Smart Agriculture MRes; MSc
About this course
The future of agriculture is smart. Management concepts utilising advanced technologies - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data and the internet of things (IoT) - are the future of the industry. Coupled with the drive for sustainability in agricultural practices and food supply chains, the sector is evolving quickly.
This exciting and innovative new course sits right at the forefront of advances in agriculture and smart farming. Drawing on newly emerging technologies and practices it focuses on crop science in vertical farming, the application of sustainable agricultural practices and the role of controlled environment cropping in global food security.
You'll join our thriving community of nature-positive learners and develop sought-after skills, turning you into the professionals at the forefront of the sector.
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Amazing agricultural facilities
You'll study at Brackenhurst Campus - home to a working farm and innovative vertical farming research unit.
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Exciting research opportunities
You can undertake a research project using NTU's links with national and international agricultural projects.
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Get hands-on
with a range of advanced software and technologies used at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, including AI and the IoT.
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97%
of postgraduate taught students in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences would recommend studying at NTU (PTES 2024).
What you’ll study
You'll examine the use of AI and the IoT alongside crop science in vertical agriculture. You'll look at highly innovative approaches to crop productivity, energy-use efficiency and enhancing crop quality and nutritional value. You'll also explore current challenges facing traditional agriculture and its impact on future food security and consider how these challenges might be overcome through the application of sustainable practices as part of vertical farming.
Smart Farming Systems (MSc 40 credit points)
Establish the global context of the smart farming systems in industry and recent research to gain knowledge of the controlled environment in agriculture, vertical farming and precision agriculture, how it is likely to evolve and the role this industry might play in global food security and climate change. You'll investigate the design and operation of vertical farming systems including different hydroponic systems, such as nutrient film technique, aeroponic and deep-water culture, as well as green wall and rooftop urban agriculture, assessing the suitability of each to different crops, environmental factors and artificial lighting schemes. You'll also explore emerging trends and technologies on sensor technology, the use of renewable energy sources, data-driven solutions and business models.
Intelligent Technologies (MSc and MRes 20 credit points)
Develop an understanding of the application of AI technologies, including the use of machine-learning and the IoT, in combination with standard existing agricultural technologies, to manage vertical farming systems.
Sustainability in the Food Supply Chain (MSc 20 credit points)
Explore the complex interactions between food systems, sustainability, and supply chain management. You'll examine the economic, environmental and social aspects of a sustainable food supply chain and the role played by controlled environment cropping and vertical farming.
Applied Crop Sciences (MSc and MRes 20 credit points)
Gain the underpinning crop science knowledge required to develop sustainable crop production systems in a controlled environment context. You'll investigate plant physiology, genomics, genetic modification and the role of crop phenotype in yield, flavour and functional foods. As part of this module, employers from the vertical farming sector will provide you with a real crop production issue to resolve through use of, and support from, NTU's vertical farming research facility.
Research Methods and Data Analysis (MSc and MRes 20 credit points)
Learn advanced skills in the interpretation of relevant quantitative and qualitative research data, and develop a critical understanding of the ethical considerations involved in the collection of data. You'll present your findings and research in a variety of ways, as well as critically evaluating, interpreting and relaying knowledge gained from secondary sources, to peers.
Research Project (MRes 120 credit points, MSc 60 credit points)
Research in depth a chosen topic area related to controlled environment cropping and vertical farming. You'll design and implement a relevant research project with a strong aspect of originality, communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Our Smart Agriculture course is offered as two Masters degrees (MSc and MRes).
MSc
The MSc comprises a taught programme of five modules, and a research project
MRes
The MRes offers three taught modules, and provides the opportunity to undertake an extended research project.
| Modules | MRes | MSc |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Farming Systems | - | Included |
| Intelligent Technologies | Included | Included |
| Sustainability in the Food Supply Chain | - | Included |
| Applied Crop Sciences | Included | Included |
| Research Methods and Data Analysis | Included | Included |
| Research Project | Included | Included |
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you're taught
You'll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, online learning, and practical sessions.
Independent learning is required, and you'll undertake high-quality research for the Masters awards. You'll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
You will be assessed by problem-based assignments, poster displays, case studies, presentations, employer-led projects, and a research project.
Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst campus - a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports effective environmental management of farmland and countryside estates. You'll also have access to specialised teaching and laboratory facilities, including our vertical farming research facility.
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Careers and employability
The course includes in-built work-like experience. You'll work on authentic crop production projects in collaboration with real-world industry partners, giving you practical experience and exposure to the challenges and opportunities of working in the field.
Graduates from this degree can enter various highly-skilled roles in the agriculture and allied sectors. There are employment opportunities in:
- Vertical farm management
- Development of sensors and digital support for vertical farms
- Crop husbandry
- Crop product development
- Vertical farming system design
- Development of light recipes for optimal cropping
92% of our postgraduates from the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22).
The sustainability of the products, focusing on the short food supply chain also offers a range of high skilled professional roles. You can also progress on to further academic research pathways via PhDs and as Research Assistants / Fellows.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, the Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From the population of almost 2,000 students and staff to the animals themselves — cats and cattle, sheep and horses — it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your coursemates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; grab a pal and wander through 500 acres of stunning countryside.
You'll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, online learning, and practical sessions. Independent learning is required, and you'll undertake high-quality research for the Masters awards. You'll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report. Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst campus - a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports effective environmental management of farmland and countryside estates. You'll also have access to specialised teaching and laboratory facilities, including our vertical farming research facility.
Our Brackenhurst Campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell: a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable buses that run late into the night, you’ve got Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
UK students
MRes
- A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent, in Agriculture or a related biological honours degree.
MSc
- A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent honours degree.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements:
MRes
- A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent, in Agriculture or a related biological honours degree.
MSc
- A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent honours degree.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
