong foundation of theory and study skills in the first year, with subsequent years deepening understanding, developing analytical skills and gaining practical experience in the field and in business.
YEAR 1
• Global Food systems
• The Evolution and Revolutions of Agriculture
• Environmental and Agricultural Biosciences
• Ecological and Regenerative Agriculture
• Food and Health
• Introduction to Agri-food Business
YEAR 2
• Practical Research Methods
• Agri-food Marketing and Markets
• Crop Production Science
• Farming with Animals
• Animal-free Farming
• Professional Practice
• Research Practice
YEAR 3
• Honours Research Project Introduction
• Honours Research Project
• Innovative Production Systems
• Agri-food Technology
• Managing Sustainable Food Enterprises
• Contemporary Issues in Food and Farming
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
RGF1
Institution code:
D15
Campus Name:
Schumacher College 'Located in South Devon'
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Foundation
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Minimum of 80 UCAS points at A/AS Level (AA or CCC) or equivalent to ideally include a science, humanities or business subject.
80 UCAS points from Scottish Higher, Advance Higher and/or a Scottish Baccalaureate Interdisciplinary Project, to ideally include a science, humanities or business subject.
Access to Higher Education at level 3 - Applications from Access to HE programmes are welcomed, and will be considered on an individual basis. Candidates are interviewed before an offer is made.
80 UCAS points overall to include 1 at HL, to ideally include a science, humanities or business subject. If overseas and not studying English within IB, must have IELTS 6.0 overall with a 5.5 in all other elements.
Candidates are interviewed before an offer is made. 80 UCAS points from an extended diploma (MMM) ideally in a relevant subject (e.g. Horticulture, Arboriculture, Agriculture, Countryside Management), although all applications will be considered individually.
80 UCAS points from Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and/or Advanced Diploma to ideally include a science, humanities or business subject.
IF YOU DO NOT HOLD THE REQUIRED A-LEVEL OR EQUIVALENT LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATIONS
In this instance, you may be asked to complete our Agricultural Biosciences Foundation Course. The course is two weeks long and costs £200. You may book and pay for this course here: https://www.dartington.org/event/agricultural-biosciences-foundation-course/
For further information please contact our admissions team at admissions@dartington.org.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
FOR STUDENTS WHO HOLD A UK PASSPORT OR ARE FROM THE UK
All students from the UK should hold at a minimum a GCSE English Language qualification at Grade C or above.
FOR STUDENTS WHO LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE UK
To meet requirements for a Student Visa to study here, you need to take the UKVI IELTS Academic at an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centre
You need to achieve a 6.5 overall with a minimum of a 5.5 for each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking. This is equivalent to a B2 level.
You can find detailed information about Student Visa English language requirements, including a list of approved centres, via the gov.uk website.
Are there any exceptions to this requirement?
There are few exceptions. To check if any apply to you, please check the up-to-date information provided by the Home Office. If you believe you are exempt, contact us at admissions@dartington.org
Government website for the English Language Requirements for the Student VISA
STUDENT LOANS
Our current status as an approved higher education provider by the Office for Students allows undergraduate students from England to draw down a loan of up to £6,000 per year (full time)* and £4,500 per year (part time) to part-cover their tuition fees, and up to a further £9,488 for maintenance.
DEPOSITS
UK Students – £50
EU Student - £750
International Students - £1,000
Deposits are payable two weeks after acceptance of offer letters.
Provider information
Dartington Hall
Totnes
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Devon
TQ9 6EL
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