BSc in Agriculture

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The BSc Agriculture at the University of Reading provides scientific and practical training in crop and livestock production alongside farm management skills. It suits students aiming for careers in farming, agribusiness, or agricultural consultancy.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1: Students build a foundation in agricultural science and farming systems with modules such as Introduction to Crop Production, Introduction to Livestock Production, and Soil and Plant Science. They learn the basics of how farms operate and the science behind food production.
Year 2: Focus shifts to applied agriculture and business with Farm Business Management, Crop and Livestock Systems, and Agri-Environmental Management. Students develop skills in planning, resource management, and sustainable farming.
Year 3: Students integrate their knowledge in Advanced Farm Management, Global Agriculture and Food Security, and an Independent Research Project, applying scientific, economic, and management skills to real-world agricultural challenges.

Focus areas:
Crop and livestock production, farm management, sustainability, agri-environmental systems.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates can manage agricultural enterprises, apply scientific and business principles, and develop sustainable farming solutions.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Aligned with industry standards for farming, agribusiness, and consultancy careers.

Reputation (employability rankings):
University of Reading ranks among the UK’s top 30 (Guardian 2024) with strong graduate employment in agriculture and related sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme focuses on applying business and economic principles to the agricultural sector, utilising the University's commercial farm estate and market analysis facilities. Students develop practical skills through hands-on projects with industry-standard technology and financial management tools. This applied approach is delivered through:

The University Farms: Access to the 800-hectare commercial farm at Sonning Farm and the Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR) for practical farm business management and data collection.
Farm Management Software: Hands-on experience with AgriWebb herd management software and Farmplan accounting systems used in modern agricultural businesses.
Substantial Research Project: A major final-year project where students investigate a contemporary agricultural business challenge, from supply chain analysis to farm financial planning.
Industry Analysis: Practical use of the Centre for Agricultural Strategy databases and market intelligence tools for business planning and policy analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Reading’s BSc Agriculture university of Reading combine expertise in business, economics, and agricultural systems to manage farming and agribusiness enterprises effectively. They are well-prepared for roles such as Farm Business Manager, Agricultural Consultant, Rural Estate Manager, and Supply Chain Analyst:

The Careers Service and School of Agriculture, Policy and Development offer sector-specific career advice, employer mentoring, and networking through talks and placements. Students gain hands-on experience via business visits and projects with organizations like Waitrose’s Leckford Estate, Hall Hunter Partnership, and Savills.
Employment data shows 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with average salaries between £25,000 and £32,500, and 75% working in highly skilled roles.
The program benefits from Reading’s strong placement connections and long-term partnerships with agribusiness and rural consultancy firms, fostering professional development through real case projects.
The degree holds lasting recognition due to Reading’s strong reputation, ranked Top 5 in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry (Times & Sunday Times 2026) and 20th globally in QS World Rankings 2025.
Graduates consistently secure roles in agribusiness management, sustainability consultancy, and agricultural finance across the UK and abroad.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may progress to postgraduate study such as MSc Agricultural Economics, MSc Agrifood Sustainability, or MBA Agri-Business at Reading or globally. Others pursue PhDs in agricultural policy or professional qualifications in farm management and environmental consultancy.