Harper Adams University

The Livestock Market Operations and Management course is aimed at aspiring auctioneers and market managers, and provides a route to membership of the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers of Scotland (IAAS).

The new route to membership consists of two programmes:

• The University Foundation Certificate: Livestock Market Operations and Management – leading to Associate Status with the requisite practical experience.
• The Certificate of Higher Education: Livestock Operations and Management – leading to Fellowship Status with the requisite practical experience.

Advanced Entry

Advanced Entry options are available to graduates in suitable subjects, and holders of other suitable qualifications. Examples would include Agriculture graduates, and graduates of courses carrying rural professional accreditation by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. In all cases however, there will be a minimum study requirement for the Harper Adams award.

How does it work?

Enrolment takes place in January, during an induction/tuition week. Further study is then supported online through a Virtual Learning Environment, with students returning to university later in the year for further campus tuition, group visits and assessment. Students are encouraged to get together between campus visits, to visit local markets, meat processors and other related activities. The programme is presented from January to July to leave the latter half of the year clear for the all-important peak period in sales. Candidates will start with the University Foundation Certificate, which involves studying six modules over two years, three per annum. This will achieve Associate Status with LAA/IAAS. There is then the opportunity to move on to the Certificate of Higher Education, consisting of a further three modules over two years. All the modules are graded at Level 4 in the National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This is equivalent in level to the first year of a degree course.

The University Foundation Certificate has been designed to provide the bedrock of knowledge and skills needed by anybody aspiring to competent livestock auction practice. The Certificate of Higher Education builds on this basic knowledge for future mart managers and directors by looking at a broader curriculum in the context of livestock operations and management. The teaching staff of the University include professionally-qualified auctioneers and valuers with extensive industry experience. They will also be supported by practitioners who are at the forefront of current market operations and practice.

How do I join?

To be considered for this programme, you must be working in the industry and be supported by your employer, as you will need to draw on your workplace experience, you must have Maths and English GCSE at grade C or above or a period of employment/work experience in the livestock sector and must be at least 18 years old on the date of enrolment. You will also need access to a computer with up to date software and a reliable internet connection. Please complete the Harper Adams Application Form for Workforce Development and return it with a copy of your up to date CV to the University, marked FAO:

Mark Simcock

Harper Adams University
Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB.

Contact Harper Adams

Mark Simcock
Associate Head of Department for Land Management
Office: F48
Telephone: +44 (0)1952 815036

For more information visit the Harper Adams University Website or click the link below to download the 2023 course brochure.