Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

ACE1006 / NES1102 - Introductory Business Economics gives a grounding to the more sector specific information presented in this module.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module provides students with the basic analytical tools to evaluate the impact of agricultural and environmental policy changes on agricultural markets. The module explains and uses the principles of agricultural economics to help students gaining a better understanding of various national and international issues and major events (e.g., Brexit, free-trade agreements, international economic and political shocks) and their effects on the UK agricultural sector as a whole and at the farm level.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module is divided into two main sections:

1) Principles of Agricultural Economics
2) Agricultural and Agri-environmental Policies.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To develop an understanding of the key principles regarding the economics of agricultural resources and markets, with a focus on the UK sector. This module builds on the concepts introduced at Stage 1 (Introductory Economics)

To develop a deeper understanding of important economic ideas and policy formation and application in the agricultural sector


To extend abilities to critically analyse the agricultural sector and market conditions and to develop well-argued insights of past and future developments in the farming industry.

Intended Skill Outcomes

It should enable students to apply economics to understand and analyse farming issues and the impact of policy intervention in agricultural markets so to get a better understanding of the development of the UK agri-food system and other competitive markets.

To enhance critical thinking about current and future economic issues, policy changes, challenges and opportunities at the sector and farm level, apply knowledge to real life situations and appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of competing and conflicting arguments.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students will have full access to all reading materials. Class discussion, Q/A sessions, debates will be encouraged during class. Lecture material is comprehensive, extensive and requires substantial student study outside the classroom.

The assignment is set specifically to test learning objectives, and encourage students to practice their critical analytical and problem solving skills, and extend and apply their knowledge and understanding to real farm business situations.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The summative assignment consists of two parts and is designed in line with the structure of the module (applied economics and policies). The first part consists of a report in which the students will be tested on a range of skills (e.g., analytical and critical thinking, developing complex ideas and solutions) including knowledge and understanding of the concepts and ideas covered during the module as well as research and writing skills. The report/essay question is restricted to a maximum of 1,000 words (excluding the references list). The second part - problem solving exercise tests students their applied economics knowledges.

General Notes

N/A