Program Overview

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Introduction to the Agriculture (with foundation year) BSc (Hons) Course

The Agriculture (with foundation year) BSc (Hons) course is designed for students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) Agriculture course. This integrated foundation degree provides a unique gateway to the BSc course, supporting students in their transition to university learning.

Course Details

• UCAS code: D40X
• Level of study: Undergraduate
• Typical offer: 56 - 64 UCAS tariff points
• Start date: September 2026
• Duration: Four years full-time or five years with placement
• Attendance: Full-time, Placement year
• Course delivery: On-campus (Brackenhurst)

About the Course

This course focuses on innovative approaches to agriculture, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to apply sustainable agriculture practices and contribute to global food security. The course is designed in consultation with the National Trust, one of the largest landowners in the UK, and offers students the opportunity to study on the University's 200-hectare farm and rural estate at the Brackenhurst Campus.

Amazing Agricultural Facilities

Students will have access to specialist equipment for exploring agriculture both in the field and in the laboratory. The Brackenhurst Campus is a 200-hectare working farm and rural estate, providing a unique outdoor classroom for students to put theory into practice.

Designed with Industry

The course has been co-designed with the National Trust, ensuring that students gain the skills and knowledge required by the industry. Students will learn from experts in the field and have the opportunity to engage with a range of partner organisations.

Learn from the Experts

The University is ranked in the top 450 in the world for Agriculture and Forestry in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2025. Students will learn from experienced staff who are experts in their field.

Top 10 in the UK

The University is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry courses (Complete University Guide 2025).

What You'll Study

The course covers a range of topics, including:

• Livestock production systems
• Crop production systems
• Plants and soil science
• Animal structure, function, and adaptation
• Introduction to the agricultural industry
• Agricultural operations

Module Information

The course is divided into four years of study, with a range of core and optional modules. Students will study five modules in their foundation year, including:

• Foundation Biology
• Laboratory Skills
• Science in Practice
• Field Skills
• Preparing for Success

In subsequent years, students will study a range of modules, including:

• Livestock Production Systems
• Crop Production Systems
• Plants and Soil Science
• Animal Structure, Function, and Adaptation
• Introduction to the Agricultural Industry
• Agricultural Operations

Optional Modules

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules, including:

• Crop Nutrition, Health, and Protection
• Applied Animal Breeding
• Farm Business Performance
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis

Placement Opportunities

Students will have the opportunity to take a placement year or a shorter summer placement, providing valuable work experience in the industry.

Entry Requirements

• UK students: Standard offer: 64 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications. Contextual offer: 56 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications. Other requirements: GCSE English, Maths, and Science grade C / 4.
• International students: Academic entry requirements: 64 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications. Other requirements: GCSE English, Maths, and Science grade C / 4. English language requirements: See the University's English language requirements page for requirements for this subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Fees and Funding

• UK students: £9,790 per year. If you choose to do a placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year of £1,905.
• International students: £17,950 per year. If you choose to do a placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year of £1,905.

Careers and Employability

This course has been designed to allow students to enter the industry in a range of roles, including farming at a managerial level, or in allied industries such as farm advisor or crop protection specialist. Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as Agrovista UK, Melton Mobray Market, and Scottish Rural University College.

Campus and Facilities

The Brackenhurst Campus is a dedicated home for the University's animal, rural, and environmental science courses. Students will have access to a countryside estate that includes a working farm, a herd of award-winning Lincolnshire Red cattle, and a flock of sheep, as well as industry-standard agricultural facilities and machinery. The campus is situated on the doorstep of Southwell, a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafes, and boutique shops.