Agriculture

Agriculture is an extremely multidisciplinary degree programme, combining the applied study of the natural and life sciences with economics and management. The degree programme will provide you with the proficiency and latest knowledge needed for a rewarding career in 21st century farming and its related industries. You will learn how to use biology and technology to optimise crop and animal production to meet economic targets and achieve environmental objectives. You will also gain a comprehensive grounding in financial and business management to ensure that your practical knowledge is underpinned by sound commercial acumen.

• A longstanding reputation of excellence - with a 115-year history of educating the world's agriculturalists we are regularly ranked top in league tables (Times and Guardian; National Student Survey) and in the top 20 world-wide agriculture institutions for scientific impact (Essential Science Indicators)

• Close and long-standing links with the land-based industries, with companies offering bursaries and speakers, and many opportunities for studying enterprises and firms in the Thames Valley and beyond.

• A broad spectrum of internationally - recognised activities on-site including livestock production (Centre for Dairy Research), agronomy (Crops Research Unit) and environmental enhancement (Centre for Agri-Environmental Research).

• Excellent facilities maintain your teaching and learning at the standards relevant to professional life in the twenty first century. These have been recently enhanced by a £17.5 million investment in teaching, farming and research facilities for Agriculture.

• A wide range of optional modules, allows you to choose the pathway that best suit your interests. These include Animal Science and Production, Crop Science and Production, Agri- Environment, and Agri-Business. Students grow and market their own crops as part of the course. These and other studies take place in internationally-recognised research centres on the University farms.

Skills and experience

Organisations are increasingly looking to employ graduates with a broad practical knowledge of their industry and this programme offers an ideal opportunity to gain or build on existing experience. Between Year 2 and the Final Year, you may undertake a period of employment in a relevant subject area, either in the UK or abroad. Successful selection for industrial placement is dependent on an excellent academic record as well as evidence of a high level of motivation. You will be supported by our advisory services and a dedicated member of staff who will assist with finding and supporting your year out. Whilst at Reading, we use a number of varied teaching and learning methods. These include traditional lectures to small group workshops, computer-based learning, case study exercises linked to local and national businesses, an extensive programme of visits to our own and other farms, a chance to grow your own crops, and a residential field course. As well as covering a wide range of subjects the programme aims to develop your personal skills, such as team working, leadership and lateral thinking. The lively social scene within the Agricultural Club provides experience of networking as well as direct participation in management of conferences and other events.

Career prospects

The mix of natural and social sciences, transferable skills, quantitative analysis, and regular experience of farming problems provides you with excellent employment prospects. Our courses are rated particularly highly with respect to relevance to employers (Teaching Quality Assessment) with 88% of our students in graduate level work and/or study six months after graduating according to the latest figures (DHLE, 2009). First employment destinations of students who have completed the Agriculture programme in the last five years include: managers, trainee managers and employees on a range of farming enterprises; agricultural contracting; animal and crop research officers and technicians; land agency; crop and animal advisory services; financial consultancy; agricultural banking services; overseas development; and accountancy. Typical employers of our graduates (in addition to self-employed farm managers) include AB Agri, Strutt and Parker, Syngenta, Home-Grown Cereals Authority, Volac, NFU, The Farm Consultancy Group, and Velcourt Farm Management.

 

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Testimonial

My three years as an under-graduate at Reading were the best years of my life, so far. Living on or near campus with like-minded friends, meant a constantly busy, and frequently wild, social life. I could mix with fellow 'Agrics' or, when I preferred, enjoy meeting people from other courses and different walks of life.

Looking back on my studies, the Department of Agriculture at The University of Reading gave me the best start I could have hoped for in my career. I developed a greater awareness of the way the agricultural industry and its markets work, and an understanding of their future. This has been instrumental in securing my current position. Anyone interested in being part of the post 'CAP reform' development of the industry, or in steering a farming business, would have much to gain from a degree in Agriculture at Reading.

Robert Newbery, BSc Agriculture (graduate), National Livestock Supply Chain Advisor, NFU, London

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