University of Reading cookie policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings

alt=""

When you join the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, you become part of a thriving community of students and staff from over 80 different countries, with varied interests and ambitions.

From the warm welcome you will receive during Welcome Week, to the goodbye ceremony at graduation, we want you to make the most of your time with us.

You will have the opportunity to make friends and interact with students across a varied range of degree subjects, not only in your teaching sessions, tutorials and on visits, but also while relaxing in our friendly common room.

Most of our first-year students have accommodation in halls on or around campus, and many social activities revolve around hall events. You will be encouraged to participate in everything the University has to offer, including joining clubs and societies, sitting on School committees, acting as student ambassador on Open Days, and making use of the extensive sports facilities on campus.

We hope you will leave us with a degree that you worked hard for, and with lifelong friendships and lasting memories of your time here.

The wider university experience was key to my decision to study at the University of Reading. The University has a great hockey team with lots of opportunity for me to continue playing throughout my studies. Having a campus-based University where everything – the halls, Agriculture Building, other departments and sports facilities close by was also really important.

George Adams, undergraduate in the School

Agriculture Society

Join the Agriculture Society to meet new people, socialise, network, and get experience in conference and event management.

The Agriculture Society is an open and sociable society that welcomes students from any course, from agriculture to English language to ancient history.

The Society is owned and run by the students. Each year new committee members are voted in and they are responsible for organising the yearly events and managing the budget.

The Society organises a large range of activities, including:

  • charity events, including a regular 24-hour plough-a-thon
  • inter-university sporting competitions
  • regular social events including theme nights.

Agriculture Conference

The Agriculture Society is responsible for organising the largest student-run conference in the UK.

For over 50 years, students have been responsible for all aspects including setting the theme, inviting guest speakers and inviting local farmers and businesses.

Visit our Facebook page to find out more about the Society 

The Agriculture Society has been the highlight for me. There are so many fun events going on and loads of chances to have fun with everyone on the course.

Barnaby Wood, undergraduate in the School

alt=""

Our courses

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

alt=""

How you'll study

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

alt=""

Why study with us?

With more than 125 years’ history of educating agriculturalists, we're one of the top 20 universities in the world for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) and ranked 10th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024).