A new professional certificate of higher education in agricultural enterprise management is set to be introduced by Hartpury University.

The innovative programme will welcome students for the first time in September 2022.

The part-time course will take two years to complete and aims to equip graduates with the skills needed to progress into a management role. Applicants will need to be working within agriculture to secure a place on the course, which has been designed to fit around work commitments.

Five compulsory modules will help students to develop all-important management skills within agricultural enterprises, covering multiple topics around agricultural economics and performance.

Students will benefit from in-person learning, exploring the fundamental areas of enterprise management, including animal welfare, farm assurance, labour relations, finance, machinery procurement and the legislation that underpins how individual enterprises are managed to ensure success.

Graduates will have sound knowledge of how economic principles impact on farming decisions and how the UK farming sector engages with the global market and current issues.

Dr Wanda McCormick, head of animal and agriculture at Hartpury University, said: "We're very excited to announce the addition of this professional certificate of higher education in agricultural enterprise management for 2022.

"The course reflects our wider vision to shape the future of digital farming and to ensure students are not just industry-ready for today, but prepared for tomorrow and beyond. Students will benefit from expert teaching, as well as access to our agri-tech facilities and commercial partners, enabling them to refine their skills for a successful management role."

Hartpury launched its specialist Tech Box Park earlier this year, part of a Digital Innovation Farm. The £2 million facility is already home to commercial enterprises, including Novazera, as well as a specialist Agri-Tech Centre.

The Hartpury Tech Box Park Programme supports businesses in and around Gloucestershire looking to develop new or existing agri-tech products or services and help them accelerate to market. The announcement of the new professional certificate of higher education further complements Hartpury's close working relationship with the farming sector.