BSc Agriculture

Program Overview

The BSc Agriculture program at Aberystwyth University combines theoretical and practical learning to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of agriculture systems, sustainability, and technology. Through farm visits, practical activities, and research projects, students develop the skills and understanding necessary for careers in enterprise management, animal health, crop agronomy, and other related industries. The program emphasizes the challenges and opportunities facing modern agriculture, preparing graduates to make a positive impact in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc Agriculture degree at Aberystwyth University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges facing modern agriculture. The program focuses on all aspects of agriculture and agricultural production systems, including sustainability, environmental management, and technology.

• To develop students' knowledge of sustainability, environmental management, and technology in agriculture.
• To equip students with the practical and theoretical skills needed to manage a sustainable agricultural business.
• To prepare students for careers in various areas of agriculture and related industries.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Agricultural Technology and Farm Safety (BR18420) - 20 credits
• Business, Economics and Land Use (BR10420) - 20 credits
• Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management (BR18040) - 40 credits
• Introduction to Livestock Production and Science (BR17020) - 20 credits
• Skills for the Agricultural Industry (BR18820) - 20 credits

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Agronomy and Crop Improvement (BR27620) - 20 credits
• Farm Business Management and Appraisal (BR21020) - 20 credits
• Food, Farming and the Environment (BR21920) - 20 credits
• Livestock Production Systems (BR20420) - 20 credits
• Research Methods (BR27520) - 20 credits
• Options:
• Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals (BR20720) - 20 credits
• Controlled Environment Crop Production and Horticulture (BR23520) - 20 credits

Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Advances in Agriculture (BR34820) - 20 credits
• Farm Planning and Advanced Farm Management (BR31620) - 20 credits
• Critical Review (BR36320) - 20 credits
• Research Project (BR36440) - 40 credits
• Options:
• Crop and Grassland Production Science (BR37220) - 20 credits
• Livestock Production Science (BR30820) - 20 credits
• Marketing and Small Business Management (BR34720) - 20 credits
• Sustainable Land Management (BR30420) - 20 credits

Assessment:

• Methods:
• Essays
• Practical exercises
• Oral presentations
• Worksheets
• Reports
• Statistical exercises
• Business plans
• Literature reviews
• Field notebooks
• Exams
• Research project
• Criteria:

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Field visits
• Faculty:
• The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active.
• Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.
• The Department has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program incorporates practical learning experiences through field visits to farms, agricultural and food businesses throughout the UK.
• Students have the opportunity to apply their academic learning in practical activities and workshops.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Enterprise and farm management
• Animal health and nutrition
• Agricultural politics and administration
• Crop and grassland agronomy
• Administrative, consultancy, and sales careers with agricultural supply companies
• Roles in ancillary industries
• Opportunities:
• The Careers Service offers various work experience opportunities.
• The GO Wales and Year in Employment Scheme can enhance employability prospects.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates have achieved successful careers in various areas of agriculture and related industries.
• The program develops transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of graduate or professional employment situations.

Other:

• The 800-hectare commercially managed university farms provide a setting for practical learning.
• The program emphasizes the importance of the Farm Business Survey in comparative analysis and benchmarking.
• Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between policy, socio-economic factors, agricultural practices, and the rural economy.
• Students will be assigned a personal tutor who will be their main contact throughout their studies.
• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural industry.
• The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty who are actively involved in research.
• The program offers a range of assessment methods to ensure that students are assessed fairly and effectively.
• The program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a variety of careers in agriculture and related industries.