The theoretical and practical knowledge offered in this course will help you excel in the future.
More about Jal
Why did you choose to study your course at NTU?
I chose to pursue an MRes in Smart Agriculture at NTU because it offers a new perspective on food production using advanced methods. The program’s interdisciplinary focus on vertical farming, IoT, AI, and data analytics in agriculture provides the perfect platform to develop innovative solutions for real-world issues.
What made your mind up about studying a PG course at Brackenhurst Campus?
Having already experienced the high-quality education, supportive environment, and excellent facilities at Brackenhurst Campus during my bachelor’s degree in BSc (Hons) Agriculture, I felt confident in continuing my postgraduate studies at NTU. Also, the research opportunities within the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences are particularly appealing, offering a great chance to contribute to real-world solutions in this field.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
The thing I enjoy the most about the MRes Smart Agriculture program is the opportunity to explore advanced methods of food production and sustainability in agriculture. The hands-on experience of working with vertical farms during my undergraduate studies makes it even more interesting to deepen my knowledge and skills in this field through this course. The research component of this program is particularly exciting to me, as it enables me to contribute to the future of vertical farming and make a positive impact towards future food production.
How do you find your modules and what have you most enjoyed studying/ researching? Please tell us about any research you have been involved with during your time as a postgraduate student.
The modules I studied have been really informative and engaging, looking at real-world issues. The most enjoyable part is the group sessions for the assignments and class debates, where I have enhanced my interpersonal skills. I have learnt new skills for data analysis using R and have also developed coding skills and machine learning algorithms using Python scripts. I am also looking forward to my favourite module, the Research Project, where I will be working with various light recipes to see their effects on plant phenology and morphology.
What do you think about the facilities available on your course and what do you use the most?
Having completed my undergraduate Research Project at the Glasshouse Unit, I think easy access to all the field and laboratory equipment has been so great on the campus. Also, the staff in the lab and Glasshouse Unit have been so amazing and are always available when any assistance is needed. For my postgraduate project, I will be using both the laboratories and Vertical Farming Unit.
What do you think about Brackenhurst Campus? What do you get up to in your spare time?
The Brackenhurst Campus is a lovely place to study as well as to live. The on-campus accommodations are great, and it feels like home. On bright, clear days, I spend a lot of time walking around the campus and enjoying nature. The coffee time at The Orangery after a long day feels refreshing. Personally, for me, volunteering at the sustainable agricultural unit was the best time during summer.
What is your top tip for someone considering studying/ living at Brackenhurst Campus?
As the Brackenhurst Campus is based on a farm, my best advice would be to get a good rain and wind jacket and wellies if you like moving outdoors and spending time in nature. I’d also recommend a good phone or camera if you like wildlife and nature photography, as there is so much to capture in and around the campus. If you like socialising, various societies on campus set up great events throughout the year.
Have you been involved in any placements, work experience or volunteering as part of your course? If so, what did you do and what did you achieve?
During my undergraduate course, I undertook a summer placement and also gained work experience as a Research Assistant with the sustainable agriculture group, where I worked with PhD students and post-docs in their projects, gaining hands-on experience in various horticultural practices and vertical farming. I also volunteered to showcase the Vertical Farming Unit to visiting students as well as school children on their tour. This experience allowed me to develop academic skills and interpersonal skills. I was also a part of the NTU Agricultural Society during my undergrad. While I am studying for my postgrad, I am also volunteering my time as a Course Rep.
Why would you recommend your course to someone considering studying it?
I would definitely recommend this course to anyone considering it. This course is relatively new for the industry but holds great potential for the future of food production. This course will also develop you if you are passionate about doing research and a PhD. The lecturers on this course are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The theoretical and practical knowledge offered in this course will help you excel in the future. In addition, the campus life at Brackenhurst makes this course even more interesting.
What are your plans for after the course and how do you feel your course has/ will help you to achieve that goal?
Once I finish my postgraduate studies, I would like to progress my career as a Research Assistant in the area of plant science and sustainability. I would like to do some meaningful research in this field and would like to translate the knowledge gained into real-world applications for benefiting mankind.
Any additional comments:
As I have been living and studying at Brackenhurst Campus for 3 years now, it feels like home, and there is a strong sense of community which makes this campus and experience so special. I have loved every minute of studying and living here, and I am so grateful for these years at Brackenhurst.