BSc (Hons) Turfgrass Science and Management FYDE Online

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. This course is a top-up degree for applicants who already hold an FdSc or HND in Sportsturf or a closely related plant or soil science-based discipline. The course consists of the modules that also form the Final Year of a full-time three-year BSc (Hons) degree and so completing these Level 6 modules allows a student to top up their previous Level 5 qualification to a Level 6 BSc (Hons).

The On-line final year direct entry BSc (Hons) Degree in Turfgrass Science and Management is designed to enable students to achieve a full honours degree qualification in Turfgrass Science and Management through part-time study at a distance from the host educational establishment. High levels of employment within the sportsturf industry in management, research and consultancy levels mitigate against traditional modes of attendance for those currently employed and this qualification, linked with this form of delivery, will help to overcome this barrier to access and participation.

The On-line final year direct entry BSc (Hons) Degree in Turfgrass Science and Management offered by Myerscough College is the first of its type and makes the honours degree accessible to students regardless of location or nationality. It provides the opportunity to study from wherever the candidate is based and has access to the internet.

The course covers high levels of technical knowledge in science, management, and technology across a range of sportsturf issues and applies current research to develop a strategic approach to the management of all sportsturf surface types. The course will develop a detailed knowledge and analytical thinking for sportsturf management issues such as planning and development of sportsturf constructions, contract management and management of sportsturf areas. The course also aims to develop transferable and personal skills that are important for employers at this level, including communication, time management, work prioritisation, critical analysis and report writing.

The course is focused on web-based learning material on the Myerscough College On-line learning network. On-line tutorials are an important element of the course, enabling students from a wide geographic area to gain an Honours Degree qualification without having to live in close proximity to the College.

Year 1
Year 2

Year 1

Biotechnology for Plant Improvement

This module will review recent advances in plant breeding, including plant tissue culture and molecular techniques, with an emphasis on specialist industry applications. Students will also develop their skills in carrying out laboratory analysis, using original scientific literature, communicating scientifically and learning independently.

Sports Facility Design & Development

This module aims to develop the student’s ability to conduct a site survey, appraise site conditions using physical and other analytical methods in order to produce appropriate designs for either a golf course or a multi-sports sports ground which meets the needs of the client and site.

Year 2

Greenspace Professional Practice

It is very important for professionals to have an appreciation of ethical and sustainable business operation concepts and be able to apply them. In this module students will build upon the principals of strategic planning and corporate social responsibilities to address business auditing tasks, such as re-branding and re-modelling, incorporating company policies; planning; project management; communication and negotiation with clients. They will also critically analyse a range of contemporary issues within horticulture and associated green industries.

Research Project (Double module)

Students will be given the opportunity to design and carryout a piece of investigative research into a topic that interests them. This will allow them to demonstrate the skills that they have developed throughout the course including the abilities to design an original investigation, to work independently, and to produce a coherent and critical report.

Rootzone Technology

This module examines the development and use of artificially constructed rootzones for the production of quality surfaces for a variety of sports. An evaluation is made of a range of rootzone formulations for various uses, their constituents, their physical and chemical properties and the influence on these from a variety of management systems and environmental conditions.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject or 2 years (one at Level 4 and the other at Level 5) of Honours Degree work in a related discipline achieved at 'pass' standard or above. Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered. Applicants must also produce evidence of successfully completing a research-based module at level 5.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview

Industry Experience/Access

This course is designed for those employed in the Sportsturf Industry. Ideally you will be employed fulltime on a golf course , sports ground, or other site where the maintenance or management of playing surfaces used for sport is your primary role for example a public school or local authority. The course would also suit those employed in the sportsturf supply industries or those in agronomy/sportsturf construction. You must have access to a golf course or sports facility in order to complete the set coursework. Part-time or voluntary work is feasible, but this will need to be organised by yourself and in place before the course starts. Those working in closely related fields for example amenity horticulture or landscape management are welcome to apply. For any assistance on this matter you are invited to apply or contact the college to arrange a discussion with the course tutor.

Learning and assessment

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including a combination of coursework and unseen examinations. The coursework assessment methods will include technical reports, portfolios, group and individual presentations, laboratory/practical reports and extended project work. The students may be required to produce work in a range of formats, such as the production of leaflets or research posters.

Additional Information:

The department has a close working relationship with a large number of industry bodies, golf, and sports clubs. Teaching is supported with a range of guest speakers, visits to top class sporting venues and trade shows additionally we are supported by Baroness Mowers and Kubota UK.

For those employed in golf greenkeeping there will be the opportunity to apply to become an R&A scholar and receive a bursary and support from The R&A.

The College has research active subject specialist staff and there is an opportunity to be involved in current industry research projects during the course.

Progression

On successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Sportsturf Science and Management, students may apply to the MSc Sustainable Sportsturf Management course at Myerscough, or other post-graduate courses.

Careers

The course aims to provide a programme of Sportsturf related education which will enable degree holders to analyse key academic themes in the subject area and critically evaluate the wide range of management issues within different sectors of the industry, which will therefore prepare them for a successful career in the UK or overseas. The course is designed with the intention that its graduates will be able to function effectively at a managerial level within the Sportsturf industry. Modular content emphasises the importance of career development and planning throughout.

Examples of possible careers include:

Sportsturf Agronomist/Consultant

Head Groundsman

Head Greenkeeper

Golf Course Manager

Local Authority Grounds Manager

Lecturer/Researcher

Industry Sales & Marketing Professional

Special requirements

Students will need: Access to a personal computer and internet facilities.

IT requirements:

· Access to a PC

· Microsoft Office

· Broadband internet connection

· Email account

Recommended browsers:

· Internet Explorer

· Firefox

· Google Chrome

· Safari

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

· £100 - Camera

· £80 - Waterproofs and safety boots

Sportsturf studies

There are fantastic opportunities both in the UK and overseas for people who are trained and qualified in sportsturf. Careers exist at all levels, from assistant groundspersons and greenkeepers to managers of international sports facilities such as Premier League Football Clubs and the major elite Golf Courses. Our courses will equip you with the skills that are necessary to build, maintain and manage quality turf surfaces to a high standard.

Students learn the science behind how grasses grow, as well as soils, drainage and a wide range of maintenance practices. You will gain an understanding of the demands of sport and what players need or expect from turf surfaces. You will be taught how to provide these conditions all year round and in all weather conditions.

A solid reputation

Myerscough College enjoys a fantastic reputation across the UK and Europe as one of the leading providers of sportsturf education. Ex-students from the programmes can be found at some of the top sporting venues across the country including Wimbledon, the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and St Andrews.

Excellent Facilities

Myerscough benefits from superb sportsturf facilities including a nine-hole golf course, fully automated irrigation systems with various controllers and fittings, turfgrass research laboratory and more. The department has also recently had a brand new turfgrass unit built, offering specialist workshops, classrooms and research facilities.

A World of Opportunity

There are fantastic opportunities throughout the world for people who have training and qualifications in sportsturf. All our course equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience to progress to either the next level of education, or a career within the industry.

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Our Partnership with UCLan

All our Higher Education programmes are awarded by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Myerscough College is an Associate School of the University of Central Lancashire, a dynamic, vibrant and contemporary university located in Preston city centre. UCLan is one of the largest universities in the UK with world-leading and internationally excellent research areas. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.