Best University College 2008, 2009 and 2010 ‘The Sunday Times’ University Guide Contents Life at Harper Adams Courses

05 University Guides 68 Agriculture 07 Why Choose Harper Adams? 78 Animal-related 10 Get in Step 86 Nursing 11 Student Support Staff 92 Engineering 13 Student Lifestyle 98 Food Studies 20 Get More From Harper 104 Business 23 Living at Harper Adams 110 Rural Estate/Property and 27 Money Matters Land Management Welcome to Harper Adams 28 Student Services 114 Countryside 30 Students with Disabilities 120 Adventure, Leisure and Tourism 31 International Students 124 Extended Foundation University College 33 Opportunities Overseas Degree Programme 34 Out and About 126 Topping Up It is Harper Adam’s mission to provide 39 Facilities 130 Reaseheath College higher education for the delivery 47 Work Placement 146 Askham Bryan College 50 Great Career Opportunities 148 Walford & North College of sustainable food chain and rural 52 The Development Trust 152 Postgraduate Study econnomy. We aim to develop 53 The Careers Service 153 Research Degrees intellectual and practical skills to enable 54 Teaching and Learning 58 Flexible Learning Information individuals to realise their full, personal, 60 Visit Us social and vocational potential and 62 Harper For Life - Alumni 154 Applications 63 Academic Staff 159 Contact Us participate in lifelong learning 64 Student Profiles 160 Maps 162 Terms and Conditions 163 Index Visit Us Open Days: 8th May and 17th October, 2010

Higher Education Choices Conference: 5th-6th July, 2010

Open Afternoon: 22nd September, 2010

2011 Applicants’ Open Afternoon: 17th November, 2010

Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB General Enquiries: +44 (0)1952 820280 Admissions: +44 (0)1952 815000 www.harper-adams.ac.uk

www.harperadams.co.uk 02 College Full-time

“University College of the year” Course 2008, 2009 and 2010 Directory In the prestigious Sunday Times University Guide 2010 2010 -11 2nd overall for student satisfaction 8th in graduate level jobs 9th for graduate employment

www.timesonline.co.uk

Harper Adams University College is the best university for Agriculture and Forestry in the University rankings 2010 published by The Complete University Guide in association with The Independant:

1. Harper Adams 7.Aberystwyth 2. Nottingham 8. Queen’s Belfast 3. Reading 9. Bournemouth 4. Newcastle 10. West of , Bristol 5. Glasgow 11. Aberdeen 6. Bangor 12. Royal Agricultural College

www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk Student lifestyle atmosphere here buzzes and once excellent links with industry Ask any student or graduate from it grabs you, it will be with you long and the experience and skills Harper Adams and they will tell after you’ve graduated and when developed in the workplace during you go on to be part of our thriving you all about the famous ‘Harper the one-year placement period alumni organisation (see page 62). Spirit’. It’s about making friends, built into all degree courses. We That’s why, in the National working hard and playing hard, and have links with more than 500 knowing you are at a University Student Survey of UK Higher companies, many of whom offer College where you truly matter and Education Institutions, our placements to students they go feel you belong. If you have visited students voted to place us so on to employ. Placement gives or attended the Higher Education highly, in second place. you the opportunity to put what Choices (HEC) conference (see you learn into practice in the real page 60) you will know just what Great for jobs world and gives you an invaluable We’re University College of the year again... we mean. It would be hard to feel We have an outstanding graduate combination of qualifications and lonely here: the Students’ Union employment record, with more experience that marks you out organises lots of events, clubs than 96% of full-time, first degree from the rest when applying for and societies, and the close-knit, students in full-time work or graduate jobs. intimate campus means there is further full-time education within always a friendly face around. In a 6 months of graduating. Amongst For furthur information see nutshell, Harper is no ‘here today, other factors, many graduates www.thestudentsurvey.com. gone tomorrow’ sort of place. The attribute their success to Harper’s

