Emily McCaver

Hi, I’m Emily and I’m in my final year of my BSc Agriculture Degree at Hartpury.

I’m involved with lots of clubs through the Students’ Union, including the Animal, Food for Thought and the Green Leaders societies, as well as being a student mentor. I’ve been a Student Ambassador for most of my time here, which has really opened up life at Hartpury.

My agriculture degree
Agriculture is a wide sector with loads of different avenues. Education is really important for both farmer and consumer, especially with a lot of environmental, animal welfare and technological changes coming into the industry. I particularly love the agronomy side of the industry and sustainability within that. It's interesting to find out about new technology, seed varieties and sustainable practices.

Gaining industry experience
As part of my degree, I’ve been able to get lots of hands-on experience in all different areas of agriculture, including working on local farms. It’s been really beneficial and has shown me there are so many career opportunities in the sector. I’ve been really lucky to complete some of my work placements on Hartpury’s farm. I’m currently teaching agriculture and helping college students with their practical sessions, which I’m really enjoying!

Covid-19 in my third year
I never imagined that my final year at Hartpury would be like this. Due to Covid-19, we’ve all had to adapt to online learning, but Hartpury has been great at keeping everyone informed through weekly emails.  My lectures have been online using Microsoft Teams and lecturers are still available for virtual 1-2-1 sessions. We’re still getting the educational content, with the added bonus of meeting everyone’s pets online! Now we’re getting back on campus, I’m particularly enjoying my practical sessions, especially crop walks.

Supported in my studies 
I’ve continued to receive brilliant academic support from Achievement and Success Centre (ASC) staff throughout lockdown. My support teacher has been outstanding and is helping me to achieve things I didn’t think possible. If you need support, the ASC will go above and beyond to help. So make sure to get in contact with them!

Online socials mean you don’t miss out
With students spread across the globe, societies have been running online events to make sure we don’t miss the social side of university. In the Animal Society, we’ve heard from guest speakers online and joined virtual coffee mornings. It’s great chatting with people who have similar interests.

Welcomed back by the campus cats
When I first came back on campus, it felt a bit strange to see the one-way systems, new layouts and hand sanitisers. But that very quickly passed because at its core, Hartpury has stayed the same. The campus cats were really affectionate and happy to see me, and I gave our therapy dog Ralph a massive fuss! Since I’ve been back I’ve caught up with some of my friends and have had some student ambassador shifts.

Get involved in every opportunity
As I come to the end of my studies, my advice is to get involved with everything Hartpury has to offer – not only within your course but outside of it as well. Hartpury has loads of specialist facilities and over 70 species of animals, which you can experience in animal handling sessions. I got to hold a blue tonged skink, which isn’t related to agriculture but was an experience I really enjoyed and wouldn’t have had anywhere else.

Through my roles on the Students’ Union and as a Student Ambassador, I’ve met loads of people and had some wonderful experiences – and I would advise everyone to apply!