BSc Agriculture with Placement Year

Program Overview

The BSc Agriculture program at the University of Reading focuses on the science underpinning food production, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Students learn to use biology and technology to optimize crop and animal production, gaining practical skills and preparing for careers in the agricultural sector. The program includes a year-long placement in industry, providing valuable work experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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

Outline:

Year 1

• Agricultural Production Systems
• Agricultural Research Skills
• Agriculture in Practice 1
• Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 1
• Crop Physiology, Nutrition and Protection
• Global Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects

Year 2

• Agriculture in Practice 2
• Crop Agronomy
• Data Skills
• Farm Business Management
• Livestock Production, Nutrition and Welfare

Year 3

• Professional Placement Year

Year 4

• Agricultural Technology: Application, Adoption and Ethics
• Independent Research Project
• Plus at least one of the following optional modules:
• Cereal Management and Marketing
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 horticulture. Graduates work with companies including Syngenta, HGCA, NIAB TAG, and Volac.

Other:

• Pathways:
• 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
• Placements:
• This degree includes a year in industry between the second and final 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.
• Agri-club:
• 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.

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. New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250 New international students: £27,650 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. Placement year fees If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year.