" I'm glad I chose to study my course at Harper because I don't believe there is anywhere else where I would be as happy " A reputation for excellence too. There are seven halls of Great facilities – getting With high levels of student satisfaction... You can be sure of receiving residence, including self-catering better all the time a quality education at Harper accommodation. Our compact From the state-of-the-art Adams. In its most recent review, campus means you are never Bamford Library and Aspire outstanding teaching quality in agriculture, food the Quality Assurance Agency more than a ten minute walk from Centre to the new expressed ‘broad confidence’ any of the facilities. Regional Food Academy, new and all things land-based, and low levels of (the best possible result) in our Postgraduate and Professional academic programmes and Location, location Development Centre, and graduate unemployment... standards, and particularly Students say Harper Adams’ upcoming Student Services praised our teaching methods rural location offers the best of Centre, the facilities at Harper and curriculum and our extensive both worlds – all the benefits Adams just get better. The it makes a potent case to applicants. network of work placements. of the country but close to the campus is surrounded by the Sunday Times University Guide See the report for yourself at amenities of the surrounding University College Farm, a unique www.qaa.ac.uk. At Harper Adams towns. Shropshire is in the heart resource which gives students University College we always do of the Midlands, on the English- access to livestock, crops, and our best to ensure you receive the Welsh border, and only a short managed countryside areas, and best education possible. We are a drive away from Birmingham. The has been undergoing a multi- Centre for Excellence in Teaching county’s attractions are many million pound development. For and Learning. and varied, which is ideal for a example, we now have operating mix of study and social life. The a new £2 million, leading-edge Invest in your future surrounding countryside provides dairy unit with 40 point internal As with anything worth having opportunities for field trips, rotary milking parlour. in life, there is a cost involved in course-related excursions and higher education, but you will traditional country pursuits, while Our up-to-date science complex never make a better investment in the nearby towns offer a great includes a molecular biology your future. We are committed to nightlife. laboratory, the Engineering Design providing students with as much Centre provides all the latest help and support as we can, and Cutting edge research and technology, and an extended this particularly applies to financial knowledge transfer Companion Animal House has support. We feel so strongly Research activity at Harper boosted our comprehensive about this that we have made it Adams is wide ranging and has a veterinary nursing facilities. We part of our ‘Harper Guarantee’. positive and practical impact on are constantly investing in the We promise to offer scholarships rural industries and communities, campus and developing facilities. to benefit undergraduate students at home and abroad. who are in financial need and we See page 153 for further details. also offer scholarships to support undergraduate students who, in Support their different ways, can enrich Starting university is an the learning community at Harper exhilarating time, full of new Adams. See page 27 for further challenges, friends and details on finance. experiences, but all of us at some time or another need a helping Community spirit hand. From something as small They say good things come as asking directions to worrying in small packages and that is about assignments or something certainly true of Harper Adams. happening away from university, We have around 4,000 students, the friendly Student Services team with about 1,400 studying and are there to help. socialising on campus at any one time. So, unlike most universities, Support and Services are you don’t just get to know the a crucial underpinning of students on your course and who graduate study at Harper you live with, but people from other courses and year groups Adams University College. Dates to remember This guide will help with your planning:

Interviews Higher Education Choices November 2010 to May 2011 (HEC) conference 5th – 6th July 2010 We hold regular interview/counselling sessions between A two-day residential taster course at Harper Adams.Take November and May. We will contact you regarding these part in lectures and seminars, talk to students and staff, then just as soon as we have received your UCAS form. party with the Students’ Union. See page 60 for further details.

Open Days Making a decision Sat 8th May 2010 & April to June 2011 Sun 17rth October 2010 Now is the time to make a firm choice about the Why not visit Harper Adams at one of our relaxed universities you are applying for. open days – your family and friends are welcome too. See www.ucas.com See page 60 for further details.

Alice Lawrence Open Afternoons Exam results Wed 22nd September 2010 (Open Afternoon) BSc (Hons) Agri-food Marketing Wed 17th November 2010 (2011 Applicants’ Open Afternoon) August 2011 See the website www.harper-adams.ac.uk Time to confirm your place with us or, with Business studies for further details if you have not received the results you were hoping for, give us a call to discuss options such as alternative courses or our extended foundation degree programme. “The course has given me a broad appreciation of Completing your UCAS form the whole food supply chain, from field to fork, and From September 2010 Don’t delay in completing your UCAS form. Try and Welcome to Harper Adams! has given me all the technical knowledge, real get it in before Christmas. Your teachers and/or career advisor will be happy to help you complete your September 2011 employment experiences and practical skills for the UCAS application forms in good time. Have a fantastic time at Freshers’ Week… after a few days on campus you’ll feel as if you’ve always been a part of Harper! future that I need.

