Agriculture Degrees
A degree in agriculture is well suited to students who have a keen interest in the agricultural sector as well as business and economics, or a desire to work directly in the farming industry.
Agriculture degrees are awarded as a Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) and take three years of full time study to complete. Throughout the three year course, students are introduced to a range of modules they will learn about and be assessed on via examinations, group work, and presentations.
About Agriculture
Topics Covered
During the first year of study students will be taught a range of core modules such as animal biology, digestion and nutrition, crop pests, farm financial management, and agricultural technology. Some universities allow students to take optional modules in first year and students can specialise in range of topics including biogeography, principles of horticulture, business studies, marketing, and environmental issues.
Throughout the second stage of an agriculture degree students are introduced to more core modules including soil science, animal production, agronomy, farm animal nutrition and crop improvement. Again, students are allowed to specialise their studies further by taking optional modules.
The last stage of an agriculture degree allows students to specialise completely in their preferred area of interest with all modules being optional, alongside a dissertation topic of the student's choice.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements to an agriculture degree vary depending on the university you are applying to, however, generally students are required to gain three A Level grades ABB - BBC with at least one A Level being awarded in Science. Highly ranked institutions will have extra requirements such as GCSE Grade C and above in English, Maths and Science, or even two A Levels in science related subjects. The top universities for Agriculture are the University of Nottingham, University of Reading, Newcastle University, Harper Adams University and Aberystwyth University. Some of these universities will also invite you to an entrance interview once passed the first stage of screening.
You are advised to contact the institution you are applying to for a full breakdown of entry requirements.
Career Prospects
After completing an agriculture degree students will be well equipped with skills related directly to agriculture as well as multi-disciplinary business skills. This puts agriculture graduates in a strong position for gaining graduate jobs in a range of industries and roles. It is common for agriculture degree graduates to work in directly in the industry as livestock consultants, agricultural business management consultants, and agronomists. There is also the potential for agriculture graduates to work in marketing, accountancy and finance, rural business management and land agency.
