THE JOURNEY AHEAD

New Scholar Briefing

Prior to the annual Nuffield Farming Conference, all new Scholars come together for a briefing day allowing the cohort to meet and become acquainted with the Trust. Scholars are introduced to the Nuffield Farming team, learn more about the programme, and get to ask questions of previous Scholars. Following the briefing day, Scholars then attend their first Nuffield Farming Conference and receive their award.

Mentorship

All Scholars are invited to accept the guidance of a Scholar mentor during their Scholarship and beyond. Mentors provide a valuable sounding board to test out ideas and explore opportunities but also provide a source of impartial advice, support, and an opportunity for goal setting.

My mentor challenges me to think in different ways to ensure we make the most of this opportunity to influence change in the industry. I already owe a great deal to her mentorship and would like to thank Nuffield for the introduction.

Helen Wyman NSch 2022

Scholarship Travel

Study travel is the core of Nuffield Farming Scholarships. Scholars are required to undertake a minimum of eight weeks travel to countries of their choice in order to research and collect information relating to their study topic. The eight weeks of travel does not have to be concurrent, but Scholars are required to travel independently for at least four weeks. All travel arrangements and visits are organised by the Scholar. Scholars are welcome to supplement their bursary with personal funds or additional sponsorship, but this is absolutely not a requirement and limitations on extra sponsorship do apply.

Report Accreditation

Scholars have the opportunity to gain Master’s level accreditation for their study through Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), offered for an additional fee. The programme is delivered entirely by distance learning, includes research methodology training and advice, and results in 40 Level 7 credits.

PRE-CSC

The Pre-CSC takes place over four days ahead of the Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) and acts as a briefing event for new Scholars before travelling. Here, Scholars gain valuable insight into strategic issues in UK agriculture from industry leaders and develop useful skills ahead of their travels. Training sessions include public speaking, media training, critical analysis and debating, and video and photography training. Scholars are also briefed on Scholarship administration and travel advice, with time also set aside for socialising and networking.

Training Days

In the second year of their Scholarship, Scholars are provided with specialist coaching to support the creation of their report, videos and conference presentation.

SCHOLARSHIP DELIVERABLES Report

On completion of their study tour, Scholars will submit a full written report of 5,000 words, which is edited and formally published by the Trust in hard copy as well as online.

Video

Scholars are required to write and produce a 30 second introductory video and a 3 minute video summarising their study findings.

Conference Presentation

The culmination of two years of challenging study and travel, Scholars have 12 minutes to present their findings, conclusions and recommendations at the annual Nuffield Farming Conference. This is followed by questions from an audience of Nuffield Scholar alumni, industry leaders, members of the press and Nuffield supporters.

The Master’s level accreditation programme itself was flexible with supportive course leaders. Taking this academic approach suited my study topic and ultimately made the report writing process simpler. Going down the accreditation route has been a great steppingstone and has allowed me to now start working towards my Master’s.

Heidi Hall NSch 2019