Program Overview
Course Overview
Agriculture has a vital role to play in global food production and security, climate change mitigation, environmental protection, water management, and renewable energy creation. Our Agriculture students are taught by lecturers with extensive industry and research experience to develop and manage sustainable production systems integrating appropriate technologies to maximise economic, social, and environmental security.
Course Key Info
- UCAS code: D405
- Institution code: H12
- Duration: 3 years (full-time) including a one-year work placement. A two-year programme is available for applicants with at least two years, full-time relevant work experience, or all who have completed a 12-month placement as part of another approved course.
- Location: Harper Adams University campus (and location of work placement)
Entry Requirements for 2025
- Typical offer: 72 - 88 UCAS points for A-level students. See below for details of entry requirements for other accepted qualifications.
- Full requirements: Use the drop-down tool to select the qualifications you have or are working towards to see what grades would be required for access to this programme.
Course Modules
Year 1
- Introduction to Farm Business Management (C4001HF) | 10
- Introduction to Farming Systems (C4002HF) | 20
- Agri-Food Supply Chains (C4003HF) | 10
- Assessing the Efficiency of Farming Systems (C4004HF) | 20
- Agricultural Technology and Digital Farming (C4005HF) | 20
- Agricultural and Environmental Science (C4006HF) | 20
- Skills for Agriculture (C4007HF) | 20
Year 2
- Placement year
Year 3
- Final Year Research Project - FdSc (HF) | 20
- Farm Business Management with Marketing (HF) | 20
- Farm Resource Management (HF) | 20
- Applied Agricultural Science (HF) | 20
- Crop Production Systems (HF) | 20
- Livestock Production Systems (HF) | 20
What Will I Learn?
On successful completion of the FdSc Agriculture award, students will be able to:
- Explain the biological processes that underpin sustainable agricultural production systems.
- Evaluate the impact of agricultural production systems on the environment, the rural economy, and wider society.
- Develop and manage sustainable agricultural production systems that can be adapted to address specific social, economic, and environmental challenges.
- Identify relevant technologies and apply them within agricultural production systems.
- Identify relevant policy and legislation and apply it within agricultural production systems.
- Explain the relationship between the farming business and the agri-food supply chain.
- Evaluate the influence of global issues on agricultural production systems.
- Develop an evidence-based approach to communicate effectively and sensitively on agricultural issues with diverse groups.
Teaching and Learning
- Key principles will be taught in lectures by subject specialists and visiting speakers.
- Small workshops and seminars, lab and farm-based practical sessions will be used to apply the principles from the classroom in a practical context.
- Student engagement and learning experience will be improved through using a variety of learning spaces.
- Directed study will be used to develop life-long learning skills.
Assessment Methods
We will assess students' progress using a blend of different methods such as individual and group presentations, technical writing, data handling and analysis, personal development planning, and time-constrained assessments. The diverse assessment journey will give students an equitable chance to succeed and develop skills for employment and life-long learning.
Work Placement
FdSc students undertake placement in their second year. You will have a dedicated Placement Manager, support officer, and tutor to visit you whilst on placement. You will usually undertake paid employment for at least 12 months on modern progressive farms or in the agricultural support industries.
Fees and Costs
The latest fees for this course can be found in our fees and funding section. You will also find course-related costs, specific to this course in the Fees and Charges PDF.
Other Courses That May Interest You
- Foundation FdSc + Foundation Year Agriculture UCAS: D407 Year of entry: 2025
- Undergraduate BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Crop Production Science (with placement) UCAS: D410 Year of entry: 2025
- Undergraduate BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Farm Business Management (with placement) UCAS: D498 Year of entry: 2025
Disclaimer
Whilst every opportunity has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information on this course page, Harper Adams University wishes to emphasise that the content is regularly reviewed and is subject to change from time-to-time as required. Our courses undergo reviews to ensure they are flexible, relevant, and as up-to-date as possible.
