BSc Agriculture with a Placement Year
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UCAS code
D401 -
Clearing BTEC Extended Offer
MMM -
Clearing Offer
CCD -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Our BSc Agriculture course covers everything that impacts production in the supply chain while considering global goals relating to sustainability.
The University of Reading is the highest-ranking UK university in this subject area and ranked 11th in the world for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 - 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.
In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students said that teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying on BSc Agriculture course).
Pathways
Our agriculture programme also offers you distinct opportunities to specialise. You can study a broad-based agriculture course, or specialise in crops, horticulture or livestock after your first year. If you select a mix of optional modules in your second and third years, you will graduate with our highly esteemed broad-based BSc Agriculture degree.
If you choose the crop science, horticultural science or livestock production pathway through your optional module selection, and complete your final year independent research project in your specialist area, you’ll be eligible to graduate with one of the following specialist degrees:
- BSc Agriculture and Crop Science
- BSc Agriculture and Horticultural Science
- BSc Agriculture and Livestock Production
You don’t need to choose whether to take a specialist pathway until the end of the first year of our BSc Agriculture course, giving you the time and flexibility to decide what suits you best.
As part of the degree all students can study globally recognised farming practices on the University's own farms. These include livestock production (Centre for Dairy Research and the Department of Animal Sciences), agronomy and horticulture (Crops Research Unit and Department of Crop Science) and environmental enhancement (Department of Sustainable Land Management and 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 and hear from speakers 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. Previous visits have included Waitrose’s Leckford Estate, Syngenta and NIAB TAG.
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.
For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website.
Placement
This degree includes a year in industry between the second and final year.
In the past, students have undertaken their year in industry in the UK with Frontier Agriculture, Greenvale AP Ltd, and Waitrose and Partners, as well as internationally, in Europe and New Zealand. You will be supported by our Placements Team 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 about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.
Overview
Our BSc Agriculture course covers everything that impacts production in the supply chain while considering global goals relating to sustainability.
The University of Reading is the highest-ranking UK university in this subject area and ranked 11th in the world for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 - 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.
In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students said that teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying on BSc Agriculture course).
Learning
Pathways
Our agriculture programme also offers you distinct opportunities to specialise. You can study a broad-based agriculture course, or specialise in crops, horticulture or livestock after your first year. If you select a mix of optional modules in your second and third years, you will graduate with our highly esteemed broad-based BSc Agriculture degree.
If you choose the crop science, horticultural science or livestock production pathway through your optional module selection, and complete your final year independent research project in your specialist area, you’ll be eligible to graduate with one of the following specialist degrees:
- BSc Agriculture and Crop Science
- BSc Agriculture and Horticultural Science
- BSc Agriculture and Livestock Production
You don’t need to choose whether to take a specialist pathway until the end of the first year of our BSc Agriculture course, giving you the time and flexibility to decide what suits you best.
As part of the degree all students can study globally recognised farming practices on the University's own farms. These include livestock production (Centre for Dairy Research and the Department of Animal Sciences), agronomy and horticulture (Crops Research Unit and Department of Crop Science) and environmental enhancement (Department of Sustainable Land Management and 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 and hear from speakers 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. Previous visits have included Waitrose’s Leckford Estate, Syngenta and NIAB TAG.
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.
For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website.
Placement
This degree includes a year in industry between the second and final year.
In the past, students have undertaken their year in industry in the UK with Frontier Agriculture, Greenvale AP Ltd, and Waitrose and Partners, as well as internationally, in Europe and New Zealand. You will be supported by our Placements Team 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 about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.
Clearing A Level CCD BTEC offer MMM
A level: CCD including C in one science subject
BTEC: MMM
Accepted subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Geology.
We've listed A level and BTEC qualifications here, but please be assured that we also accept a wide variety of A level-equivalent qualifications.
For more information about Clearing at Reading, please visit our Clearing pages.
