Harper Adams University Postgraduate Prospectus

Charles Robinson and Simon Stringer are both studying trees at postgraduate level but have taken very different approaches to the subject. Charles, from Derbyshire, England, is studying MSc Forestry Management, part-time, whilst working full-time as a Woodland Management Officer with the National Forest Company, which is part funding his course. He has also worked for the Cotswolds Conservation Board as a Graduate Farm and Woodland Adviser, and for Natural England as a Land Management Adviser. “I chose the course to continue my professional development in the forestry field. It will benefit my employment opportunities in the future, as well as helping my current role. It will also help me to apply for Professional Membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters.” He has found the part-time format of attending university is “an ideal way to gain a MSc. The block teaching approach really appealed to me. I attend for four taught weeks per year; each week is a different module. The modules I’ve studied so far have involved field trips to forest sites to see forestry operations in action. This really helps to apply knowledge to the real world, and it’s great to meet people in the industry. “The teaching staff are great, as is the support you receive. The process couldn’t have been easier and I would recommend it to anyone.” Simon, from Birmingham, England, has chosen a full-time Masters of Research (MRes) route, studying Trees in the Farmed Environment – funded through a Woodland Trust studentship. He also works part-time. “When I visited the university on an open day, I really liked the feel to the campus – outdoor and spread out, surrounded by beautiful countryside and the associated tranquillity so I decided that was where I wanted to study my postgraduate course. When I saw the MRes Studentship advertised on jobs.ac.uk I really wanted it so I applied – and got it! “I have my heart set on studying at PhD level but I didn’t feel I was ready for that after my undergraduate degree and I wanted to gain more experience in research before moving onto the PhD level.” “Trees are possible the second most important organism on earth (after earthworms). I really wanted to learn more about how forests are managed, and gain more research experience to show others just how important they are as well. The MRes provides both of those opportunities. The taught side is delivered by people already involved in the sector, and through the research side I will gain valuable advice from experienced people at both Harper Adams and The Woodland Trust.” Pictured top: Charles Robinson Pictured bottom: Simon Stringer CHARLES ROBINSON MSc Forestry Management SIMON STRINGER Masters of Research (MRes) 15