Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Professional Placement Year)

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Agriculture degree is designed to develop the professional agriculturalists and farm managers of the future. This wide-reaching, industry-recognised programme is built on the latest applied research, informed by the RAU’s extensive industry networks and delivered by world-renowned experts in their fields.

Course Content

The programme focuses on four cornerstones:

1. Technology and Innovation
2. Environmental Sustainability
3. Business and Enterprise
4. Employability and Leadership

Modules

Year One

• 1007 Soil and Environmental Science: Carry out practical field and laboratory soil analyses related to soil health
• 1325 Introduction to the Agri-Food Industry: Develop an understanding of the agrifood supply chain from farm to fork
• 1440 Academic and Practical Skills: Learn and try out a range of practical skills used in the land and farming sectors
• 1441 Applied Animal Science: Explore the science underlying animal production
• 1442 Applied Plant Science: Understand crop physiological and biochemical pathways
• 1443 Business Finance and Accounts: Learn the fundamentals of accountancy and use software to create and clearly present financial information
• 1444 Innovation and Technology: Explore emerging technologies in agricultural machinery and buildings
• 1446 Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Explore the range of goods and services that ecosystems provide that support human well-being

Year Two

• 2132 Farm Business Planning: Take part in a farm business planning exercise, benchmarking to industry standards
• 2337 Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability: Review and critically assess professional communication standards and other competencies needed for successful client and business management
• 2349 The Resilience of Agro-Ecosystems: Explore key concepts and theories around sustainable agriculture and different methods for promoting it
• 2372 Animal Health and Welfare: Learn how animal health and welfare can be scientifically assessed using frameworks and assessment tools to compare different UK animal agriculture systems
• 2373 Agronomy: Discuss the agronomic factors which are involved in the production of crops in regenerative, integrated, conventional and sustainable farming systems
• 2378 Research and Evidence: Explore the wide range of research methodologies available, and learn how to select the optimal approach for a given scenario
• 2317 Industry Placement: Complete 15 weeks of work experience to develop key skills for the world of work

PLUS your choice of ONE elective selected from:

• 2374 Crop Technology and Mechanisation: Evaluate the suitability of technology and mechanisation for a range of agricultural cropping systems
• 2375 Livestock Husbandry Systems: Explore approaches to farm animal husbandry and how this impacts farm animal health and welfare
• 2379 Agricultural Commodities Trading: Understand the principles of agricultural commodity trading and marketing and how to maximise profit and minimise risk

Year Three

You will undertake your placement year during year three of your programme.

• PPY Professional Placement Year

Year Four

• 3329 Climate Change and Natural Resource Challenges: Understand the impact that climate change has on natural resources like water, soil and biodiversity internationally
• 3330 Technology and Agroecology Innovation: Explore the role of technology, innovation and agroecology in addressing sustainability challenges on farms and throughout the supply chain
• 3331 Food Supply Systems and Policy: Look at the influence of consumers on food systems and the role of policy
• 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Develop a detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives

PLUS three elective modules from:

• 3238 Advances in Livestock Nutrition: Critically evaluate the impact that modern commercial livestock nutrition has on animal and human welfare
• 3239 Crop Health and Protection: Understand the contemporary plant health and protection issues within sustainable crop production
• 3332 Specialist Study Module: Undertake a self-directed study within the chosen specialist area
• 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Create a farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach
• 3338 Agronomy Challenges and Solutions: Discuss opportunities and challenges in the cropping sector through study visits and talks from industry leaders
• 3339 Livestock System Challenges and Solutions: Review livestock farming systems and their impact on the economy, society and the environment
• 3340 Farm Business Consultancy: Explore budgeting, financial forecasting, risk management and overall evaluation of the financial health of a farm business

Careers and Graduate Destinations

The applied nature of the programme, research-led teaching methods and close links with industry will provide you with the academic, technical and professional employment skills, which are highly valued by employers.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers within companies worldwide and within the following roles:

• Agronomist
• Nutritionist
• Geneticist/breeding specialist
• Farm manager
• Health and welfare manager
• Animal scientist

Entry Requirements

Typical Offers

• GCSE minimum five GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language and Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) plus satisfactory level 3 qualifications, one science level 3 subject is recommended for this programme:
  • A-Level: (Example grades BCC) – minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points across three A-Levels or equivalent qualifications – recommended one science subject
  • C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Distinction-Merit-Merit
  • C&G NPTC/C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Diploma (720), Extended Certificate (360) and 90-Credit Diploma (540) acceptable when accompanied by other Level 3 qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: 26 points
  • Access to Higher Education: 45 credits at level 3, of which 21 must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit or higher. (Pass at Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)
  • A period of relevant practical experience is also highly recommended

Other level 3 qualifications will be considered.

Fees

Tuition Fees

• Full-time: £9,535 per year (UK), £16,950 per year (International)
• Placement year: £1,905 per year (UK), £3,390 per year (International)

Scholarships

The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries.