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BSc AGRICULTURE WITH FOUNDATION

  • UCAS code
    D402
  • Typical offer
    BBB-CCD
  • Year of entry
    2021
  • Course duration
     4 years
  • Year of entry
    2021
  • Course duration
     4 years
View all

COVID-19 update


Find out about how we'll be delivering our courses in 2020.

Our BSc Agriculture with Foundation course covers everything that impacts production in the supply chain while considering global goals relating to sustainability. It prepares you for senior technical and scientific roles in a wide range of agriculture related enterprises.

Are you keen to take our BSc Agriculture course but haven't taken the necessary A level subjects? Our BSc Agriculture with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

The University of Reading is the highest-ranking UK university for this subject area and ranked 9th globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020 (Agriculture & Forestry).

BSc Agriculture focuses on studying the science underpinning food production, and you will learn how to use biology and technology to maximise crop and animal production to meet targets and achieve environmental objectives, while gaining valuable practical skills. 

Our agriculture programme offers you distinct opportunities to specialise in crop science, horticultural science or livestock production through our specialist optional modules, or you can tailor your course to your own interests by combining these areas. 

As part of the degree you can study globally recognised farming practices on the University's own farms. These include livestock production (Centre for Dairy Research), agronomy and horticulture (Crops Research Unit) and environmental enhancement (Centre for Agri-Environmental Research).

You'll have the opportunity to visit a wide range of local farming businesses, rural estates and businesses in the related sectors including Waitrose’s Leckford Estate, Sygenta and NIAB TAG. Visiting speakers include those at the forefront of the industry from agronomists to those involved in the livestock and dairy sectors, giving you the chance to network and build relationships while you learn. 

In one of our most popular modules you will grow a winter cereal, test it in the lab for quality and then sell it to merchants. You will also complete a residential study tour within the UK to look at different farming enterprises as part of this degree. 

In the final year, your independent research project allows you to choose a subject that inspires and interests you. This could involve a farm, including your home farm, research at the University or an enterprise that you’ve had contact with during the course. 

Outside of the curriculum, the student-run Agri-club runs the UK’s largest student conference. It gives you the opportunity to debate key issues like food security and self-sufficiency and get your voice heard. 

Placement

You can opt to take a year long work placement as part of your degree. In the past, students have undertaken their year in industry in the UK with DairyCo and Case New Holland, as well as internationally, in Europe and New Zealand. You will be supported by our advisory services and a dedicated member of staff who will assist with finding and supporting your year out. 

Some students can also participate in six-week summer placements linked to research undertaken at the University, which are generally completed before the final year. 

For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website. 

 

Overview

Are you keen to take our BSc Agriculture course but haven't taken the necessary A level subjects? Our BSc Agriculture with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

The University of Reading is the highest-ranking UK university for this subject area and ranked 9th globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020 (Agriculture & Forestry).

Learning

BSc Agriculture focuses on studying the science underpinning food production, and you will learn how to use biology and technology to maximise crop and animal production to meet targets and achieve environmental objectives, while gaining valuable practical skills. 

Our agriculture programme offers you distinct opportunities to specialise in crop science, horticultural science or livestock production through our specialist optional modules, or you can tailor your course to your own interests by combining these areas. 

As part of the degree you can study globally recognised farming practices on the University's own farms. These include livestock production (Centre for Dairy Research), agronomy and horticulture (Crops Research Unit) and environmental enhancement (Centre for Agri-Environmental Research).

You'll have the opportunity to visit a wide range of local farming businesses, rural estates and businesses in the related sectors including Waitrose’s Leckford Estate, Sygenta and NIAB TAG. Visiting speakers include those at the forefront of the industry from agronomists to those involved in the livestock and dairy sectors, giving you the chance to network and build relationships while you learn. 

In one of our most popular modules you will grow a winter cereal, test it in the lab for quality and then sell it to merchants. You will also complete a residential study tour within the UK to look at different farming enterprises as part of this degree. 

