A leading college group has launched a progressive horticulture course which focuses on the future of sustainable food production to put its students at the forefront of the industry.

WCG has launched its new BSc Hons Agri-Tech degree course which will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the contemporary horticultural industries.

The course will be delivered under the Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) banner from Pershore College’s Agri-Tech Research Centre, which combines state-of-the-art equipment, laboratory, teaching facilities and a STEM Centre, with the first cohort of students set to begin in September. 

Students will learn about using technology to grow a wide range of crops, including the use of digital, mechanical and biometrical technological innovations, to develop the skills to become a leader of change in the sustainable food production environment.

Last year, the college group became the first in the UK to be granted Bachelor degree awarding powers by the Office for Students, alongside the Foundation degree awarding powers already in place.

The BSc Hons Agri-Tech course is one of the flagship courses being launched as a result of the new degree awarding powers and associated university centre.

John-Paul Bromley, Agri-Tech subject leader at WCG, said: “As the industry evolves it is important that those entering the field have a knowledge of advanced machinery, monitoring technologies and genetics to reflect the automation of tasks now taking place. 

“Rather than focusing on traditional methods of growing, our BSc course will enable students to be part of this revolution which utilises innovative, hi-tech methods, putting them at the forefront of the industry.

“It’s a growing market which is only going to expand further. We are seeing a number of big growers move into the area who will need staff with expertise in contemporary horticulture, and our students will be in the best possible position to step into these roles.

“It is a very exciting time for the industry and we are extremely pleased to be launching our BSc in response to the developments within the sector.”

The introduction of the course is supported by Angus Soft Fruits, a leading supplier of berries to UK and European retailers.

David Griffiths, research director at Angus Soft Fruits, said: “The global agricultural sector is going through an enormous amount of change as we look at new methods of sustainable food production to achieve net zero targets.

“It is important that students have an in-depth knowledge of this, so WCG’s new BSc course will have an extremely positive impact on providing skilled workers to the industry.”

The BSc builds on the existing Agri-Tech Foundation Degree, and students enrolled are excited to have the opportunity to progress on to the new course.

Joe Brennan, who lives in Gloucester, decided to leave his 20-year career as a mental health nurse to study the course and pursue a career in the industry.

He said: “The Foundation degree is an exciting course which very much focuses on the revolutionary new technology being used in the industry as well as how farming practices are having to adapt to react to environmental changes, so it is fantastic that WCG is launching a BSc course to expand on this further.

“I’m currently in my second year and will certainly be looking to enrol in the BSc to develop my skills further.

“There are lots of roles developing within the industry which require a wide range of different skills and knowledge, and I’m really open-minded about which path I take after studying.”

Michael Clarke, who is also in his second year of the Foundation degree, added: “Pershore College is renowned for its expertise in horticulture and agriculture, so I actually moved from Bath to study here.

“The Foundation degree is a very interesting course which looks at a number of different areas in the industry, and the tutors are extremely supportive in helping us think about which area of the industry we might like to progress into.

“It’s fantastic that going on to study at BSc level is now another potential option.”

Further information about the Agri-tech BSc is available by visiting https://wcg.ac.uk/agritech