BSc Agriculture with Foundation

Our BSc Agriculture with Foundation course covers everything that impacts production in the supply chain while considering global goals relating to sustainability. It prepares you for senior technical and scientific roles in a wide range of agriculture related enterprises.

Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).

Our BSc Agriculture with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

The University of Reading is the highest placed UK University for Agriculture and Forestry at 22nd in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2024).

BSc Agriculture focuses on studying the science underpinning food production, and you will learn how to use biology and technology to maximise crop and animal production to meet targets and achieve environmental objectives, while gaining valuable practical skills.

Our agriculture programme offers you distinct opportunities to specialise in crop science, horticultural science or livestock production through our specialist optional modules, or you can tailor your course to your own interests by combining these areas.

As part of the degree all students can study globally recognised farming practices on the University's own farms. These include livestock production (Centre for Dairy Research and the Department of Animal Sciences), agronomy and horticulture (Crops Research Unit and Department of Crop Science) and environmental enhancement (Department of Sustainable Land Management and Centre for Agri-Environmental Research).

You'll have the opportunity to visit a wide range of local farming businesses, rural estates and businesses in the related sectors including Waitrose’s Leckford Estate, Sygenta and NIAB TAG. Visiting speakers include those at the forefront of the industry from agronomists to those involved in the livestock and dairy sectors, giving you the chance to network and build relationships while you learn.

In one of our most popular modules you will grow a winter cereal, test it in the lab for quality and then sell it to merchants. You will also complete a residential study tour within the UK to look at different farming enterprises as part of this degree.

In the final year, your independent research project allows you to choose a subject that inspires and interests you. This could involve a farm, including your home farm, research at the University or an enterprise that you’ve had contact with during the course.

Outside of the curriculum, the student-run Agri-club runs the UK’s largest student conference. It gives you the opportunity to debate key issues like food security and self-sufficiency and get your voice heard.

Placement

You can opt to take a year long work placement as part of your degree. In the past, students have undertaken their year in industry in the UK with Frontier Agriculture, Greenvale AP Ltd, and Waitrose and Partners, as well as internationally, in Europe and New Zealand. You will be supported by our Placements Team who will assist with finding and supporting your year out.

Some students can also participate in six-week summer placements linked to research undertaken at the University, which are generally completed before the final year.

For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website.

Overview

Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).

Our BSc Agriculture with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

The University of Reading is the highest placed UK University for Agriculture and Forestry at 22nd in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2024).

Learning

Placement

Some students can also participate in six-week summer placements linked to research undertaken at the University, which are generally completed before the final year.

For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website.

Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

BBB - for applicants without a science subject

CCD - for applicants with a science subject

Science subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies/Science, Applied Science, Geology.

International Baccalaureate

30 - for applicants without a science subject

24 - for applicants with a science subject

Science subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies/Science, Applied Science, Geology.

If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please ask us a question.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM

GCSE

Grade 4/C in Science if not studying sciences at A level.

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Further requirements

If you are an international student planning to apply for one of our degree programmes, you may need to take a foundation course or pre-sessional course if you do not have qualifications that are equivalent to British A levels or if you need to improve your English language level.

Compulsory modules

Ecology and the Environment

Explore key concepts and processes associated with both the physical and living environment and the interactions of both within ecosystems.

Environmental Sustainability

Explore the causes and consequences of global contemporary sustainability issues. You’ll critique and evaluate both theoretical and actual methods used to minimise the harm caused through anthropogenic activities whilst recognise the interconnected nature of environmental problems.

Mathematics Foundation

Gain a fundamental understanding of the role of basic mathematics in biological and chemical sciences.

Foundation in Academic Skills

Develop academic skills essential for success both on the Foundation Year and as an undergraduate.

Foundation Programme: Biology

Explore the life cycle of cells and the chemical reactions that give them energy and allow them to replicate. You’ll also study the biology of the human body and about natural selection and genetics. Through practical classes, you’ll familiarise yourself with laboratory work, as well as handling and interpreting data.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Agricultural Production Systems

Discover the key biological principles in crop and livestock science along with an international perspective on crop and livestock production.

Agricultural Research Skills

You’ll be introduced to a range of research topics and methods currently used within the agriculture industry. You’ll plan, conduct and analyse a group research project working alongside a member of our research staff.

Agriculture in Practice 1

Develop an understanding of a range of farming systems, types of farm management practices and agricultural businesses. You’ll be introduced to the concept of rural entrepreneurship and will be guided in the development of innovative business structures and ventures.

Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 1

Gain a fundamental understanding of how animals' function (and sometimes malfunction) as integrated biological systems. You will study many of the main organ systems including the cardiovascular, respiratory and locomotory systems, and explore digestive physiology and animal nutrition.