You can also visit our international student pages for information about English language qualifications.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP1A12 | Introduction to Crop Production | DR Gillian Rose |
AP1A18 | Digestion and Nutrition | DR Sokratis Stergiadis |
AP1A24 | Introduction to Livestock Production | DR Sokratis Stergiadis |
AP1A25 | Agriculture in Practice | DR Laurence Smith |
AP1A28 | Global Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects | DR Nick Bardsley |
AP1A29 | Crop Physiology, Nutrition and Protection | PROF Donal O'Sullivan |
AP1A30 | Agricultural Research Skills | DR Gillian Rose |
GV1E1 | Soils in the Environment | DR Steve Robinson |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
GV1B1 | Introduction to Environmental Science | DR Hazel McGoff |
GV1C | Climatology | PROF Maria Shahgedanova |
AR1EMP10 | Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Rome [10 credits] | PROF Roger Matthews |
AR1FOR10 | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death [10 credit] | DR Gundula Müldner |
AR1RAT1 | Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day | PROF Steve Mithen |
AR1SOC10 | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology [10 credits] | DR Alanna Cant |
BI1S1 | Introductory Microbiology | DR Geraldine Mulley |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
TY1WTF | What the font? Making and using typefaces | DR Rob Banham |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP2A20 | Agricultural Field Study Tour (Agric & ABM) | DR Laurence Smith |
AP2A56 | Grassland Management & Ecology | PROF Simon Mortimer |
AP2A66 | Crop Agronomy | DR Paola Tosi |
AP2A70 | Mini Work Placement and Professional Development in Agriculture | MS Rebecca Jerrome |
AP2A71 | Experimental Design and Data Analysis | DR Alice Haughan |
AP2A72 | Animal Production | PROF Christopher Reynolds |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP2A26 | Forestry and Woodlands | PROF Martin Lukac |
AP2A35 | Animal Health and Disease | DR Kate Johnson |
AP2A50 | Animal Growth, Lactation and Reproduction | DR Les Crompton |
AP2A59 | Nature Conservation | DR Alice Haughan |
AP2A64 | Farm Business Management | DR Yiorgos Gadanakis |
AP2A67 | Animal Nutrition | DR Kirsty Kliem |
AP2A69 | Principles of Horticulture and Crop Production | DR Luke Bell |
GV2CSR | Corporate Social Responsibility Consultancy | MR Jim Ormond |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
BI2EX5 | Introduction to Entomology | DR Chris Foster |
CL2AE | Ancient Epic | DR Christa Gray |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | PROF Emma Aston |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF David Carter |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | DR Andreas Gavrielatos |
ED2TS2 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 2 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
FT2WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
IL2GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MRS Daniela Standen |
IL2GMB | Modern Britain: Society, History and Politics | DR Lucy Watson |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
ML2GF | Science, perversion, and dream in global fantastic literature | DR Alice Christensen |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Veronica Heath |
MM2101 | Founder Dilemmas | PROF Norbert Morawetz |
MT2CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO2AMG | American Government and Politics | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Christoph Arndt |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | MISS Michela Bariselli |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Sev.J. Schroeder |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | DR Charlotte Newey |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP2PP1 | Professional Placement | MS Rebecca Jerrome |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP3A107 | Agricultural technology: application, adoption, and ethics | PROF Jim Dunwell |
AP3A108 | Cereal Quality and End-use | DR Paola Tosi |
AP3A110 | Independent Research Project | DR Gillian Rose |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP3A100 | Equine Science | DR Kate Johnson |
AP3A102 | Principles of Integrated Pest Management | DR Robbie Girling |
AP3A104 | Meat Production and Quality | DR Caroline Rymer |
AP3A106 | Horticultural Crop Technology | DR Luke Bell |
AP3A45 | Agricultural Systems in the Tropics | DR Andrew Daymond |
AP3A64 | Human Resource Management | MS Rebecca Jerrome |
AP3A67 | Animal Welfare | DR Zoe Barker |
AP3A82 | Business Planning and Control | DR Yiorgos Gadanakis |
AP3A83 | Practical Animal Nutrition | DR Caroline Rymer |
AP3A89 | Water, Agriculture and Irrigation | DR Gillian Rose |
AP3A90 | Climate Change and Food Systems | DR Jake Bishop |
AP3A93 | Dairy Production | PROF Christopher Reynolds |
AP3A98 | Equine Science and Management | DR Kate Johnson |
AP3A99 | Plants, Greenspace and Urban Sustainability | DR Tijana Blanusa |
AP3AE70 | Environmental Management in Practice | PROF Simon Mortimer |
AP3AE75 | Wildlife and Farming | PROF Simon Mortimer |
AP3EB3 | Supply Chain Management | DR Giacomo Zanello |
BI3PB78 | Diversity and Identification of Plants | DR Alastair Culham |
ED3TS4 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 4 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
FB3LNPA | Lifestyle, Nutrigenetics and Personalised Nutrition | DR Vimal Karani |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LW3CRY | Criminology | PROFESSOR Jo Phoenix |
ML3IC | Identity and Conflict in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML3LP | Language and Power | PROF Federico Faloppa |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
PO3GAP | Gender and Politics | DR Rose De Geus |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
New international students: £24,500
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.
Placement year fees
If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.
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
Our BSc Agriculture programme prepares you for senior technical and scientific roles in a wide range of agriculture related enterprises. 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 horticulture.
Graduates work with companies including Syngenta, HGCA, NIAB TAG, and Volac.