BSc Agriculture

Our BSc Agriculture course covers everything that impacts production in the supply chain while considering global goals relating to the sustainability of our food production.

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).

The University of Reading is the highest ranking UK university in this subject area, and is one of the top 20 universities in the world for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023).

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.

In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students said that teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying on our BSc Agriculture course).

Pathways

Our agriculture programme also offers you distinct opportunities to specialise. You can study a broad-based agriculture course, or specialise in crops, horticulture or livestock after your first year. If you select a mix of optional modules in your second and third years, you will graduate with our highly esteemed broad-based BSc Agriculture degree.

If you choose the crop science, horticultural science or livestock production pathway through your optional module selection, and complete your final year independent research project in your specialist area, you’ll be eligible to graduate with one of the following specialist degrees:

BSc Agriculture and Crop Science
BSc Agriculture and Horticultural Science
BSc Agriculture and Livestock Production

You don’t need to choose whether to take a specialist pathway until the end of the first year of our BSc Agriculture course, giving you the time and flexibility to decide what suits you best.

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 and hear from speakers 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. Previous visits have included Waitrose’s Leckford Estate, Syngenta and NIAB TAG.

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

If you would like to complete a one-year work placement in between years two and three, you should consider studying BSc Agriculture with a Placement Year. 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

Our BSc Agriculture course covers everything that impacts production in the supply chain while considering global goals relating to the sustainability of our food production.

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).

In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students said that teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying on our BSc Agriculture course).

Learning

Pathways

BSc Agriculture and Crop Science
BSc Agriculture and Horticultural Science
BSc Agriculture and Livestock Production

You don’t need to choose whether to take a specialist pathway until the end of the first year of our BSc Agriculture course, giving you the time and flexibility to decide what suits you best.

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 BBB

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.

Typical offer

BBB

We require a minimum of one science at A level.

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

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall, including an acceptable science subject at higher 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.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM (modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified)

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

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.

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

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

Through your dissertation project, you’ll identify a particular research question stemming from existing knowledge as represented in literature. You’ll provide an evidence-based answer, using data collected through different methods, as well as drawing on academic texts.

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: £9,250

New international students: £29,950

UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

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

Our BSc Agriculture programme prepares you for senior technical and scientific roles in a wide range of agriculture related enterprises. 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 in agronomy, livestock nutrition and horticulture. Graduates work with companies including Syngenta, HGCA, NIAB TAG, and Volac.

BSc Agriculture

UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

EU student fees

Additional Costs

Financial support for your studies

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