Agricultural Technology and Innovation

Royal Agricultural University
Postgraduate MSc Full-time 1 Year Agriculture and related sciences

About this course

With the unfolding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, connected sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), biotechnology and other technologies are being leveraged to keep agriculture sustainable. This programme will equip students with theoretical background combined with business management, to come up with disruptive, sustainable and ground-breaking innovations. Graduates are likely to start their own businesses, become consultants, work in the agriculture industry or, work for the government as advisors or policy makers.

Developments in sensors, robotics, automation, analytics and telematics are enabling new and sophisticated ways of managing agricultural practices. You will gain a comprehensive appreciation of the wide range of new and innovative technologies in the areas of crop production, livestock production, and management of the natural environment, whilse also learning about entrepreneurship and business management.

A globally recognised centre for excellence with on-campus facilities, leading specialists and industry connections – there is no better choice than the RAU if you seek to make an impact on the future of agriculture.

Mechanisation and data capture are becoming increasingly important in the production and management of animals, crops and the natural environment. For anyone wishing to start a career in this emerging industry, or for the entrepreneurial among you, this course will help you discover all that you need to know to succeed.

Students are given free access to the University's Farm491 facility, an agritech business incubator which provides support to agritech businesses for the promotion of technology and innovation within the sector.

A period of independent study provides an opportunity to engage with sector specialists in a professional capacity. Students also have the opportunity to complete a professional placement following the taught element of the course.

Graduates are highly likely to go on to pursue a career within:

  • The high-tech agricultural and environmental sectors

  • Industries allied to crop and animal production

  • Technical consultancy

  • Government and international agencies

  • The development of new companies through entrepreneurial initiatives

    Potential job opportunities include:

  • Agricultural and horticultural engineering

  • Information technology

  • Resource appraisal

  • Agronomy

  • Farm management
  • Study Options

    This course is available in 6 study options:

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 1 Year

    Qualification: MSc

    Location: Cirencester

    Part-time

    Duration: 2 Years

    Qualification: MSc

    Location: Cirencester

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 1 Year

    Qualification: PgDip

    Location: Cirencester

    Part-time

    Duration: 2 Years

    Qualification: PgDip

    Location: Cirencester

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 1 Year

    Qualification: PgCert

    Location: Cirencester

    Part-time

    Duration: 2 Years

    Qualification: PgCert

    Location: Cirencester

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    1121 Production managers and directors in manufacturing
    3119 Science, engineering and production technicians
    1211 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture
    3116 Planning, process and production technicians
    3112 Electrical and electronics technicians
    9112 Forestry and related workers

    Course Details

    Qualification
    MSc
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    1 Year
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Cirencester
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    Agriculture and related sciences