Agriculture

Program Overview

Agriculture

Course Overview

Agriculture is a vocation and way of life. Whether you are interested in animals or crops, upland or lowland, intensive or extensive farming systems, the breadth and depth of teaching in the highly popular Agriculture foundation degree at Aberystwyth University will cater for your needs. On this course you will be challenged with real-life scenarios so that you can study a blend of science, technology, and farm management to explore and understand the way in which modern agricultural methods produce food in a sustainable manner and provide a profit for the farm business. You will cover all aspects of agricultural production systems, while also developing a detailed understanding of the changing farming landscape, and the skills and theoretical knowledge needed to manage a sustainable business.

Key Facts

• UCAS Tariff: 96 - 72
• Course duration: 2 years
• Available for September start: 2025

Modules

Year 1

• Agricultural Technology and Farm Safety: RD18420, 20 credits
• Business, Economics and Land Use: RD11420, 20 credits
• Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management: RD18040, 40 credits
• Introduction to Livestock Production and Science: RD17020, 20 credits
• Skills for the Agricultural Industry: RD18820, 20 credits

Year 2

• Agronomy and Crop Improvement: RD27620, 20 credits
• Applied Livestock Nutrition: RD20920, 20 credits
• Business Budgeting and Appraisal: RD22520, 20 credits
• Food, Farming, Technology and the Environment: RD29020, 20 credits
• Livestock Production and Management: RD28020, 20 credits
• Research Methods: RD27520, 20 credits

Careers

Students graduating with a Foundation Degree in Agriculture enter a variety of technical and managerial roles at enterprise and farm level. You will be able to adopt best practices that incorporate the very best of current research, and husbandry practices that allow you to tackle the challenges of livestock and crop management in a changing and challenging physical and financial environment.

Teaching & Learning

• What will I learn?: In the first year you will be introduced to the technologies that are increasingly being developed for and adopted by the agricultural industry. You will investigate the factors that influence land use and explore the primary resources required to operate a rural business. You will gain useful business management skills, including the preparation of farm budgets and the analysis of commodity markets.
• How will I be taught?: You will be taught through a balanced programme of lectures, seminars and tutorials, workshops, practicals, study tours and demonstrations.
• Assessment: You will be assessed through a range of methods including essays, practical reports and exercises, oral presentations, exams, plans, worksheets, field notebooks and case studies.

Student Testimonials

• Aled Rhys Lewis: The Agriculture course has a great mix of modules which has opened my eyes to many other aspects of agriculture. The information given in lectures on important subjects is usually simple but thorough, which makes work easy to both understand and remember. Farm visits are also enjoyable as it gives you a chance to observe and understand different systems. It's also interesting to hear the views of the farmers and the different ways they implement systems to suit their business.
• Benjamin David Latham: What do I love about Agriculture at Aberystwyth University? The people - students from a wide range of backgrounds, all getting together, sharing experiences and learning together; lecturers with a passion for their subject, who are down to earth and approachable. The place - the green hills, quiet woods, impressive views, and the sea. The course - learning about a topic which is foundational to society; stretching my mind with new knowledge, and shivering out in freezing farmyards (yes, even that has a kind of pleasure to it!). That's what I love about agriculture here.

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff: 96 - 72
• A Levels: CCC-DDD
• GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Mathematics or a Science subject
• BTEC National Diploma: MMP-MMM
• International Baccalaureate: 24-26 points
• European Baccalaureate: 60% overall
• English Language Requirements: See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This two-year foundation degree in Agriculture is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of modern agricultural practices, business management, and the changing farming landscape. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage sustainable agricultural enterprises. The program is taught by leading experts and researchers in the field, and students have opportunities to gain work experience in the UK and overseas.

Outline:

Year 1

• Agricultural Technology and Farm Safety (RD18420): This module introduces students to the technologies used in the agricultural industry and explores safety practices on farms.
• Business, Economics and Land Use (RD11420): This module examines the economic factors influencing land use and explores the resources needed to operate a rural business.
• Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management (RD18040): This module covers the management of crops, grasslands, soils, and agricultural land.
• Introduction to Livestock Science and Production Systems (RD17020): This module provides an introduction to livestock science and production systems.

Year 2

• Agronomy and Crop Improvement (RD27620): This module explores crop production systems and strategies for improving crop yields.
• Business Budgeting and Appraisal (RD22520): This module teaches students how to analyze and budget for a farm business.
• Food, Farming and the Environment (RD20420): This module examines the impact of agriculture and food supply systems on the environment.
• Research Methods (RD27520): This module introduces students to research methodologies.
• Science and Technology in Agriculture (RD20720): This module explores the role of science and technology in modern agriculture.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Essays
• Practical reports and exercises
• Oral presentations
• Exams
• Plans
• Worksheets
• Field notebooks
• Case studies

Teaching:

The program is taught through a balanced program of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, study tours, and demonstrations. Students are assigned a personal tutor who provides academic and personal support throughout their studies.

Careers:

Graduates of the Foundation Degree in Agriculture enter a variety of technical and managerial roles at enterprise and farm level. They are equipped to adopt best practices that incorporate current research and husbandry practices, allowing them to manage livestock and crops in a changing environment.

Other:

• The program is taught in a department renowned for agricultural innovation.
• The university farms provide a setting for practical learning.
• Field visits to farms and agricultural and food businesses reinforce academic learning.
• The majority of teaching staff are qualified to PhD level and are research active.
• The department has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.
• The program offers opportunities for work experience in the UK and overseas.
• Students who successfully complete the program to the required standard can progress onto the BSc Agriculture degree.