Program Overview

Introduction to the University of Reading's Undergraduate Program in Crop Science

The Department of Crop Science, in collaboration with the Department of Animal Sciences and Department of Agri-Food Economics and Marketing in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, offers two distinct agriculture courses: BSc Agriculture and BSc Agricultural Business Management. These courses are available with foundation and placement year options.

Why Study with Us?

The University of Reading has more than 125 years' history of educating agriculturalists. It is ranked 5th in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry (in the Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026) and 3rd in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026). The university is also the highest placed UK University for Agriculture and Forestry at 20th in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2025).

How You'll Study

Studying within a modern campus setting and at the university's nearby working farms, the degree will be built on a foundation of core modules that ensure students meet the industry's expectations for highly qualified Reading graduates.

Department Life

• Join the Agriculture Society to meet new people, socialise, network, and get experience in conference and event management.
• Develop research and practical skills at one of the university-owned farms, or in the laboratories and glasshouses located on the award-winning campus.
• Meet the team of staff, who are experts in crop, horticultural, and livestock sciences.

Research Areas

The crop science research tackles issues such as:

• Sustainable intensification of crop production
• Breeding for climate resilience
• Horticultural growing technologies and systems

Program Details

• The Department of Crop Science offers BSc Agriculture and BSc Agricultural Business Management.
• Courses are available with foundation and placement year options.
• The university has a long history of educating agriculturalists and is highly ranked in the UK and worldwide for Agriculture and Forestry.
• Students will study in a modern campus setting and at nearby working farms.
• The degree is built on a foundation of core modules that meet industry expectations.
• Research areas include sustainable crop production, climate resilience, and horticultural technologies.