Crop Physiology, Nutrition and Protection

Discover the inner workings of various crop families, understand how crop plants thrive and evolve, and learn their specific requirements for nutrients, water, and light at different growth stages. Additionally, you'll delve into how crops react physiologically when faced with less-than-ideal conditions.

Global Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects

Explore key ecological and eco-social challenges of our time, their causes, proposals to address them and associated debate across several disciplines.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Agriculture in Practice 2

Explore professional practice in the agriculture industry and discover the range of career opportunities in the sector. Through networking opportunity and field trips, you’ll gain a range of essential career planning skills.

Crop Agronomy

Discover how to manage a UK cereal crop at a basic level, and understand the nutritional cycles and the rationale for agrochemical use behind arable production.

Data Skills

Learn about the principles of experimental design, data management and visualisation and common statistical methods for analysing datasets. You’ll gain the ability to collect data in a rigorous way, process that data, analyse and interpret it and communicate the results.

Farm Business Management

Learn how to analyse a business's financial requirements, assess different investment options, and explore various farming approaches, including regenerative farming, organic agriculture, sustainability, and rural business diversification.

Livestock Production, Nutrition and Welfare

Learn about the factors that will influence the management of food producing animals. Through a series of lectures and farm visits, you’ll explore a range of livestock production systems and investigate how nutrition and management interact with welfare and other factors to determine the long-term sustainability of animal production.

Optional modules

Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 2

Discover the science behind how animals are successfully fed, how they develop, reproduce and successfully rear their young. Learn about the fundamental nutritional requirements, and assimilation of nutrients.

Principles of Horticulture and Crop Production

Develop an understanding of the principles of horticultural production used by specific sections of the horticulture industry.

Veterinary Health and Disease

Develop your knowledge in animal health biology, including immunology and epidemiology. You’ll deepen your understanding of evidence-based approaches to evaluate a range of animal health and disease challenges, and propose appropriate disease management strategies.

Farmland and Woodland: Ecology and Management of Semi-Natural Habitats

Explore the ecology and management of land used for agriculture and forestry, while considering how historically humans developed land. You’ll discover the underlying ecological mechanisms impacting on productivity and biodiversity and get an introduction on the concepts of management planning for particular sites.

Compulsory modules:

Agricultural Technology: Application, Adoption and Ethics

Explore different agricultural technologies and their contribution to sustainability, and consider how we can encourage their adoption on farms. You’ll discover the ethics of new agricultural technologies, exploring different visions of future innovation, and the various issues associated with the proposed ‘fourth agricultural revolution’.

Independent Research Project

Identify a suitable research topic, develop a hypothesis, and then plan and conduct a research project. Your research will be presented to your peers and the wider School of Agriculture, Policy and Development via a scientific poster presentation, and you will produce a written dissertation.

Plus at least one of:

Cereal Management and Marketing

Become familiar with the principles and practices of growing, assessing and selling cereal crops for different markets. You’ll evaluate the effects of genotype, agronomy, and environment on the yield and quality of small-grained cereals, and determine their impact on end-use, marketing and financial margins.

Advanced Livestock Production and Product Quality

Develop a more advanced understanding of the factors and processes which affect the composition and eating quality of meat, and the quality and profitability of milk production.

Optional modules:

Advances in Bioveterinary Science

Gain a more advanced understanding of a range of contemporary issues and knowledge of scientific approaches that researchers use at the forefront of bioveterinary sciences to tackle challenges. You’ll attend lectures, participate in critical discussions, and undertake independent project work.

Agricultural Systems in the Tropics

Discover tropical agriculture and farming systems, focusing on the physical, climatic, edaphic and biological factors affecting crop and animal production.

Business Management and Entrepreneurship

Learn how to work with real client businesses and entrepreneurs to develop successful management proposals and solve challenges. You’ll develop skills required to prepare and assess business proposal and plans by working with clients.

Climate Smart Agriculture

Develop your knowledge of climate change and agriculture and your ability to use and critique research methods. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the complexity of tackling world-wide issues, all within the framework of Climate Smart Agriculture.

Equine Science and Management

Develop an understanding of the health, nutritional, reproductive and behavioural needs for different groups of equids with specific focus on evidence-based decision making in equine management.

Horticultural Crop Technology

Develop your knowledge and understanding of horticultural crop technology, covering advanced scientific aspects and fostering innovative thinking for enhancing production efficiency through technology research and critical evaluation.

Principles of Integrated Pest Management

Explore the principles of integrated pest management, which is employed worldwide to enhance plant health and sustainable agriculture, including learning about pest types, management techniques, and real-world applications.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: £29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

The University of Reading has an outstanding reputation with employers.

Students who have completed the Agriculture course in the last five years have gone into a wide variety of graduate jobs, including agronomy, livestock nutrition, and farm management. Graduates work with companies including Syngenta, HGCA, NIAB TAG, and Volac. The Royal Farms have also taken a graduate from the University of Reading directly into a farm management role.

BSc Agriculture with Foundation

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

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