In the final year, your independent research project allows you to choose a subject that inspires and interests you. This could involve a farm, including your home farm, research at the University or an enterprise that you’ve had contact with during the course. 

Outside of the curriculum, the student-run Agri-club runs the UK’s largest student conference. It gives you the opportunity to debate key issues like food security and self-sufficiency and get your voice heard. 

Placement

You can opt to take a year long work placement as part of your degree. In the past, students have undertaken their year in industry in the UK with DairyCo and Case New Holland, as well as internationally, in Europe and New Zealand. You will be supported by our advisory services and a dedicated member of staff who will assist with finding and supporting your year out. 

Some students can also participate in six-week summer placements linked to research undertaken at the University, which are generally completed before the final year. 

For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website. 

 

Entry requirements A Level BBB-CCD | IB 30-24 points overall

Typical offer

BBB-CCD, including one science subject

Acceptable subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology

International Baccalaureate

30-24 points overall, including one science subject

If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please ask us a question. 

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Further requirements

If you are an international student planning to apply for one of our degree programmes, you may need to take a foundation course or pre-sessional course if you do not have qualifications that are equivalent to British A levels or if you need to improve your English language level.

  • Look at entry requirements by country.
  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme.
  • Learn more about our international foundation programme.

Structure

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3
  • Year 4

Modules are dependent on which subject you choose, but may include:

  • Key skills for science research
  • Foundation: biology
  • Foundation: chemistry
  • Foundation: environment, ecology and sustainability
  • Foundation: mathematics

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Core Modules Include:

  • Agriculture in Practice
  • Digestion and Nutrition
  • Introduction to Livestock Production 
  • Soils in The Environment
  • Crop Production
  • Crop Physiology, Nutrition and Protection
  • Agricultural Research Skills
  • Global Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Core Modules Include:

  • Agricultural Field Study Tour
  • Mini Work Placement and Professional Development
  • Animal Production
  • Crop Agronomy
  • Experimental  Design and Data Analysis
  • Grassland Management and Ecology

Optional Modules Include:

  • Animal Growth, Lactation and Reproduction
  • Animal Health and Disease
  • Animal Nutrition 
  • Principles of Horticulture and Crop Production
  • Forestry and Woodlands
  • Nature Conservation
  • Soil Ecology and Functions
  • Farm Business Management

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Core Modules Include:

  • Cereal Quality and End Use
  • Agricultural Technology: Application, Adoption and Ethics
  • Independent Research Project

Optional Modules Include:

  • Plants, Greenspace and Urban Sustainability
  • Water, Agriculture and Irrigation
  • Agricultural Systems in The Tropics
  • Animal Welfare
  • Climate Change and Food Systems
  • Dairy Production
  • Equine Science and Management
  • Horticultural Crop Technology
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Meat Production and Quality
  • Practical Animal Nutrition
  • Wildlife and Farming
Please note that all modules are subject to change

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250 per year

New international students: £20,830 per year

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

The University of Reading has an outstanding reputation with employers.

Students who have completed the Agriculture course in the last five years have gone into a wide variety of graduate jobs, including agronomy, livestock nutrition, and farm management. Graduates work with companies including Syngenta, HGCA, NIAB TAG, and Volac. The Royal Farms have also taken a graduate from the University of Reading directly into a farm management role.

Our Facilities

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

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How to apply

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Related Courses

  • BSc Agriculture D400
    Full Time: 3 Years
  • BSc Agricultural Business Management D4N2
    Full Time: 3 Years
  • BSc Agricultural Business Management with Placement Year DN42
    Full Time: 4 Years
  • BSc Agriculture with a Placement Year D401
    Full Time: 4 Years
View all Agriculture degree courses at the University of Reading courses
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2020
2021
Undergraduates
Postgraduates
Undergraduates
Postgraduates

Subjects A-B

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management, Accounting and Finance

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Science
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Medieval History
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teaching
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

Subjects A-B

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management, Accounting and Finance

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Science
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Medieval History
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teaching
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

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Get a prospectus
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