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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.