BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Mechanisation

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Harper Adams University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Mechanisation at Harper Adams University blends agricultural science with engineering principles to prepare students for modern, technology-driven farming. It suits those interested in machinery management, precision farming, and sustainable agricultural systems.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students are introduced to Principles of Crop and Livestock Production, Introduction to Agricultural Mechanisation, and Soil and Environmental Management. This year builds understanding of how machinery integrates with biological systems to enhance productivity.

Year 2:
Modules such as Farm Machinery and Power Systems, Precision Farming Technologies, and Farm Business Management develop technical, operational, and analytical skills essential for modern mechanised agriculture. Students also undertake practical workshops and field-based learning.

Placement Year:
A compulsory placement year provides real-world experience in machinery dealerships, engineering firms, or large-scale farming operations, helping students apply their technical knowledge in professional contexts.

Year 3:
Final-year study focuses on Sustainable Mechanisation, Advanced Machinery Management, and an Honours Research Project. Students learn to optimise machinery efficiency and sustainability in agricultural systems.

Focus Areas: "Agricultural mechanisation, precision farming, machinery management, sustainability"

Learning Outcomes: "Graduates gain technical and managerial expertise to implement and manage advanced mechanised systems in sustainable agriculture."

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Accredited by the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE).

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Harper Adams University is among the UK’s leading institutions for agriculture and engineering, known for high graduate employability and strong industry partnerships.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme focuses on applying engineering principles to solve real-world agricultural challenges using the University's extensive farm estate and specialist engineering facilities. Students develop practical skills in machinery design, automation, and precision farming technology through hands-on projects. This applied approach is delivered through:

  • The Harper Adams Engineering Centre: Access to dedicated workshops with welding bays, CNC machinery, and 3D printing labs for prototyping and building agricultural machinery.

  • Precision Farming Technology: Hands-on experience with GPS guidance systems, autonomous vehicle platforms, drone technology, and farm management software for data-driven engineering solutions.

  • The University Farm: A 400-hectare commercial farm serving as a living laboratory for testing and implementing new technologies and machinery.

  • Substantial Group Project: A major final-year project where student teams design, build, and test a full-scale agricultural machine to address a current industry challenge.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Harper Adams University’s BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Mechanisation develop comprehensive skills in agricultural production combined with the management and application of farm machinery and technology. They are well-prepared for careers such as Farm Machinery Manager, Agricultural Technician, Precision Farming Specialist, and Agricultural Equipment Sales Consultant:

  • The Careers and Employability Service offers dedicated placement management, providing support through securing paid year-long placements at leading agricultural machinery dealerships and farms, including companies like John Deere, Claas, Kubota, and Burden Brothers.

  • Graduate success is high with approximately 97.5% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months, and typical starting salaries around £27,000 to £30,000, reflecting high industry demand.

  • The program benefits from strong ties with industry through the Agri-EPI Centre and machinery manufacturers, allowing students to engage in applied projects and receive up-to-date training in hydraulics, electrics, control systems, and farm infrastructure.

  • The degree provides long-term value with its accreditation and Harper Adams’ reputation as a UK leader in agricultural technology education and research.

  • Graduates advance into roles managing mechanised farm operations, advising on precision agriculture technologies, and working in technical sales or product development within the agri-machinery sector.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue MSc programs in Agricultural Engineering, Precision Agriculture, or Sustainable Systems at Harper Adams or other universities. Many also progress to professional engineer status or PhD research focusing on agriculture technology innovation and sustainable mechanisation.

Program Key Stats

£16,500 (Annual coast)
£
£ 29
Rolling


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

BCC
2.8
28

N/A
N/A
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Agricultural Engineer
  • Machinery Manager
  • Precision Farming Specialist
  • Technical Sales Manager
  • Farm Mechanisation Consultant
  • Agri-Tech Development Officer

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