BSc (Hons) Agriculture

Program Overview

The Royal Agricultural University's Degree in Agriculture equips students with the knowledge and skills to become professional agriculturalists and farm managers. The program focuses on applied science, sustainability, business, and employability, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in the agricultural sector and beyond. Students benefit from industry-recognized curriculum, world-renowned experts, and on-site research facilities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• To develop professional agriculturalists and farm managers of the future.
• To provide a wide-reaching, industry-recognised program built on the latest applied research, informed by the RAU's extensive industry networks and delivered by world-renowned experts in their fields.
• To equip students with the skills to make a difference and stand out in the agriculture sector.
• To enable a fundamental understanding and critical awareness of the problems facing agriculture, particularly issues pertaining to the challenges of food production and its global impact.

Focus Areas:

• Applied understanding of science, practice, policy, and innovation that underpins agricultural production, sustainability, and resilient farm management.
• Building a sustainable, profitable, and resilient agricultural business.
• Contribution to a thriving sector - as a farmer, land manager, rural entrepreneur, agronomist, economist, policymaker, researcher, scientist, or consultant.

Approach:

• The curriculum is designed around four cornerstones:
• Technology and Innovation
• Environmental Sustainability
• Business and Enterprise
• Employability and Leadership.
• Each cornerstone includes modules designed to equip students with the technological knowledge and employability skills needed to thrive in the workplace.
• Students can come from non-agricultural backgrounds, with the passion and drive to make a difference in the industry.

Outline:

Year One:

• 10 modules focusing on fundamental topics including soil science, agri-food industry, ecosystems services, animal and plant science, business finance, and innovation.

Year Two:

• 8 modules building on previous knowledge and introducing farm business planning, personal and professional development, agro-ecosystem resilience, animal health and welfare, agronomy, research and evidence, and a 15-week work placement.
• One optional module allows students to specialize in a specific area.

Year Three:

• 4 modules focusing on complex issues including climate change, technology and agroecology innovation, food supply systems and policy, and a research project/dissertation.
• Two optional modules allow students to further specialize in their chosen fields.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the module and learning objectives, and can include assignments, coursework, oral presentations, written examinations, and laboratory/technical work.

Teaching:

• Teaching methodologies include lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory/technical work, group work, case studies, project work, guest lectures, conferences, and field trips.
• The program utilizes the RAU's on-site research facilities and farms to enhance subject-specific learning.

Careers:

• Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in various roles and organizations worldwide, including:
• Agronomist
• Nutritionist
• Geneticist / breeding specialist
• Farm manager
• Health and welfare manager
• Animal scientist

UK International Full-time £9,250 per year £15,300 per year