The dissertation is based on an experimental project and a critical review of the relevant literature. Several other members of the University staff contribute, depending partly on each student's choice of modules. The University has good facilities and expertise for grassland projects, with several farms and field stations. The Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, based 3 miles from Aberystwyth, is one of the world's leading centres for grassland research, with excellent facilities, including both lowland and hill sites. ADAS also has experimental facilities in the Aberystwyth area.
Many local farmers are willing to have student projects on their land.
There is also the possibility of collaboration with staff of the Countryside Council for Wales, some of whom are based near Aberystwyth. The University Library, including the stock of the former Welsh Agricultural College, is well supplied with grassland books and relevant journals. The IGER Library, which includes stock transferred from Hurley, is one of the best in the world for grassland literature.