You are in > Home > News & Events > News > Learning To Go The Distance - New Style SAC Poultry Courses For Busy Professionals

Learning To Go The Distance - New Style SAC Poultry Courses For Busy Professionals

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N31
Published: 13 May 2010

SAC poultry students (opens in new window)

Recognising how hard it can be for busy poultry industry professionals to make time to upgrade their qualifications, SAC is taking a new approach to its Postgraduate Diploma and Masters Degree courses in Applied Poultry Science.

Using the expertise SAC’s Learning Division has in designing courses that need not be full-time, SAC is offering brand new distance learning versions. The new courses start in September this year.

A postgraduate diploma (PgDip) normally takes two years, while a Masters Degree (MSc) is typically three years, including a final year research project.  However, the new, flexible approach means students can take up to five years to complete the MSc if need be.  It is also possible to take just one or two modules for professional development, training or personal interest.

This new package, believed to be the first of its type in the UK, was showcased at the recent Pig & Poultry Fair at Stoneleigh.  SAC Programme Leader Jill Offer said there had been encouraging interest.

“It is appealing very much to those at middle management level. They are keen to progress their careers but recognise they need an additional qualification if they are to make the next step. The problem for these people is they work long hours and usually have family commitments. Going back to college for two years is out of the question.”

Much of the course work can be done at home on a PC or laptop.  Advice is always available at the end of a phone and there are also on-line tutorials.  One special feature is a number of study weekends where students can meet others in the same position. These new friends can become another source of helpful advice and reassurance.

“We believe all sorts of industry professionals will value this approach,” says Jill Offer. “It is suitable for nutritionists, breeders and even vets seeking to develop their careers and businesses.”

The course covers a mix of technical, scientific, nutritional, environmental and management skills. Modules include poultry nutrition and growth, behaviour and welfare, hatchery practice plus health and hygiene.

For more information, contact Dr. Jill Offer at SAC’s Ayr Campus. 

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus

News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Dr Jill Offer
Programme Leader
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, Riverside Campus, University Avenue,
Ayr
KA8 0SX
TelWork 01292 886178
Fax 01292 886199

Add to Address Book | Help

News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

Add to Address Book | Help