REMRARI-Introduction to Agriculture and Rural Industries

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Mr Nicholas Millard
Email: n.r.millard@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module willÌýprovide an introduction toÌýthe significant rural land uses in the UK, including: agriculture and other land-based industries, e.g. forestry, sporting, leisure and recreation, mineral extraction and waste management, and renewable energy. Students will consider the economic contribution these industries can provide to the rural economy and individualÌýfarming and estate businesses. The moduleÌýwill also offer an introduction to the concepts of natural capital and ecosystem services – including the social and environmental benefits that can result from sustainable land management.Ìý

Aims:

To examine the operational context for the rural economy in the light of possible economic and political volatility in the next few years. It aims, in particular,Ìýto provide students with limited experience of the rural economy to gain a high level understanding of agriculture and other land-based industries, and the relevance of property to their activities,Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Comment on the policy context within which the various industries operate


• Analyse the main UK farming enterprises and the key factors affecting their financial performance


• Discuss other rural land-based industries, and how they make a financial contribution to rural businesses


• Utilise basic accounting information to inform management decision making


• Evaluate the importance and value of property to key rural industries

Additional outcomes:

• Enhance communication skills through case studies and presentations in seminar sessions


• Develop essay and report writing skills through coursework


• Enhance the ability to research and assimilate technical information

Outline content:

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  Core themes in global agricultural industry and commodity tradesÌý

  
  


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  Overview of UK agriculture andagricultural policy in the UK and elsewhereÌý

  
  


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  Analysis of various agricultural systems, e.g. livestock, combinable crops, high value cropsÌý

  
  


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  Farm accounting, particularly gross margin analysis and business appraisalÌý

  
  






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  UK forestry and forest cropsÌý

  
  


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  Mineral extraction and waste managementÌý

  
  


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  Sporting and conservation

  
  


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  Renewable energyÌý

  
  


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  Innovative land-based products and services, e.g. ecosystem servicesÌý

  
  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two hour examÌý

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Single piece of individual coursework in the form of a professional report with a word guide of 2,500 words. Submission Week 9ÌýAutumn Term

Formative assessment methods:

In-class case studies will provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning to real-life scenarios and to receive informal feedback.Ìý

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Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: