| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
Agriculture is at the centre of many of the challenges facing modern society - including climate change, food security and increasing world population - and is a diverse area of study.
Our rich curriculum includes a broad range of topics spanning plant biology, soil science, nutrition, management, accounting and law.
You can also boost your employability and professional skills with an optional placement year in industry or the commercial sector.
We are a leading university for agriculture and you'll benefit from fantastic facilities, including two University farms.
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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Program Outline
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability. Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May. To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
You study the fundamental scientific and quantitative aspects of the subject, covering topics including plant biology, animal science and agri-business economics.
We also introduce you to laboratory work and IT applications for applying statistical techniques to agricultural data. A series of visits to the University farms provides first-hand insight into the practical aspects of agriculture.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introductory Business Economics | 10 |
| Environment and Land Resources | 10 |
| Crop Pests | 10 |
| Introduction to Business Management | 10 |
| Academic and Professional Skills | 20 |
| Agri-Food Supply Chains | 20 |
| Animal Health | 10 |
| Introduction to Animal Physiology | 10 |
| Plants, Environment, Agriculture | 10 |
| Introduction to Agricultural Mechanisation | 10 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
You apply your knowledge to animal and crop husbandry and farm management, covering topics such as animal breeding, arable crop production and agricultural marketing. Visits to University and other farms continue, reinforcing your learning with practical experience.
You have the opportunity to take a crop pests field course, focusing on insect, fungal and weed pests that affect crops.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Economics and Policy | 10 |
| Current Trends in Agricultural Markets | 10 |
| Arable Crops | 10 |
| Farm Business Management | 10 |
| Principles of Agronomy and Crop Improvement | 10 |
| Animal Feed Science and Technology | 10 |
| Managing Soils in the Agri-Environment | 10 |
| Domestic Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement | 10 |
| Dissertation and Research Preparation | 10 |
| Sustainable animal production systems | 20 |
| Sustainable Solutions | 10 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
You choose topics from our specialisms, according to your interests, this allows you to maintain a broad view of agriculture. You will also complete your dissertation in an area of interest.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Combinable Crops | 20 |
| Applied Farm Business Management | 20 |
| Applied Animal Nutrition | 10 |
| Dissertation | 30 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Farm Business Consultancy | 20 |
| Applied Crop Protection | 10 |
| Crop Pests Field Course | 10 |
| Animal Product Quality and Marketing | 10 |
| Forage Utilization | 10 |
| Reproduction in Farm and Companion Animals | 10 |
| Your Future - occupational awareness | 10 |
| Precision technologies and global challenges in managed animal behaviour and welfare | 20 |
| Precision Agriculture incorporating Non-Combinable Crops | 20 |
| Law and Land Use | 10 |
| Career Development for final year students | 20 |
| Science Communication for Sustainable Development | 10 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
Information about these graphs
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Lectures and laboratory practicals will teach you the scientific principles that underpin agriculture.
Visits to the University farms and other local farming businesses will help you to understand the practical application of the theory you learn.
You'll also complete project work and reports, working as an individual and in groups.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
Assignments – written or fieldwork
Dissertation or research project
Essays
Examinations – practical or online
Group work
Practical sessions
Projects
Skills and experience
Practical skills
As a leader in agricultural education since 1891, we have well-founded links with the local farming community, allowing our students access to a range of farming practices.
In your second year, you'll also gain hands-on experience managing your own crops and opportunities to take on lambing or harvest jobs.
Research skills
To address the problems facing agriculture globally, we conduct research on themes such as:
You'll also have the opportunity to explore an area of interest in your final year dissertation.
