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Harper Adams University
http://Harper.ac.uk/postgraduate
Introduction to Harper Adams University
As global populations rise, the pressures on our food systems, environments, and natural resources intensify. At Harper Adams University, we’ve been confronting these challenges head-on since 1901, and we continue to lead the way today.
Located on a 494-hectare commercial farm in rural Shropshire, England, and with a new digital skills centre in central Telford, Harper Adams is the UK’s leading specialist university in agriculture, food production, animal health, land and environmental management, engineering, and sustainable business.
Our founding mission – to support the development of rural industries and communities – remains at our heart, but our reach is now global. We bring together students, staff, and industry leaders in a shared drive to solve some of the most pressing sustainability challenges of our time, from climate change and biodiversity loss to food security and animal welfare.
A Specialist, Supportive Postgraduate Community
With a student population of around 3,000, Harper Adams offers a uniquely close-knit academic community. Our postgraduate cohorts include career changers, industry professionals, and those progressing directly from undergraduate study.
Our students and staff come from across the globe, and our research and teaching are informed by partnerships with universities, businesses, and policymakers around the world.
Postgraduate students at Harper Adams benefit from direct access to academic experts, personalised support, and an applied, hands-on learning environment. From your first day on campus, you’re part of a community that values collaboration, curiosity and making a difference.
Courses Designed for Real-World Impact
Our postgraduate programmes are designed to tackle real-world challenges and align with industry needs. Whether your focus is animal behaviour, global agri-business, environmental policy, or cutting-edge technology, you’ll find a course that combines scientific rigour with practical relevance.
We offer both taught and research degrees across a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Agricultural Science
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare
- Business Management
- Environment, Sustainability and Wildlife
- Applied Ecology
- Engineering
- Food Science and Innovation
- Rural Estate, Property and Land Management
- Veterinary Professions
Popular and distinctive programmes include our MSc Entomology, with allied routes in Integrated Pest Management and Plant Health & Biosecurity; MSc Data Science for Artificial Intelligence; and MSc or MProf Rural Estate and Land Management.
Two new courses launched in 2025 reflect our continued evolution:
For students looking to explore a specific area of interest in depth, MRes (Master of Research) options are also available across several disciplines, offering a strong foundation for research careers or future PhD study.
Courses are delivered by staff who are not only teaching experts but also active researchers, consultants, and industry professionals. Learning takes place through a mix of lectures, small-group tutorials, fieldwork, lab sessions, and real-world projects – all supported by outstanding facilities.
Research with Purpose
Applied research is at the heart of Harper Adams. We focus on work that makes a difference – to industry, policy, communities, and the environment. Our research shapes the curriculum, informs national and international policy, and drives innovation in sectors including food production, animal welfare, environmental management and agri-tech.
In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 60% of our research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ – a 10% increase from the previous assessment. Our impact case studies were particularly strong, demonstrating how research from Harper Adams is changing how industries operate and how decisions are made.
Research strengths include:
- Sustainable farming systems and agri-tech
- Animal health, welfare, and behaviour
- Land use, ecology, and environmental conservation
- Food safety, quality, and innovation
- Rural business, policy, and community development
As a postgraduate research student, you’d work alongside experts in your field, contribute to high-impact projects, and have access to funding opportunities, conferences, and professional development support.
Outstanding Facilities and Support
Harper Adams is purpose-built for applied learning and research. Cutting-edge facilities include:
- The Agricultural Engineering Innovation Centre – shaping the future of farming through automation, AI, and robotics
- The Elizabeth Creak Science Laboratories – supporting advanced biological, chemical and environmental science
- The Veterinary Education Centre – supporting clinical skills training and veterinary research
- The Future Farm – supporting teaching, research, knowledge transfer and industry engagement.
Accommodation is available on campus for postgraduate students, along with private rental options nearby. Whether you live on-site or in the surrounding area, you’ll find a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and easy access to learning spaces, catering, sport, and wellbeing services.
Support includes academic skills workshops, careers advice, mentoring, and dedicated support for international and mature students.
Recognition and Reputation
Harper Adams has consistently been recognised for its excellence in specialist education, student satisfaction, and career outcomes.
- Times & Sunday Times Specialist University of the Year 2024
Harper Adams was the first-ever recipient of this award, highlighting our focused expertise and impact. - Second‑highest Modern University in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025)
We’re also ranked among the top three universities in the West Midlands. - Best University for Career Prospects
Awarded by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards every year from 2016 to 2025 – a reflection of strong industry links, practical experience, and graduate employability.
Rural Roots, Global Reach
While our main campus enjoys a peaceful rural setting, we’re well connected. Birmingham and Manchester are both just over an hour away by car, and London is accessible in 1 hour 20 minutes by train via Stafford station.
In 2024, we opened our new site in central Telford, expanding our reach and further supporting the development of digital and professional skills for the agri-food and land-based sectors.
Our single-site layout in Edgmond means students have easy access to teaching spaces, labs, accommodation, cafés, the library, and support services – creating a close-knit academic community and an excellent environment for focused postgraduate study.
Join a Purpose-Driven University
Postgraduate study at Harper Adams is more than just a qualification – it’s a chance to be part of a university that’s actively shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and secure future.
If you want to make a difference – in your career, your sector, and the wider world – we invite you to explore what Harper Adams can offer.
Departments
Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
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