Sort out your finances September 2010 I’ve done everything from visiting food processing operations, such as a bread factory, to making baked beans, ice-cream September 2010 and sausages! The balance of practical and academic skills There is lots of financial support available so don’t delay in and knowledge on Harper’s courses is fundamental and is making your application. Apply online at www.direct.gov.uk/ studentfinance and remember you can always contact our recognised and valued by employers. Student Finance Officer or Admissions Office for help and advice as well as information on scholarships. See our website www.harper-adams.ac.uk/finance www.harperadams.ac.uk See page 159 for contact details. Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hauc Students’ Union graduate elected to the role as a Wednesday, when everyone Your work is important but you paid member of staff for one year. gets together in the bar to won’t be studying all the time and Elections are held once a year and celebrate the afternoon’s sporting it is important to enjoy your social all students are entitled to vote. successes. life to the full too. That is where the Students’ Union (SU) comes The SU is also supported by a There are a number of student in. You will get off to a flying start Bar Steward, who runs the bars, balls throughout the year, the at Freshers’ Week, designed to and the College’s Sports and highlight of which is always the help you settle in, meet people Societies Co-ordinator(Showing themed Summer Ball. This 12- and make the most of your time at your Student ID card at certain hour party ends at 7am, when university, right from the start. As local shops and organisations will a photographer captures the well as parties, course get-togeth- get you a discount.) moment in the famous Survivors’ ers and your first chance to get Photograph – you will want to dressed up at the Freshers’ Ball, Visit www.haucsu.com for a make sure you’re on it! there’s the hotly contested Harris taste of Harper life. Shield inter-hall competition and Facilities the infamous Freshers’ Challenge. Entertainment The Students’ Union facilities Working hard and playing hard is include a huge main bar featuring All in all, the SU will play an very much the name of the game what is rumoured to be the important part in helping you fill at Harper Adams and you will longest student bar in the UK. your free time. As well as helping find many ways to enjoy yourself. There’s also a cosy lounge bar, to run the student societies Hardly a night goes by when SU offices, lots of sports facilities, and sports clubs, the SU also there isn’t something going on in a shop and cafeteria. A new organises balls, club nights, gigs, the SU. Over the last few years, Student Services Centre will also quizzes, comedy nights, and trips Harper Adams students have open autumn 2010. away, and makes sure the bar enjoyed visits from big name stays very well stocked. bands like Futureheads and The There are a range of great Wurzels, top DJs such as Gregg clubs and societies at Harper The SU is run by the students, for James and Sara Cox, as well as Adams and plenty for you to the students, so they can better comedy acts. represent you and make sure you get involved with. By joining a get the most out of university life. club or society, you will not only Even without guest entertainment The SU consists of an elected make new friends, but you will committee of representatives; the student bar remains a focal develop valuable skills such as mostly current students, except point, where you can party in organisation, leadership, and for the President, who is a Harper a carefree, friendly and safe team-working. environment, particularly on

Harper is a great part of Shropshire in which to spend your student years. It is safe and friendly place where cultural activities thrive in a beautiful, historic setting.

