Smart Agriculture MRes; MSc
About this course
The future of agriculture is smart. Management concepts utilising advanced technologies - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data and the internet of things (IoT) - are the future of the industry. Coupled with the drive for sustainability in agricultural practices and food supply chains, the sector is evolving quickly.
This exciting and innovative new course sits right at the forefront of advances in agriculture and smart farming. Drawing on newly emerging technologies and practices it focuses on crop science in vertical farming, the application of sustainable agricultural practices and the role of controlled environment cropping in global food security.
You'll join our thriving community of nature-positive learners and develop sought-after skills, turning you into the professionals at the forefront of the sector.
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You'll study at Brackenhurst Campus - home to a working farm and innovative vertical farming research unit. -
You can undertake a research project using NTU's links with national and international agricultural projects. -
Get hands-on with a range of advanced software and technologies used at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, including AI and the IoT. -
97% of postgraduate taught students in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences would recommend studying at NTU (PTES 2024).
What you’ll study
You'll examine the use of AI and the IoT alongside crop science in vertical agriculture. You'll look at highly innovative approaches to crop productivity, energy-use efficiency and enhancing crop quality and nutritional value. You'll also explore current challenges facing traditional agriculture and its impact on future food security and consider how these challenges might be overcome through the application of sustainable practices as part of vertical farming.
Smart Farming Systems (40 credit points)
Establish the global context of the smart farming systems in industry and recent research to gain knowledge of the controlled environment in agriculture, vertical farming and precision agriculture, how it is likely to evolve and the role this industry might play in global food security and climate change. You'll investigate the design and operation of vertical farming systems including different hydroponic systems, such as nutrient film technique, aeroponic and deep-water culture, as well as green wall and rooftop urban agriculture, assessing the suitability of each to different crops, environmental factors and artificial lighting schemes. You'll also explore emerging trends and technologies on sensor technology, the use of renewable energy sources, data-driven solutions and business models.
Intelligent Technologies (20 credit points)
Develop an understanding of the application of AI technologies, including the use of machine-learning and the IoT, in combination with standard existing agricultural technologies, to manage vertical farming systems.
Sustainability in the Food Supply Chain (20 credit points)
Explore the complex interactions between food systems, sustainability, and supply chain management. You'll examine the economic, environmental and social aspects of a sustainable food supply chain and the role played by controlled environment cropping and vertical farming.
Applied Crop Sciences (20 credit points)
Gain the underpinning crop science knowledge required to develop sustainable crop production systems in a controlled environment context. You'll investigate plant physiology, genomics, genetic modification and the role of crop phenotype in yield, flavour and functional foods. As part of this module, employers from the vertical farming sector will provide you with a real crop production issue to resolve through use of, and support from, NTU's vertical farming research facility.
Research Methods and Data Analysis (20 credit points)
Learn advanced skills in the interpretation of relevant quantitative and qualitative research data, and develop a critical understanding of the ethical considerations involved in the collection of data. You'll present your findings and research in a variety of ways, as well as critically evaluating, interpreting and relaying knowledge gained from secondary sources, to peers.
Research Project (MRes 120 credit points, MSc 60 credit points)
Research in depth a chosen topic area related to controlled environment cropping and vertical farming. You'll design and implement a relevant research project with a strong aspect of originality, communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Our Smart Agriculture course is offered as two Masters degrees (MSc and MRes).
MSc
The MSc comprises a taught programme of five modules, and a research project
MRes
The MRes offers three taught modules, and provides the opportunity to undertake an extended research project.
| Modules | MRes | MSc |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Farming Systems | Included | Included |
| Intelligent Technologies | - | Included |
| Sustainability in the Food Supply Chain | - | Included |
| Applied Crop Sciences | Included | Included |
| Research Methods and Data Analysis | Included | Included |
| Research Project | Included | Included |
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you're taught
You'll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, online learning, and practical sessions.
Independent learning is required, and you'll undertake high-quality research for the Masters awards. You'll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst campus - a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports effective environmental management of farmland and countryside estates. You'll also have access to specialised teaching and laboratory facilities, including our vertical farming research facility.
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Careers and employability
The course includes in-built work-like experience. You'll work on authentic crop production projects in collaboration with real-world industry partners, giving you practical experience and exposure to the challenges and opportunities of working in the field.
Graduates from this degree can enter various highly-skilled roles in the agriculture and allied sectors. There are employment opportunities in:
- Vertical farm management
- Development of sensors and digital support for vertical farms
- Crop husbandry
- Crop product development
- Vertical farming system design
- Development of light recipes for optimal cropping
92% of our postgraduates from the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22).
The sustainability of the products, focusing on the short food supply chain also offers a range of high skilled professional roles. You can also progress on to further academic research pathways via PhDs and as Research Assistants / Fellows.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You'll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, online learning, and practical sessions.
Independent learning is required, and you'll undertake high-quality research for the Masters awards. You'll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst campus - a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports effective environmental management of farmland and countryside estates. You'll also have access to specialised teaching and laboratory facilities, including our vertical farming research facility.
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
MRes
- A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent honours degree.
MSc
- A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent honours degree.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
MRes
- A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent honours degree.
MSc
- A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent honours degree.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Student visas
Following an update to the immigration rules in January 2024, if you intend to study in the UK on a Student visa, you can only bring your partner / children (‘dependants’) if you are studying one of the following:
- a PhD or other doctorate (RQF8)
- a research-based higher degree.
Please note that all of our MRes courses are classed as ‘postgraduate taught’ and therefore do not meet the requirement for you to be accompanied to the UK by your dependants.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for September 2025
Mode of study | Home (UK) tuition fee |
Full-time | £9,900 |
Part-time* | £4,950 |
*please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding page will answer all your questions.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Alumni Discount
We're happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and NTU alumni for September 2024 and January 2025 entry. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494 or for Scholarship help please contact us on +44 (0)115 848 4460.
Tuition fees for September 2025
Mode of study | International tuition fee |
Full-time | £17,850 |
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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