Visit www.hauc.com for a taste of Harper Life. I'm glad I chose to study at Harper, It's been very interesting and I've met some great people along the way! Sports and Activities Sports Facilities (air rifle and clay), squash, Sporting opportunities here The excellent sporting facilities on skiing, tennis, ultimate frisbee, are many and varied. We do campus include a fully equipped windsurfing and yoga. our best to support those who gym, sports hall, heated outdoor strive to reach a high standard swimming pool, floodlit rugby Students can also use the and participate in the top British pitch, Astroturf pitch for football extensive facilities at the nearby University and College Sport and hockey, squash and tennis Lilleshall National Sports Centre. (BUCS) leagues, as well as help courts, bowling green, table If you have your own favourite students who want to take up a tennis and pool tables and an sport, and can entice others to new sport or simply enjoy regular excellent cricket pitch. Harper join you, why not ask the SU exercise. Our clay pigeon boasts some of the best grass to help you set up a team or shooting, Rugby Union and pitches in Shropshire including society. Netball teams in particular a fully floodlit rugby pitch and pride themselves on bringing training pitches. home the medals, and have an Why not set up your enviable reputation and following. The following are just some of own club or Society! They perform consistently the sporting clubs and activities well in the BUCS leagues and you could join in with: angling, When you get to Harper, if you want to set up your own Sports and outdoor activities have a championships. archery, athletics, badminton, society, have a chat with basketball, canoeing, circuit Ben, the Sports and Societies Even if you don’t play a training, eventing, fencing, 4x4, large following at Harper Adams and the Co-ordinator. He’s keen to sport, you won’t get a better football (men’s and women’s), hear new ideas, and is always atmosphere than cheering on Gaelic football, golf, hockey, University College has a big reputation for a happy to help students set the rugby, football and hockey horse riding, kick boxing, up their own clubs, if there is teams from the sidelines each lacrosse, martial arts, mountain enough interest. number of sports. Wednesday afternoon. biking, netball, parachuting, polo, pool, rowing, rugby (union and View a variety of Harpers sports events league), running, sailing, shooting at You Tube visit www.youtube.com/ HarperAdamsUC Harper Cymru Harper Forum Greek Night, when traditional food, This has become established A popular weekly event, in which drink and dancing all form part of as an important society as more various speakers from the rural the experience. and more Welsh students make industries, politics and business Harper their first choice. Welsh are invited to address students and The Christian Union members take part in a wide range take part in a Q and A. The Harper One of the oldest societies at of activities and events such as Forum has had an impressive list Harper Adams which brings the Royal Welsh Show, the Welsh of some major figures in industry Christian students and staff Winter Fair and St David’s Day who have been speakers. Just together in a relaxed environment. celebrations. The Harper Cymru let the organisers know if there is Affiliated to the Universities and Dinner has developed into one anyone you are particularly keen Colleges Christian Fellowship of the main social events of the to hear from (and tell them your (UCCF), you are welcome year. For further information, ask opinions!) and they will get on the whatever your faith. for the Harper Cymru booklet. case! HOPS (Harper Outdoor Harper Scotland RAG Pursuits Society) As we welcome more and more Lots of students also get involved The great outdoors is the Scottish students to Harper with the Raise and Give (RAG) playground of HOPS members. Adams, so this club grows in size organisation, which organises Climbing, canoeing, mountain and popularity. With lots of fresh events such as quiz nights, slave biking, down-hill racing, white ideas for events and activities, this auctions, barbecues and other water rafting, knife throwing, What ever your experience, Harper is a great club to be a part of. events throughout the year to orienteering, go karting, wind raise cash for charity and have surfing: just a few of their favourite offers a wide range of activities for you Harper Ireland some fun into the bargain. There things. The society regularly are also lots of organisations you This society brings together organises adventure weekends can get involved with in the wider to participate in. students from Northern Ireland and trips, and once a week runs a community. and the Republic of Ireland in one trip to a climbing wall. of our most popular and dynamic societies. As well as looking after The International Society Harper Student Enterprise fellow members and offering This a thriving group run by This is an exciting society which practical help and support, such as Harper Adams’ international promotes entrepreneurial thinking shared trips home, Harper Ireland community of students, who in an enterprising world to has a well deserved reputation for hail from around 30 different cultivate a rural entrepreneurial its excellent social events. countries, including China, India, mind-set and provide the next Greece, Hungary, Germany and wave of entrepreneurs and rural Don’t miss Paddy’s Ball, which France. The club is open to all business people. Activities include is now a key date for the entire nations, and everyone at Harper business competitions, the ‘eBay University College. Harper Ireland Adams, including lecturers and Enterprising Challenge’, inspiring and Harper Cymru both link up postgraduate students. business speakers, seminars and with student alumni associations workshops. in their home countries to arrange Trips organised by the society events and keep people in touch include London, Stonehenge and with the ‘Harper Spirit’. For Ireland, as well as ice-skating, further information, ask for the paint-balling and shopping trips. Harper Ireland booklet. National days are often celebrated and theme nights in the bar include Getting down and dirty – Bit of a drama queen (or king)? Want to make a difference to the 4x4 Club Harper Adams students love the environment? If you like 4X4s, quad bikes, dirt getting up on stage for revues, The Harper Adams Conservation buggies, and ... well, basically pantomimes and plays and even Society is growing all the time and anything with wheels, this is the staff are prepared to give it has links with the British Trust for the club for you. Harper has its a go and put on an occasional Conservation Volunteers (BTCV). Highly popular with students own 4x4 track but there are also revue in aid of a good cause – across all courses, it will give you a weekend outings to some of where else would your lecturers taste of practical countryside Britain’s best off-road courses voluntarily dress up as cows just management and conservation where you can put your 4X4 to give you a laugh? work. Projects include pond vehicles through, over, under Anyone can get involved, restoration and hedgerow and around the most gruelling whether as the star of the show, planting as well as various field obstacles the countryside can helping out backstage, or just trips. We also have a brand new offer. If you don’t have a 4x4, feel sitting in the audience and letting club – the Environment Society, free to hitch along with one of the them entertain you. For the keen which will initiate and help with others and give it a go. Anyone musicians among you, we also environmental projects at Harper with an aversion to mud might have a student band, choir, and in the local area. think twice about joining! music room and links with Keele Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sara Studden BSc (Hons) Animal Health and Welfare “I’m glad I chose to study at Harper because the beautiful surroundings of the campus and excellent facilities are everything one could hope for.”

The support here is fantastic and everybody is so approachable that it’s easy to come by. I’ve been lucky enough to win a £1,000 scholarship from Birmingham and Staffordshire Agricultural Society towards tuition fees, accommodation and further training for my final year. I’ve really enjoyed not having to study in the middle of a city and the social life here is legendary

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